First hour: Discussing Pope Francis' call for the abolition of the death penalty
Second hour: Mentorship for teachers in the Rochester City School District
Pope Francis is calling for a worldwide abolition of the death penalty. This represents a shift in Catholic teaching on the issue. Our panel will discuss the impact of the Pope’s new direction on the death penalty, both from a Catholic and general Christian perspective. We’ll also discuss the meaning of life in that context. Our guests:
- Nancy Rourke, professor of religious studies and theology at Canisius College, and former director of the College's Catholic Studies program
- Harry Murray, professor of sociology, and coordinator of the Peace and Justice major at Nazareth College
- Reverend Matthew Martin Nickoloff, pastor of the South Wedge Mission
- Michael Tomb, criminal justice reform activist
Then in our second hour, when she was in Rochester last month, State Education Department Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said the Rochester City School District needs to do a better job mentoring new teachers. The surprised teacher-mentors from the district, who say the RCSD Career in Teaching program has provided intense mentor support to new teachers throughout the last 30 years. We talk to teacher-mentors and new teachers in the program about their work, teacher turnover, and teaching as a career. In studio:
- Christopher Davis, special education teacher at Roberto Clemente School #8
- Angela Rodriguez, first grade teacher at Nathaniel Rochester Community School #3
- Tammy Shaw, primary school teacher and CIT lead teacher-mentor
- Stefan Cohen, director for the Career in Teaching program, and history teacher in the Rochester City School District
