Science Performance Assessment (SPA) Ambassador Program

Applications are now open for our 2026-27 Science Performance Assessment (SPA) Ambassador train-the-trainer program. DESE is looking for districts to identify SPA Ambassadors to support educators and students within their district to become familiar with Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) assessment practices in support of deeper learning. SPA Ambassadors have the exciting opportunity to join our existing SPA Ambassador community and gain the skills and tools needed to lead trainings to develop classroom performance assessment literacy for science educators in their school/districts. Teams of science educators from the same district are encouraged to apply.

Ambassadors will:

• experience training modules and adapt the training materials with supporting resources to fit the needs of teachers and students in their districts,
• become part of a statewide network of SPA Ambassadors that collaborate, share resources, and work toward a shared vision of equitable science instruction and assessment practices,
• become equipped to serve as a local resource for teachers and leaders using the use of the classroom STE performance assessment tasks to inform instruction, and
• support teachers and leaders in using assessment data to inform instruction and assessment practices.

Proposed program dates for new SPA Ambassadors:

• June 4 & 5, 2026 (in person, Everett, MA from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm)

Professional Development Points (PDPs) will be awarded at the completion of the expectations. All program materials will be available after completion of the program. Travel reimbursement and overnight accommodations for participants travelling 50 miles or more will be available. Additional optional professional learning opportunities will be provided during the 2026-27 academic year.

SPA Ambassador Expectations:

• Attend the June 4 & 5 training dates. By the end of the training, SPA Ambassadors will adapt their own training materials to bring back to their districts.
• Plan and facilitate a professional learning activity (e.g., PL, one-on-one meetings with admin, peer coaching) with teachers and/or leaders within their district using resources adapted from the SPA Ambassador program to build local capacity for the use of the STE classroom performance assessments. Submit artifacts of evidence to earn PDPs. (e.g., slide deck from the training, samples of scored student work from a classroom STE performance assessment, and/or an agenda with reflections).
• Attend at least 1 virtual check-in with DESE during the 2026-27 academic year. During these check-ins, SPA Ambassadors will get a chance to reconnect, collaborate, and discuss a problem of practice with other district ambassadors from the previous cohorts.
• Optional: attend additional coaching and/or professional learning opportunities for SPA Ambassadors.

Apply here! Applications for the 2026-27 SPA Ambassador program will close January 31, 2026.

To learn more about the SPA Ambassador program, contact Corrine Steever .

Last Updated: November 24, 2025