Faculty complete community-building book study

As part of Wesleyan’s pursuit of diversity and unity, some faculty members joined an optional book study focused on the community-building principles described in Charles Vogl’s The Art of Community. Faculty met four times during the fall semester and discussed the importance of belonging and some practices for creating a stronger sense of belonging. Director of Diversity Jennifer Pinkett Smith organized the book studies, and she and Acacia Kelly, fourth grade chair, led the discussion groups.
“The goal of the faculty read and reflect was to bring faculty and staff together to discuss a book with content relevant to the goals we as a school hope to accomplish. The Art of Community was selected because of its focus on creating a stronger community. We hope that participating faculty and staff can share what we have learned with others and be ambassadors in our community,” said Pinkett Smith.

Katie Wischerth, high school English teacher, participated in the read and reflect and shared that the principles learned apply to everyone in our community. “I think we all value the community we have here at Wesleyan, and our conversations centered on ways in which we could improve access to feeling a part of our community- whether to new families and faculty or existing families and faculty who may feel on the ‘fringe,’” Wischerth reflected.

Through the book study, faculty and staff collaborated with, learned from, and enjoyed fellowship with colleagues in different divisions. “I really enjoyed spending time with colleagues who I don’t normally see on a daily basis. Each person brough unique insight and experiences to the discussion,” said Middle School Principal Joseph Antonio, who participated in the study.

This semester faculty and staff are invited to join another read and reflect group, and groups will discuss D.A. Horton’s Intensional: Kingdom Ethnicity in a Divided World.
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