Civics at the Elementary Level: Using Music and Cartoons to Deepen Understanding

         Gale Sookdeo, Ed.D., NBCT, is an instructional coach and social studies teacher in New York City (NYC). She is also a coach with the United Federation of Teachers Teacher Center (UFTTC) National Board Support Program. Since 2006, Gale has been preparing teachers in New York City for America’s highest teaching credential-–National Board Certification. She initiated and supported district-wide professional learning communities for teachers seeking National Board Certification in three of New York City’s school districts. Gale has also represented New York as the state coordinator (2009-2013) of the National Geographic Bee, a national contest sponsored by the National Geographic Society and Google.

   She has presented at many conferences and committees including the UFT ESL Bilingual Committee: UFT Middle School Conferences, Lehman College, Bronx, NY on a National Board pre-candidacy class; Bank Street College on a panel addressing National Board Certification; Geofest at Monroe Community College in Rochester; York College, Queens, NY for pre-service teachers; and the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Celebration of Teaching and Learning Conference. 

Gale has a Bachelor of Arts in History and Social Sciences from the University of the West Indies, a Master’s Degree in Environmental Education from the City University of New York, and a Doctoral Degree in Instructional Leadership from St. John’s University.

Lashawn D. Jefferies has been an educator at Garrett A. Morgan Elementary School located in the Bronx for the past 31 years.  She spent 16 years in the classroom as a lower grade teacher, teaching all subject areas. 

Lashawn became the Literacy Coach for grades Pre-k to 2nd grade from 2006 to 2008.  She then became the UFT Teacher Center Instructional Coach.  This is a position she still performs today.

As the UFT Teacher Center Instructional Coach, Lashawn conducts professional development for teachers at her school.  She also conducts city-wide professional development for the UFT Teacher Center. 

Lashawn was a member of the UFT Committee on Civics Education in Schools, which was funded by an AFT Innovation Grant.  As a member of this committee, Lashawn worked with teachers from around the city to “draft recommendations for the New York State Regents about new standards for civic education and appropriate strategies for implementation in school and community settings.”  This work also included creating activities and experiences for students that will lead to them developing a civic mindset.