Dear Colleagues,
We hope here at MSAA that you took at least some of the February Break to recharge, rest and just relax! You are looking at a long stretch between now and April Break, so pace yourselves. Yesterday at our All Level Ring Central Gathering we brainstormed some engaging and fun activities for students and staff all aimed at keeping spirits up and folks engaged.
There are several programs, and events that I would like to call to your attention, please see below.
The Leadership Licensure Program is accepting applications, see below for more information.
MSAA Leadership Licensure Program (LLP)
The Leadership Licensure Program is now accepting applications. Imagine being the teacher whose administrator acknowledges their potential leadership skills and encourages that teacher to seek a program to develop these skills. LLP candidates tell us that this is the leading reason they sought our program. The research also supports that successful leadership candidates were encouraged by their administrators to seek further skill development. If your recognize potential LLP candidates, please send them this link, along with your encouragement to apply.
You are not too late to register for MSAA EdCamp on Saturday, February, 27th at 8:15 AM
EdCampMaLeads2021
It is not too late to register for MSAA's EdCampMaLeads2021 this Saturday, February 27th starting at 8:15 AM. We hope you will consider registering - sharing with other educators- and attending - did we mention there will be giveaways too! (Thank you to our Sponsors!!!)
Register today. (And thank you to those of you who have already registered)
https://www.smore.com/yb96f
🍎MSAA Elementary & Teaching and Learning Committees
MSAA/DESE Early Learning Team March Book Group
I am pleased to announce our second book group series is taking place in March. In collaboration with DESE’s Early Learning Team and MSAA we are hosting a year-long professional development series on topics related to early learning, preschool to third grade. In March, DESE and MSAA will host a book group discussion about Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students by Zaretta Hammond. The discussions will take place at 3:00-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10 and Wednesday, March 17. Registration is open online.
Think of your teachers who may be deserving of...
DESE Teacher of the Year
DESE is committed to celebrating educators who embed and prioritize culturally responsive and sustaining practices into their classrooms. The Teacher of the Year models what exemplary teaching looks like for Massachusetts educators. An essential element of exemplary teaching is a focus on culturally responsive teaching. So, if CRT is a central focus of your teaching practice, throw your hat in the ring for Teacher of the Year!
Apply Here
This year, preference will be given to elementary teachers who consistently:
- Build deep, meaningful relationships with students,
- Believe in empowering students through evidence-based instruction, such as early literacy practices,
- Reflect on their own practice,
- Affirm students’ identities and work towards removing inequities,
- Believe that teaching is an aMAzing profession,
Every Teacher of the Year starts their journey by completing the application. How do you use asset-based practices that explicitly affirm the cultural identities of students, families, and communities?
Being Teacher of the Year is a chance to help share your “Aha!” moments, spread your learning, and continue building your culturally responsive teaching practices. Get ahead of the March 22nd deadline and apply today.
epsorts
In partnership with PlayVS, the MSAA is expanding its recognized varsity title offerings to include FIFA 21 and Madden NFL 21 for the upcoming Spring 2021 season. Amid continued COVID-19 concerns and traditional sports reworking their infrastructure, the value of esports is evident now more than ever and MSAA is excited to provide high school students a safe extracurricular environment in which to experience it.
By bringing esports programs to high schools and encouraging students’ participation regardless of gender, physical ability or socioeconomic status you can expand the opportunities for students! Click here for more information.
Lysol and Kinsa Fluency Thermometer Program
John Quinn has called my attention to a free program for elementary schools offered through Lysol and Kinsa which is a free thermometer program and I have included the link below which gives an overview of the program. Though they are not onboarding applications for this year there will be openings available next year.
Some valuable programs from the Franklin Covey Organization:
Franklin Covey Leader in Me Program and Unconscious Bias Program
Leader in Me is a pre-K – 12 CASEL endorsed whole school improvement process that empowers educators with core paradigms and effective practices to drive measurable results in the areas of leadership, culture and academics. Leader in Me serves as an operating system by creating an environment where existing programs and initiatives can thrive. Through on going professional learning, coaching support and on line resources, Leader in Me is a process of continuous growth and improvement for students, staff and families.
Introducing Unconscious Bias: Understanding Bias to Unleash Potential. A bias is a preference for or against a person, place, or thing. But unconscious bias leaves us unaware of potential harm resulting from biased thinking. As we understand bias, we can address it to create a district culture in which everyone thrives. To do so, we must: • Identify Bias where it shows up in our own thinking and throughout our district. • Cultivate Connection with those around us to expand our understanding and improve our decision-making. • Choose Courage as we engage with care and boldness in addressing biases that limit people and constrain performance.
Upcoming Events/Initiatives at MSAA
MSAA EdCamp Saturday, February 27th 8:15 AM Click here for more information
Lastly, I have included one article and a link for your review. The first article is from Education Week this past Monday, and is about state testing and the federal government's position. The second link is from the NAESP website and it is a comprehensive guide on leading lessons on Social-Emotional Learning in the time of Covid-19. Both links are directly below.
Closing Message from Bill Gaine
On behalf of MSAA and Executive Director, Bill Gaine: Stay safe, stay strong, and take time for yourself.
Warm Regards,
Beth
Beth Wittcoff
MSAA Assistant Executive Director
MSAA Matters Newsletter
Middle Level and Elementary Committee Liaison
Ring Central Gatherings
