The OWL Teacher Center is an organization dedicated to the professional development of teachers. The unique characteristic of our Center is that most of our staff development is planned and implemented by teacher practitioners. It is a Center created "for teachers, by teachers."

Begun in 1985, and funded yearly by a New York State grant, we are currently one of more than 130 Teacher Centers functioning under the parentage of the State Education Department and the New York State United Teachers. We are a small consortium serving approximately 1500 teachers in Lindenhurst, North Babylon, Wyandanch and Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

GOVERNANCE
The Center is governed by a 37 member Policy Board which meets several times a year. This board - comprised of teachers, administrators, school board members, parents, and representatives of higher education, business, and industry -is responsible for hiring Center personnel, establishing policies, deciding how monies will be spent, and overseeing the entire operation. This is the only New York State grant that, by law, both requires and allows for the autonomous rule of a governing board.

SERVICES
The programs offered through the Center are based upon an extensive needs assessment - evaluation process performed each year. Our programs are, therefore, closely aligned with teacher needs, the goals of each district, and State initiatives. To date the following services have been offered:

Inservice and Graduate Content in Content Areas and Teaching Methods
Teacher Leadership Programs for Greater Capacity Building
Workshop Series & Consultations for New Teachers
Programs Related to the NYS Learning Standards & Assessments
Participation in Regional Conferences
A Resource Lending Library
Parent Leadership Programs
Community-School Programs
Incentives for Innovation
Special Customized Programs for Each District
Technology Training and Computer Loans
Networking Services & Monthly Newsletter ...and more

Call the Owl Center 631-867-3855

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