Partnership Projects
Ms. Pag and Ms. Foley
Ms. Page and Miss Foley collaborate in the classroom
The Arnone School, Brockton
As we all know, this current school year has been one for the books. Although we never expected to start this school year without students in our classrooms, one of the bright spots in remote learning has been the collaboration between myself and Amelia, a student teacher from Bridgewater State University (BSU) who is getting her master’s degree in special education. Since before students returned, we have been working together to provide our students with a safe, equitable and exciting learning environment. Each day we collaborate to plan and implement small group instruction that meets the needs of each one of our students. On a daily basis, Amelia and I are able to give each other feedback about instructional practices and technology tools in an effort to better the remote learning experience for our students. This school year has been a huge undertaking, one that is testing the limits of every teacher’s skill set and flexibility. I am very fortunate to have such a willing partner to collaborate with and grow with. It also helps that she is young because she can help me navigate all of this new technology! Thank you BSU for affording Amelia and I the opportunity to form a powerful partnership that each and every one of our students is benefiting from.
The Arnone School, Brockton
As we all know, this current school year has been one for the books. Although we never expected to start this school year without students in our classrooms, one of the bright spots in remote learning has been the collaboration between myself and Amelia, a student teacher from Bridgewater State University (BSU) who is getting her master’s degree in special education. Since before students returned, we have been working together to provide our students with a safe, equitable and exciting learning environment. Each day we collaborate to plan and implement small group instruction that meets the needs of each one of our students. On a daily basis, Amelia and I are able to give each other feedback about instructional practices and technology tools in an effort to better the remote learning experience for our students. This school year has been a huge undertaking, one that is testing the limits of every teacher’s skill set and flexibility. I am very fortunate to have such a willing partner to collaborate with and grow with. It also helps that she is young because she can help me navigate all of this new technology! Thank you BSU for affording Amelia and I the opportunity to form a powerful partnership that each and every one of our students is benefiting from.
Drs. Kevin McGowan and Melissa Winchell hosted a discussion on "Dismantling our Racial Biases with TECCA Teachers and Staff
On Friday, November 6, 139 faculty and staff from TECCA participated in a virtual workshop, "Dismantling Our Racial Biases," facilitated by Dr. Kevin McGowan and Dr. Melissa Winchell of BSU's College of Education and Health Sciences. Participants participated in a variety of activities--paired conversations, reading and discussion groups, and a reflective Padlet--to learn about implicit racial biases and the impact of teacher bias on all students, including White students and students of color.
Testimonials from TECCA participants
"I appreciated the discussions and openness of my coworkers. I also appreciated how honest the presenters were about their own experiences and biases with race. It really gave everyone the comfort level needed to have an open, honest conversation which can be uncomfortable at times."
"[I learned] that being passive [about race] is dangerous to a teacher's progression and growth."
"Before the workshop I worried about discussing race with my coworkers. After the workshop I am motivated to make my conversations a place that are safe to discuss race."
"Before the workshop I felt that I wasn't racist, now I've realized that my silence is actually racist!"
"Before the workshop I was uncomfortable talking about race. After the workshop I can accept, acknowledge, and address being uncomfortable. I can also take steps to change it."
On Friday, November 6, 139 faculty and staff from TECCA participated in a virtual workshop, "Dismantling Our Racial Biases," facilitated by Dr. Kevin McGowan and Dr. Melissa Winchell of BSU's College of Education and Health Sciences. Participants participated in a variety of activities--paired conversations, reading and discussion groups, and a reflective Padlet--to learn about implicit racial biases and the impact of teacher bias on all students, including White students and students of color.
Testimonials from TECCA participants
"I appreciated the discussions and openness of my coworkers. I also appreciated how honest the presenters were about their own experiences and biases with race. It really gave everyone the comfort level needed to have an open, honest conversation which can be uncomfortable at times."
"[I learned] that being passive [about race] is dangerous to a teacher's progression and growth."
