COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — On Wednesday, September 3, educators from the Cooperstown Central School District boarded a bright yellow bus—one day before welcoming students—to kick off the 2025–26 school year with a community-based learning experience.

Their destination? Some of Cooperstown’s most renowned institutions: the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, the Fenimore Art Museum, and Fenimore Farm and Country Village.

While it might have looked like a day of sightseeing, Superintendent Sarah Spross made it clear this was purposeful professional development. During the ride, she set the tone for the day—encouraging staff to explore how these community treasures could enrich classroom learning and inspire new connections for students.

“Staff having the autonomy to create and work with our community partners allows for a deeper learning experience for our students,” said Spross. “It makes learning come alive—more relatable to students and more engaging.”

Throughout the morning, teachers explored exhibits, networked with museum staff, and brainstormed creative ways to bring what they learned back to their classrooms. The goal: to design lessons that link academic standards with authentic, real-world experiences that can only be delivered in Cooperstown.

Mathematics teacher Michael Toulson, who has taught at Cooperstown Central School for more than 20 years, shared his excitement about integrating local resources—especially the Baseball Hall of Fame—into his teaching.

“It was just good to get back and be reminded of what truly is in our backyard,” said Toulson. “This world-class complex right here to support us—truly is amazing.”

He emphasized that the Hall’s exhibits reach far beyond baseball, connecting to broader themes such as history, equity, and social progress.

“If you can get students to look beyond, it’s not just baseball; it’s the history of our country,” he said. “These facilities are diverse and dynamic—touching on the importance of women in baseball, the Negro Leagues, and facets of equality.”

Toulson’s account of the visit was just one of several CCSD teacher’s perspectives. Museum educator Matt Straub led the professional development tour for teachers from Cooperstown Central School District, connecting ideas and pitching potential outcomes that school staff look forward to collaborating on in the future.

For Braedy Sickler, technology teacher at the Jr.–Sr. High School, the visit had a direct impact on curriculum planning.

“The staff trip helped me see the value of connecting real-world industry experiences to classroom learning,” said Sickler. “I gained insight into how hands-on, authentic experiences can deepen students’ understanding of technical concepts and career pathways.”

Sickler was inspired to include a field trip to Fenimore Farm to tour its Tradesman’s Tool Chest exhibit, which aligns with his classroom lessons on tradesman careers before the Industrial Revolution.

“By taking students to see professional tools and tradespeople in action, I was able to reinforce classroom lessons, make learning more engaging, and show students how the skills they’re developing are relevant in real-world settings,” he added.

The day reaffirmed what Cooperstown educators and families already know: that their community is rich with opportunities for meaningful learning. Partnerships with local museums and cultural institutions offer students unique access to history, art, and innovation—right outside their school doors.

“It really does take a village to educate a child, and this village offers extensive support, resources, and opportunities to the district,” said Spross. “We are so fortunate to be situated in such a diverse and unique community, and having access to and support from world-renowned museums is invaluable to the future success of our students and community.”

Spross emphasized that ensuring equitable access to these opportunities is a top priority.

“This all really needs to be underlined—that this is equitable resourcing for every student,” she said. “We’re energized, and we’re enthusiastic.”

As Cooperstown educators return to their classrooms this fall, they do so with renewed creativity and a shared commitment to connecting curriculum with community—demonstrating that some of the most powerful lessons can be found right in their own backyard.

Coming next in our Learning in Our Backyard series: Cooperstown students take their learning beyond the classroom walls through hands-on, community-based projects that spark creativity and collaboration. Stay tuned for Part 2, coming soon.