Edmund W. Miles Middle School teacher Michele Rudden and Jack Zider were presenters at the Long Island Council for the Social Studies conference on Oct. 26. 

Ms. Rudden was the 2018 recipient of the Outstanding Middle School Social Studies Teacher Award by LICSS. As part of the honor, she was invited to present at the annual conference at the Melville Marriott Hotel. Ms. Rudden, an eighth-grade teacher, partnered with ninth-grade teacher Mr. Zider so they could give perspectives on teaching two different levels. They spoke to a crowd of about 80 teachers from across Long Island.

Their presentation focused on teaching and learning strategies for challenged students to succeed on the long response sections of the new social studies Regents exams, including special education students, English language learners and poor readers. The revised Global History Regents, which is given at the end of 10th grade, includes document analysis for constructed response questions and an enduring issues essay. The workshop highlighted various methods of differentiation to achieve greater student outcomes.

Ms. Rudden and Mr. Zider cited their use of technology to provide students with access to digital content to provide a greater understanding of historical events. They said that while students don’t take the Regents until sophomore year of high school, it is important to introduce the format in middle school so they are poised for success. 

“Like true professionals, they are not only helping our students, but sharing with teachers all over Long Island who are facing the same obstacles,” said Assistant Principal Paul Duguay, who previously served as social studies chairperson. “I am proud to have them as colleagues and I congratulate them on this great achievement.”