This spring, educators from across the region gathered for a compelling three-part professional learning series exploring the theme of War and Peace, hosted in partnership by the Regional School Success (RSS) department at TST BOCES and the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University.
Held on the first Thursday of March, April, and May, the sessions invited educators of all disciplines and grade levels to engage deeply with historical and cultural perspectives through art. Led by museum educators Maryterese Pasquale-Bowen, Carol Hockett, Krystyna Piccorossi, and Kate Sullivan, the series connected timeless works of art to powerful stories of conflict and resolution, highlighting the relevance of visual storytelling in the classroom.
Session 1: Military Conflict in the Ancient World
The series began in March with a dive into military conflict in the ancient world, as participants studied artworks from Greece, Rome, China, and other civilizations. Through sculpture, pottery, and historical artifacts, educators explored how ancient societies commemorated war and envisioned peace, drawing connections to modern-day classroom discussions on power, justice, and resilience.
Session 2: Japanese Art from the Edo Period
The second installment in April centered on Japanese art of the Edo period, offering a rich visual journey from the disciplined lives of the Samurai warrior class to the tranquil, dreamlike aesthetics of ukiyo-e prints, or “pictures of the floating world.” Educators examined how art reflected the juxtaposition of martial values and everyday joys in a time of relative peace in Japan’s history.
Session 3: The Legacy of Margaret Bourke-White
The final session in May shifted to the lens of photography with a focus on Margaret Bourke-White, a trailblazing war correspondent and Cornell 
Decade-Long Partnership Brings Art to Life
The professional development series was part of a longstanding collaboration between RSS and the Johnson Museum that has spanned over 25 years. The partnership continues to thrive, where educators can expect six sessions to be offered annually—three in the spring (typically March, April, May) and three in the fall (watch for sessions in October, November, December)—along with a full-day workshop each fall that immerses educators in the museum experience across Cornell’s campus.
One of the most dedicated participants over the years has been Beth Patton, a TST BOCES employee and passionate advocate for arts in education. She has attended nearly every offering in the series over the past decade, and champions the unique value it brings to educators across disciplines.
Beth stated:
“I feel strongly that the professional relationship between TST BOCES and Cornell's Johnson Museum of Art is so valuable for any discipline that teachers endeavor to impart knowledge to tomorrow's young minds. The Johnson staff is really amazing at showing how one object can cross disciplines and then tie them all together. The exchange of ideas that happens during these workshops is invaluable. Every person brings a different frame of reference and their own wealth of knowledge and I always come away learning a different perspective than when I started.”
More to Come
Educators can count on this enriching series to return in the fall, with new themes and opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. Whether you're an art teacher, historian, English educator, or simply curious, the sessions promise meaningful takeaways for all.
In addition to its collaboration with the Johnson Museum, RSS offers professional learning in a wide range of areas such as instructional strategies, curriculum development, leadership, technology integration, and student support services.
To learn more or register for upcoming sessions, explore the RSS Professional Learning catalog.