A note about the dress code for all MA Educators Rising Events from your Student Leaders:
I want to highlight the dress code for all our events and remind everyone of the importance of dressing professionally. With our Fall Leadership Conference happening less than a month away, we ask all attendees to wear business casual because presenting ourselves professionally matters. This conference is a fantastic opportunity to represent yourself, your school, and our organization proudly.
The Educators Rising organization requires business casual attire for all attendees at the national level; therefore, the same standard is in place for state events. For those competing at the state and national levels, following the dress code is especially important because competitors who do not follow it will lose points. Whether you’re competing or attending, dressing appropriately helps you make a positive impression and shows respect for the event and everyone involved.
For all events this year, here are some key guidelines: Acceptable attire includes slacks or dress pants, dresses or skirts that fall at or below the knee, dress shirts, blouses, button-down shirts, formal sweaters, blazers, and Educators Rising polo shirts. Jeans without holes may be acceptable, but sweatpants, leggings, shorts, tank tops, midriff tops, t-shirts, and hoodies are prohibited. Acceptable footwear includes flats, dress shoes, loafers, and boots, while flip-flops, slippers, and athletic shoes are not appropriate. Hats are prohibited, but head coverings required for religious or cultural reasons are allowed.
Following this dress code shows respect for the event and helps you make a great first impression. It also helps us all present ourselves with confidence and professionalism. Let’s all come prepared to look confident and professional!
Join us in Chicopee on Friday, November 6th
Thanks to this year’s sponsors for helping keep the event affordable. Shout-out to the Red Sox Foundation and the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
*All folks must register for an account to register for the event. You don't have to sign up for membership right now, but membership reduces costs.
Registration is now open - Register Here
(You need to sign in or create an account even if you aren't a member.)
Agenda for the day:
8:00-8:30 Buses arrive and drop off at the main gate
Registration - Name tags, agenda, breakfast bars, snacks, fruit, donuts (coffee, tea, water, hot chocolate) 8:30-9:15 Agenda/Plan for the Day - Student leaders
Welcome - Dr. Joyce Hampton, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Educators Rising Moment - Student leadership team
9:20 -10:05 Activities Block 1
Ask Me Anything Passport Scavenger Hunt
Educators Rising Info Session: Teachers/Administrators
10:10 -11:00 Activities Block 2
Workshop A: Inside Educators Rising: Competitions Overview
Workshop B: Your Future Educator Self (SEAM)
Workshop C: Dealing with “Crazy” Situations with C.R.A.Z.Y.: A Framework for Aspiring Educators
Workshop D: Student Voice to Action Plan.
Workshop E: Developmental Skills in Early Education & Care
Workshop F: Education Panel: Different Careers in Education
11:05-11:50 Lunch/Networking
11:55 - 12:25 Campus Tours
12:30 - 12:55 Keynote - Joanna de Pena
1:00 - 1:50 Activities Block 3
Workshop A: Inside Educators Rising: Competitions Overview
Workshop B: Your Future Educator Self (SEAM)
Workshop C: Dealing with “Crazy” Situations with C.R.A.Z.Y.: A Framework for Aspiring
Workshop D: Student Voice to Action Plan.
Workshop E: Developmental Skills in Early Education and Care
Workshop F: Education Panel: Different Careers in Education
1:55- 2:15 Closing Remarks and Raffles
2:15 - 2:30 Safe Dismissal to buses, vans, and cars
Shout out to the sponsors of this year's fall conference at Elms College. The Red Sox Foundation and the Community Foundation of Western MA have generously provided funding for this event.
Workshop descriptions and presenters
Educators Rising Info Session for Teachers/Administrators
Presenters: Student Leadership
Want to learn more about Educators Rising and why you should bring this program to your school, or do you have a program already and want to grow it? This is the session for you. Come talk with the student leaders about their experiences, and ask any questions you have about who we are and how we help nurture future educators, advocates, and leaders.
Workshop A: Inside Educators Rising: Competitions Overview
Presenters: Student Leadership
Curious about Educators Rising and how competitions work? This session provides an overview of the organization and its competitive events, including categories, expectations, and how competitions are organized. You’ll also get a preview of the competitions offered at this year’s State Conference at Worcester State University in March 2027. Whether new to competing or aiming to take your skills to the next level, this session will leave you confident, prepared, and excited to showcase your educator skills.
Workshop B: Your Future Educator Self: Introduction to SEAM
Presenters: SEAM Members
This presentation will provide an overview of the Student Education Association of Massachusetts, which supports aspiring educators within the Massachusetts Teachers Association. SEAM, a partner organization of Educators Rising, offers a space for students in educator preparation programs in Massachusetts to come together, build community, access quality professional development, engage in political action, and more. Presenters will share their own SEAM experiences, engage participants in conversation, and answer any questions participants may have.
Workshop C: Dealing with “Crazy” Situations with C.R.A.Z.Y.: A Framework for Aspiring Educators
Presenter: Dr. De’Shawn Washington
What does it really take to become an educator? In this interactive workshop, aspiring educators will explore the C.R.A.Z.Y. Framework™, Dr. DeShawn Washington’s educator-development framework designed to help teachers build strong, student-centered classrooms. Participants will explore how to cultivate meaningful relationships, establish positive classroom routines, elevate student voice, support learning, and foster student growth. Through practical strategies and reflection, aspiring educators will understand what effective teaching looks and feels like and begin thinking about the educator they want to become.
Workshop D: Workshop D: Student Voice to Action Plan.
Presenter: Kadence Illig
This workshop will provide students with background information on the Massachusetts Association of Student Representatives. Participants will also gain hands-on experience using student voice to create an action plan that addresses a problem in their own community.
Workshop E: Developmental Skills in Early Education and Care
Presenters: Juliette, Madison and Hailey
We will cover several developmental skills for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 15 months–5 years), including physical, intellectual, and social-emotional development. The presentation will include hands-on activities for the audience to participate in.
Workshop F: Panel: Different Careers in Education
Presenters:
This panel will explore a variety of education-related career pathways outside the classroom. From school counselors to ed tech, we work together to provide better learning for students at every level. In this session, come listen and ask questions about different careers in education or education advocacy.
This year's state conference will be at Worcester State on Wednesday, March 17th.
There will be a Teacher-Leader Meeting the week of November 16th to go over the details for competitions. Stay tuned for more information.
Shout out to our Sponsor for this year's state conference. The MTA has generously provided us funding for this year's conference.
This year's Competitions and Contests have been decided by state student leaders (and for the first time, Collegiate entrants welcomed):
Project Visualize Service Project (individual or dual) (MS, HS, Collegiate)
Teacher Created Materials (individual or dual) (MS, HS, Collegiate)
Creative Lecture (TED Talk) (MS, HS, Collegiate)
Children’s Literature – (K-3) (In English and Spanish) (MS, HS) (Collegiate is for higher ed)
Public Service Announcement - Teacher Recruitment (team) (MS, HS, Collegiate)
Lesson Planning and Delivery – Career and Technical Education (HS only)
Job Interview (HS only)
Exploring Non-Core Subject Teaching Careers (MS, HS)
This year's conference will be in Columbus, Ohio at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on June 17-20, 2027