GREAT FALLS TEACHERS'
COLLABORATIVE: REMOTE LEARNING INNOVATION PROJECT

Sponsored by Paterson Education Fund, The Victor Cruz Foundation and the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund

The Great Falls Teachers’ Collaborative is comprised of current and former Paterson Public School teachers who are committed to creating culturally relevant, real-life connected learning opportunities for all Paterson children, particularly in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) disciplines.

We believe every child can reason, create, analyze, problem-solve, and advocate to create a better world. It is our job as educators and advocates to create the conditions that support success for every child.

More about our work:

  • The Remote Learning Innovation Project brought together GFTC and Girls United for the Earth members to develop lesson activities and resources in both English and Spanish for Paterson Public Schools teachers, students, and their families with the generous support of the Victor Cruz Foundation and the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund.

  • Great Falls Summer STEAM summer enrichment program for Paterson middle school students has offered place-based STEAM learning since 2009 in collaboration with various partners, including the YMCA of Paterson and Paterson Public Schools. Our program has been highlighted at conferences around the country and the world. We are currently supported to continue this work in a post-pandemic world by the Victor Cruz Foundation.

  • The River Story Project brought together Paterson Public School teachers in grades one through three to develop interdisciplinary, place-based lessons aligned to the PPS curriculum and NJSLS standards. Guided by the GFTC Leadership Team, teachers gathered on Saturday mornings with members of their school’s interdisciplinary teams to learn more about Paterson’s rich history, unique environment, and special places. Teachers took their learning back to their classrooms and took their students on field learning expeditions with the support of the GFTC team and New Jersey Audubon. This program was generously supported by The Marilyn and Henry Taub Foundation.

The link above will send you to a sample lesson. Want more? E-mail us at gftcpaterson@gmail.com for more information.