Connery named Oratory Fellow

MORRIS — Barbara Connery, a teacher at James Morris School in Morris, was selected to return as a National Oratory Fellow during the 2018-2019 school year by the Ford’s Theatre Education team. The Ford’s Theatre National Oratory Fellows program, started in 2011, helps teachers integrate oratorical skills and strategies — from performance to speechwriting — into their curricula. Through oratory, students develop speaking, writing and leadership skills, in addition to gaining a deeper understanding of great American orators including Abraham Lincoln.

Connery went to Ford’s Theatre Aug. 3-5 to meet the 2019 cohort of 32 Fellows and take part in week-long retreat. This professional development opportunity included lectures, tailored workshops and special access to the Ford’s Theatre Historic Site.

During the 2018-2019 school year, National Oratory Fellows partner with Ford’s Teaching Artists for virtual teaching and coaching and work with students via videoconference. The Fellows also meet virtually as a cohort every month to discuss best practices and support one another. At the end of the school year each Fellow, in conjunction with Ford’s Theatre Teaching Artists, will select two students who have demonstrated excellence in oratory. In May 2019, Fellows and their student delegates will travel to Ford’s to participate in a weekend retreat that will culminate in the opportunity to present a historical or original speech on the Ford’s Theatre stage.