Test pilot a high school science unit and bring UMass Boston researchers into your classroom
Are you a high school science teacher looking for something exciting to end the school year? Be one of the first classes to test a short mini-unit developed with Dr. Albert Kao at UMass Boston and Galactic Polymath Education Studio.
• Unit Title: “Animal Collective: How group behavior can produce surprising problems…and solutions!”
• Aimed at upper level high school
• The Gist: “Students will draw their own social networks, ponder the meaning of complexity and begin to notice unexpected patterns that emerge around them, unnoticed. Through hands-on activities and digital experiments, students will discover how complexity research enriches our daily lives.”
Benefits:
• Input for you and your students will shape the teaching materials, which are freely available for all.
• Resume builder: curriculum evaluation
• a $500 stipend
• It may be possible for grad students or Dr. Kao to visit your class at the end of the unit and do a Q&A or help facilitate a lesson.
When:
• ASAP (top candidates will be able to test this out before the end of the school year)
• Applicants who can test pilot in the summer session or early fall will also be given consideration
LINK: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QQOn06yXbA0yJW_Hvg2U4f8DgrjhCbYlsjovpuMI_nM/edit?tab=t.0
Nuestros Niños Professional Development Program
This program provides K1 educators (teachers and paraprofessionals) that work with multilingual learners the opportunity to earn a 12 credit credential that can be used towards earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The program consists of 4 online courses taught across two years and includes in person place-based coaching. The program goals are to improve the teaching of language and literacy in young bilingual children and to enhance parents’ ability to promote their children’s language and literacy development. Participants will obtain an academic certificate in Teaching and Learning of Young Bilingual Children with tuition paid for by project funds. You can learn more in this flyer or express your interest in participating in this form.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZWL3ls8k_K5ixTLNs6G41DOk00qJLbvz/view
Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8OB-4KvgbOs6yaWP66PeXtbydnrjOPbzXKqx_2_425lRgUw/viewform
PD Opportunity through the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum presents Thinking Through Art, a professional development program for teachers of all subjects in Boston Public Schools, proven to improve culturally responsive instruction and foster critical thinking and social-emotional learning. Thinking Through Art includes intensive professional development, a visual art curriculum, and free guided Museum visits – including transportation. A $100 materials fee covers all program components, with opportunities to earn Professional Development Points or graduate credits. Apply by July 1st, 2025, at gardnermuseum.org/tta
New Fellowship for Impact in Early Childhood Policy
The Rennie Center is now accepting applications for the Fellowship for Impact in Early Childhood Policy (FFI). In collaboration with the Commonwealth Children’s Fund, Rennie will kick off its first FFI cohort this fall! FFI is a professional development program that will bring together a diverse group of individuals from across the early childhood field to understand the intricacies of the policy process and work to advance more equitable systems for Massachusetts’ youngest residents. Through a series of on-site and virtual learning opportunities, FFI Fellows will deepen their knowledge and understanding of key policy issues, structures, and processes; build a stronger network among peers and policy leaders; promote individual leadership skill development and growth as early childhood leaders; and identify potential policy changes that could improve early childhood systems. Fellows who meet the program requirements will receive a $1,500 stipend. Applications are due July 25. https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8352241/Fellowship-for-Impact-in-Early-Childhood-Policy-2025-26-Application
Stipend Opportunity for Bilingual Educators
The Office of Multilingual and Multicultural Education (OMME) in partnership with the Multistate Association of Bilingual Education (MABE) are sharing a wonderful opportunity for educators on the pathway to their Bilingual Education Endorsement (BEE): Project SEMBRAR. The opportunity includes the continued support of our bilingual educators on their pedagogical journey as they apply the learned theoretical components of teaching in bilingual spaces. Program benefits include, financial and academic support, social and pedagogical support, networking opportunities with DLBE community of practice, an opportunity to contribute to building capacity of bilingual multilingual education, and a stipend of $1,750/year. Find the linked Project SEMBRAR One-Pager for more information and the application survey. Email either Manny Ramirez (mramirez@bostonpublicschools.org) or MABE partner, Phyllis Hardy, (phyllishardy@mabene.org), with any questions.
One-Pager: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kdgQI-2LdjPTFGhQxKO_iOMDIkDCQ0a1/view?usp=sharing
Application survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEqEhmU9_-2RIlWIp282x2qPVUiySUhaW9K9uYCM9Na3hOxw/viewform
Bullying Intervention Specialist Training
The Bullying Intervention Specialist Training, held on Tuesday, August 19th and Thursday, August 21st, from 8:30-3:00pm, will explore how to recognize and address bullying, delving into biased-based conduct, cyberbullying, and the BPS reporting and investigation process. The training will be held at the Intervention Center at 515 Hyde Park Avenue in Hyde Park. Contact Hali Holtzman (hholtzman@bostonpublicschools.org) for more information.
Maintaining a Restorative Community Training
The Maintaining a Restorative Community (Tier 2) Training is taking place on Tuesday, August 26th and Wednesday, August 27th, from 8:30-3:00pm at the Intervention Center at 515 Hyde Park Avenue, Hyde Park. This training is for participants who have previously attended the Tier 1 training. The sessions will help develop a shared language and explore whole school cultural practices to ensure we are maintaining a restorative community. Contact Hali Holtzman (hholtzman@bostonpublicschools.org) with any questions.