"Before the workshop I worried about discussing race with my coworkers. After the workshop I am motivated to make my conversations a place that are safe to discuss race."
"Before the workshop I felt that I wasn't racist, now I've realized that my silence is actually racist!"
"Before the workshop I was uncomfortable talking about race. After the workshop I can accept, acknowledge, and address being uncomfortable. I can also take steps to change it."
Staff from the BSU College of Education and Health Sciences volunteer to read at the Raymond School in Brockton.
Bridgewater State University and Brockton Public Schools Professional Development Strong Partnership Highlighted by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The BSU/BPS partnership identifies its greatest success in the relationships between BSU staff and district teachers. Not only are BSU staff welcome and supported in the schools, students see BSU staff so often that they assume they work for the district. How did BSU and Brockton Public Schools form such a close working relationship? They did so by prioritizing the partnership as a critical component of teacher development, embedding BSU staff into the partner sites, and committing leadership to its sustainability. Click here to read more (scroll to page 8)
BSU Donates Playground to the Carlos Pacheco School, New Bedford
A ceremony was held to mark the opening of a new playground at New Bedford’s Carlos Pacheco Elementary School. A portion of the equipment populating the new space was donated by Bridgewater State University. click here to read more
A ceremony was held to mark the opening of a new playground at New Bedford’s Carlos Pacheco Elementary School. A portion of the equipment populating the new space was donated by Bridgewater State University. click here to read more
Future Teachers Club
Dr. Stephen Krajeski working with the Future Teachers Club
Marissa Massaro
Class of 2017, Brockton High School
Future Teachers Club
All of my life I have wanted to become a teacher but I didn’t think I could start working towards it until college. The Educators Rising Club (formerly Future Teachers) at Brockton High School has opened my eyes and made me realize that there are things that I can do now to prepare for a career in education. This club is a lot of fun because we learn about something that we are interested in that will better help us prepare for the future. What makes it even more engaging is that we are not being forced to learn; everyone is there because they want to be which means that everyone participates and enjoys the time that we have there.
Through activities and discussions, we learn what it takes to be a teacher. Last year we attended a Future Teachers conference at Bridgewater State University where we, along with other students from various schools, spent the day learning how to be a teacher from college professors. It was a lot of fun and we looked at teaching in many different ways.
We are looking forward to attending the next Educators Rising Conference at Bridgewater State on April 8, 2016. In the meantime, Bridgewater State has been allowing their education professors to come visit us. For instance, through interactive activities, Dr. Jennifer Menak taught us about “read alouds” and classroom management. Dr. Stephen Krajenksi did an interactive lesson on states of matter in which he taught us like 3rd graders and then allowed us to reflect as teachers. Through this affiliation between Brockton High School and Bridgewater State University, we learn what to expect as we pursue our dreams.
Class of 2017, Brockton High School
Future Teachers Club
All of my life I have wanted to become a teacher but I didn’t think I could start working towards it until college. The Educators Rising Club (formerly Future Teachers) at Brockton High School has opened my eyes and made me realize that there are things that I can do now to prepare for a career in education. This club is a lot of fun because we learn about something that we are interested in that will better help us prepare for the future. What makes it even more engaging is that we are not being forced to learn; everyone is there because they want to be which means that everyone participates and enjoys the time that we have there.
Through activities and discussions, we learn what it takes to be a teacher. Last year we attended a Future Teachers conference at Bridgewater State University where we, along with other students from various schools, spent the day learning how to be a teacher from college professors. It was a lot of fun and we looked at teaching in many different ways.
We are looking forward to attending the next Educators Rising Conference at Bridgewater State on April 8, 2016. In the meantime, Bridgewater State has been allowing their education professors to come visit us. For instance, through interactive activities, Dr. Jennifer Menak taught us about “read alouds” and classroom management. Dr. Stephen Krajenksi did an interactive lesson on states of matter in which he taught us like 3rd graders and then allowed us to reflect as teachers. Through this affiliation between Brockton High School and Bridgewater State University, we learn what to expect as we pursue our dreams.
