Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia Shorey selected to attend Columbia summer program
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Shorey selected to attend Columbia summer program

June 17, 2015 | 399 views

Upper School math teacher Al Shorey has been selected to attend the prestigious Klingenstein Summer Institute, presented by the Teachers College at Columbia University. Shorey will participate in the competitive leadership development program for independent and international school teachers at Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, N.J., June 18 through July 1, 2015. 

During the two-week program, Shorey will attend workshops and seminars, and take part in different exercises with 75 other teachers from around the world, as they explore and discuss best practices in teaching.

“Al makes learning fun. The time he spends preparing for his in-class activities and the relevancy always amazes me,” said Chad Woods, Upper School math department chair. “The students work hard for him, because he works hard for them.”

In preparation for the program, Shorey was required to interview Head of School Brent Bell, shadow a student and write a report, and develop a class to present to his colleagues.

“Each summer I try to do something to grow in my teaching,” said Shorey. “It is deep-rooted in me from 22 years in the Army that you use every available minute to get better.” 

After his first year with Darlington, the School sent the teacher to the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) Institute for New Teachers, and the following year he attended a mathematics seminar for educators in New Hampshire. 

While many professional development opportunities offered during summer break come at a cost, the Klingenstein fellowship was given to Shorey at no charge to him or to the School. Shorey was the recipient of the full award, including four graduate credits and room and board.

“The administration at Darlington has always encouraged me to seek professional development opportunities,” said Shorey. “It’s ingrained in you here to continue to improve in your craft.”

The intensive program is offered by the Klingenstein Center of Columbia’s Teachers College, and was created to help independent and international school educators further develop their leadership skills inside and outside of the classroom. The program is guided by experts in their field, Teachers College professors, and master teachers.  

Founded in 1977, the Klingenstein Center supports and cultivates the contributions of teachers and administrators, demonstrating the importance of all who participate in the student learning experience. Each Klingenstein program focuses on instructional leadership, collaboration and teamwork, with a commitment to ethics, diversity, reflective practice and social justice.

Al Shorey has taught math at the Upper School since 2013, and also coaches girls' soccer. He is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the United States Military Academy. He also holds an M.S. in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri at Rolla and an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee. Shorey and his wife, Stephanie, are the parents of current students Charlie ('16) and Alan ('18).

Click here for more information on the Klingenstein Institute.