Superintendent Durkin convenes Teacher Advisory Groups to
amplify teacher voice in district initiatives
Educators across grade levels and disciplines selected to meet regularly with the Superintendent
New Bedford, MA – Superintendent Pia Durkin has established two new Teacher Advisory Groups (TAG) for the New Bedford Public Schools. Dozens of teachers, some recommended by principals and others identified by Dr. Durkin herself, will serve on the two groups – one representing elementary and middle schools, and the other representing high schools. Dr. Durkin established the groups in order to amplify the voice of teachers in district decision-making. The educators represent a broad cross-section of subject areas and grade levels across the district. In the first K-8 TAG meeting held last month, 44 teachers were invited to participate. The high school group, which will focus largely on implementation of the Turnaround Plan for New Bedford High School, will begin meeting at the start of the school year. “It is critical for the voices of classroom teachers to be heard,” said Dr. Durkin. “These are the men and women who work directly with our students every day. They understand better than anyone the challenges and opportunities we face.”
Mayor Jon Mitchell stated, “The district could benefit directly by having a mechanism through which teachers can give unfiltered feedback of what’s happening before them in the classroom. The superintendent has always wanted input from teachers and has spent a lot of time with them.”
The TAG will meet at least quarterly over the course of the school year and provide feedback on major initiatives, such as the District Accelerated Improvement Plan (AIP) and modifications to the District Assessment Calendar. Dr. Durkin, as well as new Chief Academic Officer Jason DeFalco and other district leaders, will participate in TAG meetings to speak with teachers about district improvement efforts, and to hear their questions, concerns, and ideas.
Participants in the K-8 Teacher Advisory Group:
Manuela Abouchanab, Hathaway Rebecca Alves, Hayden-McFadden Patti Amaral, Pulaski Jodie Braun, Normandin Alison Buraczenski, Hayden-McFadden Grace Cabral, Ashley Renee Candido, Winslow Cynthia Carvalho, Keith Kim Cormier, Pulaski Dorothy Costa, Winslow Kim Daniels, Gomes Nancy Davis, Renaissance Saozinha “Sao” deOliveira, Roosevelt Lynn Dessert, Lincoln/Campbell Chris Donnelly, Normandin Carolyn Dubois, Pacheco Sherri Ewaszko, Winslow Kristina Farrell Dahlene, Keith Julie Ferreira, Carney Donna Gadbois, Pulaski Moira Greenson, Keith Nikita Higgins, Hayden-McFadden |
Judy Howland, Pulaski Debra Kosboski, Carney Linda Lemieux, Winslow Julie Macrae, Roosevelt Justine Medina, Carney Americo Miranda, Normandin Lynne Poitras, Hayden-McFadden Susan Pratt, Ashley Maria Reidy, Carney Kara Reis, Winslow Elaine Santos, Gomes Vanessa Santos, Roosevelt Micaela Shea, Roosevelt Geraldine Sullivan, Keith Vanesa Tavares, Lincoln Tess Tieu, Pulaski Cynthia Tougas, Parker Lori Vastano, Keith Daniel Viegas, Brooks Emanuel Vieira, Rodman Louise Weigel, Campbell Stephanie Yermalovich, Hayden-McFadden |
Participants in the high school group will be announced at the start of the school year.
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Issue No. 013