Teaching and Learning Institute Inspires Other Programs

The Teaching and Learning Institute, or TLI, is the only program of its kind in the Rochester City School District and recently East had representatives from Syracuse visit because they want to start a program like TLI in their own district. The TLI program doesn't force scholars to be a teachers; it shows scholars how much the future teachers and parents are important to the economy.

The TLI program first started twenty years ago by two teachers, Laura Delehanty and Daniel Delehanty, with the intent to form the future leaders and teachers. This program teaches scholars information about the brain and how the learning environment and teacher attitudes affect students’ ability to learn.

TLI also offers a chance to experience being a teacher by having scholars do internships at different elementary schools such as 28 school and 52 school. During their senior year, scholars can get paid while at their internships. Not only do scholars get this experience, they go on college trips and have colleges come to the TLI classes. Every Friday, Mrs. Delehanty helps seniors write and complete their personal statements and college applications.

The way students can get into the program is by enrolling in the 9th grade. The program goes all the way up to the 12th grade.  Mrs. Delehanty stated, “We really work to build strong relationships with our students and hopefully they will build relationships with their classmates.” They try to build these relationships by hosting a lot of parties and games for all of the TLI students. Earlier this year Mr. and Mrs. Delehanty hosted and kickball tournament and a Halloween party for the TLI students.

The TLI program does great work preparing students for their futures, so hopefully it can inspire other schools in other districts to do the same.

D'brina Pitts