Happy hour plus professional development?!

About a dozen teachers gathered at Brooklyn “eco-eatery” Habana Outpost last night for the second in a series of Wednesday night Winter Warm Ups which bring together teachers and community organizations. Teachers get a free drink, a short workshop, and tons of information about opportunities for their students. Community organizations like BAM, the Brooklyn Public Library, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden get to do outreach for their educational programs. And it all takes place in the relaxed atmosphere of the solar-powered Latin eatery.

Kate Zidar, director of Habana Works, the Outpost’s spinoff non-profit, said she was happy with the turnout, especially since the first two Warm Ups coincided with Jewish holidays (these two presentations will be repeated later in the season for those who missed out).

Most restaurants don’t have related nonprofit organizations, of course, but the Warm Ups idea is so good, I wonder if anyone in the other boroughs will pick up on it?

I’ve added the Warm Ups to our new events calendar — and encourage readers to submit other education events.

About our First Person series:

First Person is where Chalkbeat features personal essays by educators, students, parents, and others trying to improve public education. Read our submission guidelines here.