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Strategic Initiatives

Teacher Diversification Professional Learning Community

Since October 2019, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has developed and implemented the Teacher Diversification Professional Learning Community (TDPLC) — formerly the Diversity Network. The implementation of this professional development opportunity has been guided by the theory of action below:

Diagram: An increased focus on cultural proficiency and talent strategy leads to recruitment and retention of a more diverse workforce, and, ultimately, improved, culturally responsive, educational experiences and improved outcomes for all students, particularly students of color.

Guiding Principles

Through participation in the TDPLC schools and districts will focus on a range of components that are critical for a strategic approach to the recruitment, selection, and retention of staff of color. Embedded in the theory of action referenced above are several guiding principles that will ground the work of the TDPLC.

  • Vision: Designing an effective strategy to diversify the teacher workforce must be grounded in a clear vision of "why" a more diverse teacher workforce is connected to equity for students, particularly students of color.
  • Cultural Proficiency: Reaching the goals of a talent diversification strategy requires the ongoing work, across school and district staff, toward cultural proficiency.
  • Data: The diversification strategy must be based in a range of qualitative and quantitative data sources including stakeholder experience data.
  • Continuous Improvement: Effective talent practices are not stagnant and can always be improved; the strategy should reflect systems and structures that allow for ongoing data review, reflection and refinements.

In action, school and district teams will have the opportunity to participate in shared learning, collaboration across schools and districts, and planning with their own teams. Sessions will elevate best practices and diverse perspectives wherever possible.

2021-2022 Program Information

The TDPLC will engage in monthly virtual sessions from October 2021 through June 2022.

School and district teams should comprise the following representatives:

  • One Teacher Representative (if scheduling permits)
  • One Principal Representative (if scheduling permits)
  • HR Director or Assistant Director
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Director (or other similar position)
  • District Office Leader (to be identified by the superintendent or executive director)

Interested charter schools, career/vocational technical education schools, and school districts must complete the interest form by Wednesday, June 30th.

Informational webinars will be held on Monday, June 14th 3:30pm–4:30pm and Tuesday, June 15th 10:00am–11:00am. Please sign up through the interest form linked above.

Confirmations for participation in the Teacher Diversification Professional Learning Community will be sent by September 2021.

Last Updated: June 16, 2021

 
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