What is the East Ramapo Teachers' Center? ~ Contact Us & Directions

The East Ramapo Teachers' Center is a Teacher Resource and Computer Training Center, established under state legislation in 1984 and funded by New York State. It is one of over 100 state-funded Teacher Resource and Computer Training Centers in New York State. In cooperation with the East Ramapo Central School District and the East Ramapo Teachers' Association, the Center provides professional development programs for the educational community.

The Teachers' Center program is based on the research that clearly identifies the characteristics of effective professional development, namely, that teachers have a voice in their own professional development. Programs are planned according to the expressed needs of teachers, and are implemented by teachers for teachers. The Teachers' Center offers teachers the opportunity to take charge of their own professional growth, share their expertise, upgrade their skills, and develop collaborative relationships among colleagues.

The Center is governed by a Policy Board comprised of teachers (at least 51%), administrators, business, non-public school, higher education, board of education, and parent representative. The East Ramapo Teachers' Center proudly invites all members of the school district - teachers, administrators, support personnel, non-public schools, parents and community members to participate in its programs.

About Our Logo
Designed by Terri Haring, a graduate of the East Ramapo school system, the Teachers' Center logo made its debut in 1996. Terri captured the essence of our Center with her design. The flowering shape signifies growth and the symbolic figures within the ever-popular apple shape represents outreach and support between teacher/student, teacher/parent, teacher/teacher and parent/student. The logo serves as a symbol of our Center and was the inspiration for our mission statement.

Paula Acunto, Director

Paula Acunto began her "career" at the East Ramapo Teachers' Center in September 1986 as Administrative Assistant to the Teachers' Center Director. In 1993, when the position of director was vacated, the Policy Board promoted Paula to the position.

With a background in organizational management, a Certificate in Staff Development, and a Masters in School Administration, Paula has utilized her skills in coordinating, implementing, administrating, and evaluating all Teachers' Center programs and activities. Some of the programs initiated by Paula and approved by Policy Board and the District include: the New Teacher Mentor Program; Classroom Visitations; Professional Study Group Grants; the Laptop Mentor Program; and expansion of our TC Professional Resource Library.  New initiatives include:  Reflective Practice Groups, and SmartBoard training.  Paula serves on the District's Professional Development Plan Committee, and has served on grant writing committees with the District. She is a member of the Lower Hudson Teachers' Center Network; the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development; and the National Staff Development Council.