Educator Effectiveness

Teachers' Top Three from ESE - July 16, 2015

1. FYI: Teacher Advisory Cabinet Application Deadline on July 27th—Help us spread the word!
   Who: The Department is looking for current classroom teachers (including educators in specialized roles who work directly with students) to engage with state policymakers. We are seeking a mix of teachers from across the state who represent different subjects and grade levels; a range of teaching experience, from beginning teachers to veterans; racial and ethnic diversity; varied teacher preparation backgrounds; and large and small districts as well as charter schools.
   
   What: Commit to attending 6 meetings during the 2015-16 school year. In each meeting, teachers will give input on timely policy decisions, share experiences about how policies impact them and their students, and give feedback and suggestions on ESE resources. The meetings are from 2 -4:30 p.m. Some meetings will be held at ESE in Malden, and others will be at teachers' schools. View the Full list of meeting dates.
   
   Learn More:
   

   • One-page overview    of the Teacher Advisory Cabinet
   • Online application (you can preview the application questions by reading the sample application   )
   • Check out the three minute video of cabinet members from 2014-15 talking about their experiences.
   • If you have any questions, contact Kat Johnston at ksjohnston@doe.mass.edu.
   
   All applications are due by July 27th, 2015. We are also recruiting for ESE's Principal Advisory Cabinets. Interested school leaders (including principals, vice principals, curriculum directors, etc.) can learn more at Communications and Engagement webpage.

2. In the News: Holyoke
   The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted in April to designate Holyoke Public Schools a Level 5 district. The state-appointed receiver, Stephen Zrike, started work there July 6 and, in addition to meeting with teachers, administrators, staff and the community, will work with Commissioner Chester to develop a district turnaround plan to rapidly improve student achievement. (At the time of the Board's vote, less than a third of all Holyoke students were at grade-level proficiency in English language arts, math and science and technology/engineering; 20 percent had had an out-of-school suspension; and the four-year graduation rate was 60.2 percent.)
   
   Holyoke is looking for strong, dynamic teachers to join the district in improving services and outcomes for all of its students. Job listings are available online, and the district will hold a career fair on July 23. The length of the Holyoke school day and year will not change during the 2015-16 school year.
   
   Holyoke is the second school district in the state to be designated Level 5. The first was Lawrence, in 2011, and graduation rates and results there are showing signs of improvement. More information is available on the Lawrence Public Schools website.

3. What We're Reading:
   The last mound of snow in Boston has finally melted, and summer is in full swing! We hope teachers are enjoying their well-deserved break. Education Week recently featured 10 tips for "How Teachers Can Recharge This Summer" written by Nancy Barile, a high school teacher in Revere and former Massachusetts Teacher of the Year finalist. (The article is also attached to this email.)