Partnership & Services

Beyond individual membership for school equity leaders, AMSEL offers consultation and professional development at additional cost for staff and district leaders to create safe, brave, equitable, and inclusive spaces of teaching, learning and growth for students, educators, and community members. This support can help to improve the culture, morale, cultural curiosity, and learning of whole school communities and districts. AMSEL utilizes resources from several evidence-based practices and lends the expertise of equity leaders currently working in Massachusetts school districts. AMSEL can assist with the review of strategic plans around district development and growth and can offer support through a lens of equity with expertise and experience.  AMSEL affords colleagues and members access to innovative equity platforms, strategies and techniques for training, and building community. 

Our Professional Development Committee provides access to professional training and workshops for our members, as well as hosts educational forums and conferences for the broader community. The committee works in pursuit of the following professional development goals:

• Develop and oversee the professional development needs of all equity leaders and ensure alignment across the state.

• Pursue professional learning and engagement opportunities for personal and professional growth.

• Plan, organize, and host DEI/EDI educational forums, seminars, and/or leadership institutes to the broader community.

• Create resources for individuals and districts to move equity work forward.

• Create opportunities for the gathering of affinity groups for educators and leaders of color and for allies/co-conspirators of equity work.

The Professional Partnerships & Networking Committee develops and manages partnerships with professional organizations and persons, as well as networking opportunities and events. In order for our impact to be systemic and sustainable, we wholeheartedly believe it must be done in partnership and collaboration with the broader community. AMSEL hopes to build long standing relationships with organizations, agencies and advocates across the Commonwealth and beyond with the shared vision of an equitable and inclusive educational system for all students, educators and families.

AMSEL provides affinity spaces for all school personnel in order to support their resilience in equity work. Affinity groups are spaces where individuals who share a common identity can come together for collaboration and support.  These commonalities are typically aspects that are unchangeable components of identity, such as race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexuality, language, ability status, family structure, etc.  Affinity groups are most often useful for identities who have been historically silenced or marginalized, as historic (and contemporary) oppression can result in feelings of isolation in typical workplace and educational environments.  These groups are often designated as “safe spaces” for folks to share how the affinity identity impacts their role in the educational setting, as well as working toward some common mission or goal along those lines. The absence of individuals who identify differently is often what creates this sense of safety for group members.