by Elizabeth Turner | Dec 2, 2025 | Staff
Griffs enrolled in EDU 250 Foundations of Education volunteered at over fifteen (15) Buffalo Public School Community School family events throughout the fall semester. Students spent Thursday evenings and Saturday morning at BPS schools assisting with robust progamming organized by Say Yes Buffalo School Navigators.
Saturday Academies are a time where buildings open their doors to the entire community, bringing in valuable resources, engaging vendors and activities for all ages. Free breakfast and lunch are provided. Canisius students learned about this beneficial community resource as they assisted with family registration, helped young children with crafts, played math games with middle schoolers, supervised open gym time and assisted at petting zoos! A few of the schools Canisius partners with include BPS #74 Hamlin Park, BPS #301 Burgard High School, and BPS #59 Charles Drew Science Magnet School.
Thanks for your help, Griffs!
Submitted by Elizabeth Turner, Director of Educational Partnerships
by Elizabeth Turner | Oct 23, 2025 | Staff
On Thursday, October 16, teaching candidates from the School of Education & Leadership Studies who are currently student teaching at Tapestry Charter High School, joined Tapestry juniors and seniors for a roundtable lunch discussion about careers in education. The high school students are enrolled in EDU 100: Exploring the Teaching Profession, a course taught on-site by Canisius alum and Tapestry instructional coach Allie Freeburg.
During the discussion, the high schoolers had the opportunity to ask the Canisius education majors about topics such as lesson planning, pathways to becoming a teacher and life as a college student. Programs like this are part of a growing effort to introduce high school students to the teaching profession—especially important during the current nationwide teacher shortage.
Often referred to as “Grow Your Own” initiatives, these programs aim to inspire students to pursue degrees in education and eventually return to their communities to teach. Locally, the Cullen Foundation provides grant funding to support partnerships between Canisius University and schools like Tapestry Charter High School and BuffSci High School, helping to strengthen and expand these efforts.
Submitted by Elizabeth Turner, Director of Educational Partnerships
by Elizabeth Turner | May 1, 2025 | Staff
Over 16 public, private, and charter schools were represented throughout a specialized professional development series for new teachers in the WNY area. The Golden Griffin Professional Learning Community (PLC) met monthly from November-April and provided support relative to the needs of those new in the field: classroom management, working with diverse learners, self-care for teachers, family engagement and more. Eight facilitators (veteran teachers) provided ongoing support and resources for their own small groups of novice teachers. The series concluded on April 24th with members engaged in a Book Talk based on one of four recommended books. Participating teachers and facilitators were eligible for CTLE credits through Canisius University. This series was made possible by a grant from Key Bank, secured by Dr. Marya Grande. Dr. Grande and Elizabeth Turner facilitated the Thursday evenings and enjoyed working with alumni, current graduate students and future graduate students of Canisius University!
Submitted by: Elizabeth Turner, Director of Educational Partnerships
by Elizabeth Turner | Apr 7, 2025 | Staff
Students enrolled in the Foundations of Education class with Dr. Barbara Burns volunteered at Hamlin Park Academy (BPS #64) twice this past week.
One group helped at the Thursday evening Academy on April 3rd playing basketball and other fun games, along with helping students learn about money. Then, more Canisius students arrived on Saturday, April 5th to assist with the DIY Bath Bomb station along with games in the athletic center while hundreds of people came by for the Free Farmer’s Market.
Canisius students got a glimpse into the Community Schools model and how it’s designed to serve the whole child in Buffalo Public Schools. At the end of April, more students will be volunteering at Burgard High School’s Saturday Academy. Thanks, Griffs!
by Elizabeth Turner | Mar 14, 2025 | Staff
Coding was among the top activities offered to the Saturday Academy students.
Students enrolled in EDU 250, Foundation of Education, volunteered a weekend morning at a local Buffalo Public School Saturday Academy. Students were present at Hamlin Park Academy (BPS #74) on March 8 to assist children and families with games and activities. A big hit with the children was computer coding, sponsored by TechBuffalo. Other students were engaged in three-on-three basketball tournaments, country line dancing, crafts, yoga, and hair braiding. Canisius has committed to sending volunteers to assist with five Hamlin Park Saturday Academies during the 24-25 school year.
Submitted by: Elizabeth Turner, Director of Educational Partnerships
