While most students were basking in the sun and enjoying the freedom of summer vacation, a select group of Houston-area educators were trading in their classrooms for lecture halls. For nearly 35 years, the University of Houston Honors College has offered a unique oasis for local teachers called the Common Ground Teachers Institute.
This intensive one-week program provides educators with a much-needed opportunity to recharge, reconnect with their passion for learning, and gain fresh perspectives to bring back to their students.
The Common Ground Institute invests in educators’ professional growth, aiming to empower them to inspire and challenge their students.
Candace Booker, a former Houston ISD teacher, understands the demanding nature of the profession firsthand. After six years of navigating the complexities of the public school system, she decided to take a step back.
“I kind of decided to take time off from teaching… it’s been six years nonstop,” said Booker.
Programs like Common Ground offer a vital space for educators to rejuvenate and rediscover their purpose.
“My sister wanted to attend meaningful trainings… that’s sort of how I did some research and found the Common Ground Institute,” Booker says. “It’s great talking to other teachers to see how they approach curriculum and lesson plans, as well as student engagement.”
Dr. Calandra Calton-Abdullah, an ELA and Visual Arts teacher with nearly two decades of experience, shares a similar sentiment.
“Getting the opportunity to see children grow as critical thinkers and readers and developing their communication skills is phenomenal,” she said. “Teaching ninth grade English allows me to work with students early and watch them matriculate through high school, which is an incredible experience.”
On the impact of the Common Ground Teachers Institute, she explains, “It serves two main purposes for me. I get to be a student among other adults, which is a refreshing change. There have been several novels I hadn’t considered reading, but I was exposed to them during the institute.”
She added, “The sessions, even just this week with Dr. Rayneard, have introduced me to different ways of approaching writing. This has been one of my most productive times in writing poetry.”
This year’s institute delves into the complexities of home, identity, and scandal through the lens of literature. Participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions, creative writing exercises, and collaborative projects led by esteemed UH faculty. By exploring these themes, educators will gain a deeper understanding of their own experiences and develop strategies for fostering critical thinking and empathy in their students.
“Teaching is very hard work,” said Max Rayneard, coordinator of the Common Ground Teachers Institute, in an official statement. “It’s easy to lose sight of the passion that initially drew us to the profession. This program is dedicated to reigniting that spark.”
