Third Presidential Debate at Hofstra University

Hofstra University held the third and final presidential debate this past Wednesday, October 15, 2008.  I feel very fortunate to be a member of the Hofstra community (pride!)

Hosting an event like this allowed us, as education majors, to take part in many events we otherwise would not have been able to.  Two weeks ago, I went to an event led by Professor Andrea Libresco.  Last semester I was lucky enough to have her as a professor for social studies (and I highly recommend her, the class was terrific!)  The workshop was entitled: “American Democracy in Action: Teaching Before, During and After Elections.”  The event was hosted through Educate’08, a program I have been involved in this semester by attending many events, getting the word across to others, and even taking a class specifically created for the debate at Hofstra.

The day before the big debate, I attended an event hosted by Dr. Martin Brooks entitled, “The Impact of the 2008 Election on Education.”  This workshop was very informative because the current election has kind of put education to the side and focused more on the economy and war.  As a future educator, education is a topic that concerns me and it is important to learn the facts.  This event was hosted by Educate’08, as well as ASCD, that I helped run.  As an executive board member, I am in charge of the newsletter.  For this meeting I was unable to write all the background information on Dr. Brooks because he has such a strong background.  I feel that here would be an excellent place to add his full background for those of you who are curious.

Dr, Martin Brooks served as superintendent in Kings Park, Plainview-Old Bethpage, the Valley Stream Central High School District, and Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen. Previous to these positions, he worked in the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District as a principal, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent. He began his career in New York City Community School District #8 in the South Bronx as a teacher and guidance counselor.

Marty received his Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree from New York University, and he earned another Master’s degree and a Doctorate in educational administration at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is a past president of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents, and has served as the chairperson of the Council’s Curriculum Committee and was the founder of its Committee on Equity and Access.

Marty is the co-author of one of ASCD’s best-selling books, In Search of Understanding: The Case for Constructivist Classrooms. He has authored numerous articles and monographs, has presented at local, state and national conferences, and has consulted with many school districts and state departments of education. He serves on the boards of the Long Island Children’s Museum, the Metropolitan School Study Council, the Tri-State Consortium, and Hofstra University’s Institute for the Development and Education of the Advanced Sciences, and is a member of the National Superintendents’ Roundtable.

Needless to say, the event was very informative.  Below are some pictures from the debate as well as pictures from Obama’s motorcade.  Photo credit: JA and JR.

Site of the Third Presidential Debate

Inside the Debate at Hofstra

The Stage

The Finale

Barack Obama’s Plane