Press Releases

Emmanuel Inaugurates Carolyn A. Lynch Institute

The Carolyn A. Lynch Institute of Emmanuel College, a collaborative initiative aimed at developing and retaining teachers in the urban schools, was launched on November 7th in the Janet M. Daley Library Lecture Hall. Peter and Carolyn Lynch were on hand to inaugurate the Institute, a joint venture between the College and the Lynch Foundation, funded by a $2.1 million founding gift from the Lynches.

The reality-based and practical programs developed by the Institute prepare teachers for the urban environment, enable new and veteran teachers to collaborate and share knowledge, address the shortfalls of math and science education and offer extensive professional support. The Carolyn A. Lynch Institute offers scholarships, partners with urban schools to provide practica and mentoring opportunities for Emmanuel students, and focuses on math, science and technology training for teachers.

Emmanuel President Sister Janet Eisner, SND, honored the Lynches for their generosity and continued support of the College’s educational mission.

"Part of the Carolyn A. Lynch Institute of Emmanuel College is the belief in the life-transforming power of education. We believe deeply that education changes people’s lives," said Sister Janet. "With the resources of the Carolyn A. Lynch Institute, Emmanuel is now developing a model program demonstrating how a college in partnership with local public and parochial schools can contribute to the quality of urban education and in the process improve student’s lives."

Three Emmanuel educational studies majors were awarded the first-ever Lynch Scholarships. Kellie-Ann Folsom ’04, who is also pursuing a concentration in psychology, Samyuktha Lingamneni ’04, an instructional technology minor with a concentration in psychology and Elizabeth Teixeira ’04, a dedicated community volunteer.

Carolyn Lynch, who received an honorary degree from Emmanuel in 1994 along with her husband Peter, spoke during the event. “When I first learned about this venture five years ago it was an idea. It immediately struck me that here, finally, was a practical response to the teacher shortage crisis we are facing in this country, especially in the inner city environment.”

She continued, “Teachers face the complex issues of broken homes, students that do not speak English, homes that cannot afford books, much less a computer... this Institute faces these problems in typical Notre Dame style, which does not shun the difficult road or just hope that these problems will resolve themselves.”

Distinguished Emmanuel alumna participated in the program, offering insight into the benefits of the Institute. Superintendent of the Watertown Public Schools Sally L. Dias ’62 commented, “As a former student and alumna of Emmanuel College, the values of community, of responsibility, of social justice, permeate this institution. These same values are the core of the Carolyn A. Lynch Institute, with its commitment to urban education, to our most at-risk students and the critical areas of mathematics, science and technology.”

She outlined the clear needs of the urban and semi-urban environments, based on her teaching and administrative experience, which the Institute directly addresses … “the need for consistent expectations for attainment of high standards, classroom instruction that is standards-based and content-rich and strategy and support to manage the growing diversity of backgrounds and learning styles in our schools.”

Kathleen Flannery ’70, Principal of the Edward Everett School, a partner school in Dorchester, spoke of the opportunities for collaboration between the Institute and schools, which include full-year internships and professional development. “I would like to commend Emmanuel and the Lynches for the choice to support and develop urban educators. Urban educators need to be well-schooled in the aspects of collaboration and curriculum. Authentic professional learning that takes place in a real urban school is absolutely the right choice.”

Emmanuel Assistant Professor of Education Sister Karen Hokanson, SND offered an interactive presentation, outlining the technology programs available to Emmanuel students, which are critical to the ever-changing needs of classrooms. Funded by the Institute, these include integration of technology at pre-practicum sites, multimedia classrooms and computer labs at the College.

Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Boston Sister Kathleen Carr, CSJ spoke on behalf of parochial schools and elaborated on the Institute’s future Teacher-in-Residence Program. The program is a year-long faculty appointment at Emmanuel for a teacher or administrator from a Boston parochial school who will teach two courses, supervise student teachers, collaborate with Emmanuel faculty, conduct research projects and develop curriculum programs.

“Emmanuel College is a loyal friend and longstanding supporter of Catholic Schools, in particular the 41 high schools and elementary schools in the city of Boston. As the only urban, Catholic college, Emmanuel is uniquely positioned to work in partnership with us to further the mission of Catholic education in service to the youth of the city of Boston.” She continued, "The Teacher-in-Residence Program is innovative and we believe it has the potential to be a successful national model."

During a reception following the program, current education students and Emmanuel alumni displayed electronic portfolios, presented information on their practica experiences and demonstrated current educational technology.

Original article
http://www.emmanuel.edu/emmanuelnews/2003/
january_february.asp