Summer on TC Way marks a season of continued momentum for our community on 120th Street, across New York City and beyond. We're excited to share a snapshot of just a few of the initiatives, accomplishments and collaborations defining the summer months.
Teaching & Learning
A Closer Look at TC’s Annual BERC Conference
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Educators, school leaders and scholars convened for the third annual Black Education Research Center (BERC) Summer Conference at Teachers College earlier this summer for professional development centered on the theme of “From Equity to Emancipation: Black Studies as the Practice of Freedom in NYC Schools.”
Inside RESI 2026
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Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Reimagining Education Summer Institute returned to Teachers College this season, leveraging faculty expertise on race and education to advance inclusive teaching, learning and leadership. Co-directed by TC’s Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz and Rachel Talbert alongside TC graduate students, the institute equipped educators with actionable tools to enact transformative, equitable practices in their schools and communities.
Empowering Teachers to Implement Food and Nutrition Education
(Photo courtesy of the Tisch Food Center)
In June, TC’s Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food Education and Policy hosted nearly 500 NYC educators and administrators for the Food and Nutrition Education Summit. Representing almost a quarter of the city’s schools, attendees gathered to showcase innovative nutrition education, connect with inspiring TC alumni, and advance healthier school communities across New York City. The gathering was the latest milestone in TC’s long-running, local work in nutrition education.
Cultivating Creative Leadership Skills with TC’s Klingenstein Center
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What can school leaders learn from a jazz ensemble? During “Listening as Leadership,” alumnus Jason Curry, M.A. '25, and an accomplished ensemble engaged a cross-cohort group of 103 students from TC's Klingenstein Center’s Two-Summers Master’s Program in Independent School Leadership and the Ed.D. in Executive Leadership in an exploration of active listening, improvisation, and group dynamics through the music of Duke Ellington. Through listening, participation, and discussion, the students observed how trust, shared understandings, and collective accountability allow teams to practice creative, agile leadership.
Exploring Public Health Research with the CDC
Tony Nguyen, Chief Medical Officer for the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), spoke to students and faculty about the impact of NHANES on public health. Over the next few months, Nguyen's team will collect data in New York City’s Washington Heights neighborhood as part of survey efforts, which TC faculty members Pam Koch and Randi Wolf, as well as students, will participate in as volunteer NHANES ambassadors.
A Closer Look at the Spirituality Mind Body Institute
This summer, the Spirituality Mind Body Institute led by TC’s Lisa Miller brought students together in a close-knit cohort for a week packed with inspiring lectures, classes, collaboration, and chances to explore New York City. Students then came together for a weekend retreat focused on spirituality and mental health, where they deepened their understanding, built connections, and discovered new ways spirituality can shape their lives and help them support others.
Hands-on Learning with the Hollingworth Center
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This summer at the Hollingworth Science Camp, campers explored “Garbology,” investigating what happens to trash and how to manage it sustainably. Inspired by Trash Academy, they learned about composting, recycling, and landfill diversion, toured recycling facilities, turned classroom waste into art and visited exhibits on sanitation. Through hands-on science, art, and advocacy, campers discovered how trash impacts our environment and how we can make a positive difference.
Alumni Events
Inside the Grace Dodge Society Luncheon
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Reflecting on another year of impact and reaffirming their commitment to the College, TC’s most devoted supporters gathered this summer for the annual Grace Dodge Society Luncheon. “You are all critical members of our community, and that community is vitally important to our ability to achieve our mission because you are not only supporters of our students financially, together you form a powerful network that allows us to achieve real change in the world,” shared President Thomas Bailey in his welcome address thanking Grace Dodge Society members for their support.
Visiting Harlem’s Studio Museum
(Photo courtesy of Morgan Gilbard)
Being a TC alum can take you to some pretty cool places, like the Studio Museum in Harlem—where alumni enjoyed a special afternoon of guided tours hosted by Alumni Relations. A sanctuary for art inspired and influenced by Black culture, the museum is more than just one of TC’s neighbors, but also the home of works by famed TC artists Charles Alston (M.A. ’31), Alma Thomas (M.A. ’34) and Aaron Douglas (M.A. ’44).
At the College
Celebrating TC’s Long Term Employees
(Photo courtesy of Christian Hernandez)
Earlier this summer, Teachers College honored more than 75 TC employees for milestone work anniversaries of 10 years and longer during the College’s annual Long-Term Recognition Ceremony. “This is such a meaningful occasion and a TC tradition that I love,” said Lisa George, TC’s Vice President of Administration, in her welcome remarks to an audience of family, friends and colleagues. “I have always been struck by the familial feel of the staff here, and so much of that is due to our long-time employees who…create that sense of continuity and community that makes TC so special.”
Connection & Community at OCA’s Ice Cream Social
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TC students, staff, faculty and friends gathered in Everett Lounge for the Office of Community Affairs’ annual Ice Cream Social for sweet treats, community and conversation.
Summer Happenings with GSLD
(Photo courtesy of GSLD)
TC students ventured to Bryant Park for an afternoon of live music. Organized by the Office of Graduate Life & Student Development, the group outing gave students a chance to enjoy the park’s summer concert series, soak up the sunshine and connect outside the classroom.