Summer Institute for Teachers with the Massachusetts Geographic Alliance

Maps and their Stories : Spatial Thinking and Teaching
A Teacher Summer Institute
Massachusetts Geographic Alliance + The Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library
June 28-July 2

A 5-day intensive professional development program for teachers to be held at Boston Public Library and at Bridgewater State College. The primary goal of this institute is to train a corps of teachers in the critical skills needed when interpreting maps both ancient and modern. Participants will be guided in exploring the social forces underlying maps throughout the ages. The purpose is to reflect on maps not merely as paper or computer images, but as social and historical documents that enliven our understanding of the world.

Maps and Their Stories Summer Institute Information

Summer Institute for Teachers at Lesley University

Map Explorations: Charting Paths to Geographic Literacy
A Summer Institute for Teachers
Lesley University + The Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library
July 26-30, 2010
Institute Website

As part of this hands-on, week-long Summer Institute at Lesley University, participants will build geographic literacy, promote interdisciplinary learning, and identify ways to integrate maps into their classroom curriculum to help achieve local and national education standards. With the guidance of an interdisciplinary team of faculty, participants will engage with a variety of maps and activities, learn basic geographic concepts and skills, and apply their knowledge and experiences to their own specific teaching goals. The Institute is a new and exciting partnership between Lesley University and the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library, leveraging the diverse resources of both institutions to provide participants with a rich and rewarding learning opportunity.

Lesley University Summer Institute Brochure

Massachusetts Catalogue for Philanthropy

The Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library is honored to be featured in the 2007 prestigious Massachusetts Catalogue for Philanthropy. This year 390 charities applied for the new, competitive listings, and 54 were selected, as "examples of excellence" in all fields of Massachusetts philanthropy: the environment, culture (arts and education), human services and international. According to George McCully, President of the Catalogue, "Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library was chosen because they are a great example of 'private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of life' in Massachusetts, and because they are both excellent and cost-effective. We urge donors, especially in the Boston area, to consider adding the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center to their giving list this year."

The purpose of the Catalogue, now in its 11th year of annual publication, is "to strengthen the culture of philanthropy in Massachusetts through donor education." "The Catalogue is designed as a showcase for Massachusetts philanthropy," 100% of every donation goes to the designated charities or fields of philanthropy. Since 1997, charitable giving in the state has more than doubled, from about $2 billion to $4.4 billion — a record high for Massachusetts — in 2005, the latest numbers available.