It was an exercise in welcoming in the community.
Hunter College’s School of Education brought together 50 representatives from local businesses, educational organizations, and community groups for a half-daylong conversation on January 27 at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute.
Titled “Inspiration, Aspiration, Impact: Collaborating to Transform Public Education,” the event fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas on how Hunter College and the School of Education can work to deepen the partnership with public schools, community organizations, and service providers to address the evolving needs of students, educators, and families. By strengthening collaboration and developing innovative initiatives, the school aims to create meaningful, community-driven solutions that enhance educational opportunities and support public education more effectively.
The event highlighted Hunter’s commitment to its role as an anchor institution propelling social mobility and economic advancement in New York through impactful research. With 88% of its undergraduates coming from public schools in the five boroughs, 748 education students at field placements around the city, and 1,000 city high-school students taking at least one course at Hunter College annually, Hunter and the city are intensely intertwined.
“Hunter College is, not just coincidentally, physically located in New York City, from East Harlem to 68th Street to Kips Bay and Tribeca. We are of New York City,” said Hunter President Nancy Cantor in an opening address, adding, “We’re inspired by the question of what the public needs from us and galvanized around the aspiration of creating an even more vibrant village of collaborating anchor institutions.”
Participant pondered questions such as, “What immediate steps can we take to strengthen the connection between public education and community needs?” and “If resources were no obstacle, what initiatives would you prioritize to maximize impact?”
Participants described their dreams for education, noting that learning is a lifelong experience and requires that attention and resources be directed to the critical early childhood years. Civic education was also highlighted as essential; young people need to be prepared to be engaged contributors to a thriving democracy. To get there, all students need teachers who know them and care about them.
The discussion also identified challenges. Lisa Seigmann, director of the Hunter College Campus Schools, noted that schools are having to adapt to the fastest technological sea change in modern history.
She said that the education system – from early childhood through career development, needs to balance high standards with flexibility, and must explicitly value relationships within schools, families, and communities.
“The responses were thoughtful, substantive, and exciting,” said Larry and Klara Silverstein Dean of Education Julie Gorlewski. “Meaningful participation is essential in helping us shape a shared vision that enhances our role and impact as an institution of higher education.”
