October 5, 2009

The Renaissance Group (TRG), a consortium of 26 universities and an affiliated agency committed to quality programs for the preparation of teachers and administrative leaders for America’s schools, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary at its Fall Conference to be held at the Key Bridge Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA, Oct. 4-6.

The conference theme is “A Time for Reflection, Celebration and Rebirth.” Speakers will include U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Under Secretary of Education Dr. Martha Kanter and Dr. William Ayers, distinguished professor and scholar from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The Renaissance Group has been headquartered at California State University, Fresno since 2005. Dr. Michael J. Giovannetti is the organization’s executive director and Nancy Torosian is the executive assistant.

The conference opening session included a panel of founding and present Leaders of TRG, including

Dr. Constantine Curris, Dr. David Imig, Dr. Thomas Meredith, Dr. Kay Schallenkamp and Fresno State President, Dr. John Welty.

Numerous working sessions, a presentation on the Common Core State Standards and the outstanding program “Call Me MISTER” are other key program features.

The Renaissance Group was conceived at a time of increased expectations for schools and for teacher education programs in colleges and universities. The educational leaders, who first gathered at the University of Northern Iowa in the spring of 1989 and those who joined TRG in a series of meetings that followed, were visionary in their belief and firm in their conviction that the education of teachers is an all-campus responsibility.

Today TRG’s executive governing board consists of university presidents, provosts, deans of arts and science, deans of education and other educational leaders of national importance.

The Renaissance Group strategically holds its annual conference in proximity of the nation’s capital in order to afford all participants access, interaction and recognition by national leadership.

For more information, contact Michael J. Giovannetti, executive director, at 559.346.9381.