About Us
A Message from the Director
Welcome to the The Renaissance Group!
Dr. Michael Giovannetti, Executive Director The Renaissance, (French for “rebirth”; Italian: Rinascimento, from re - “again” and nascere -“to be born” was a cultural movement that initiated in Florence, Italy in the Late Middle Ages and later spread to the rest of Europe (14th to the 17th century). This time was focused on the improvement of various disciplines, through a revival of ideas from Antiquity, and by employing new, creative approaches to thinking and doing. Its influence affected art, literature, philosophy, politics, science, religion, politics and other aspects of intellectual inquiry.
What does The Renaissance movement of 14th century Italy have to do with The Renaissance Group (TRG) of 21st century America? The times and places may be different, but once you interact with TRG members, I am certain you will experience pronounced similarities between the two.
The Renaissance Group was conceived at a time (Spring of 1989) 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 them in a series of meetings that followed, were visionary in their belief and firm in their conviction that the education of teachers must become an all-campus responsibility.
Twenty plus years later, all members of the Executive Governing Board, consisting of University Presidents, Provosts, Deans of Education, Deans of Arts and Sciences and leaders of national educational agencies, enthusiastically renew their commitment to improve teacher preparation programs by reflecting on past practices, celebrating accomplishments, embracing present and future educational challenges, and by sharing strategies and practices designed to improve local, regional and national learning environments.
The membership has grown over the past twenty years, attracting more than thirty (30) member institutions during its development. Today, more than ever, all member institutions proudly renew their unconditional support for the preparation of educators as a campus-wide effort, and are pleased to announce that a significant number of teachers successfully prepare for the profession in TRG Institutions.
The Renaissance Group will be providing again this year, as it has done annually since its inception, unique opportunities for educators to celebrate their successes and recommit their individual and collective talents and resources for the preparation of quality educators for America’s schools. I invite each of you, who believe that excellent teaching translates into more successful students, to support the efforts of this unique organization. By doing so, you can contribute to the much needed “rebirth” of our nation’s schools, and positively influence national policy and practice relative to the design and implementation of outstanding teacher education programs.
Respectfully,
Michael Giovannetti, Executive Director