Conferences

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, or boots, while flip-flops, slippers, and athletic shoes are not permitted. 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!

Session Descriptions:

Workshop A: Inside Educators Rising: Competitions Overview

Presenter: Gabby Kangume

Curious about Educators Rising and how competitions work? This session offers 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 UMass Boston in March 2026. 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: An Introduction to the Student Education Association of Massachusetts (SEAM)

This presentation will provide an overview of the Student Education Association of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Teachers Association’s aspiring educators. SEAM, a partner organization of Educators Rising, provides a space for students in educator preparation programs in Massachusetts to come together and build community while accessing quality professional development, engaging 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: Student Leadership & Advocacy

Presenter: Claire Mullen

Join Chief of Staff Claire Mullen from the Massachusetts Association of Student Representatives (MASR) for an engaging session on what it means to be a student leader and advocate. Participants will explore practical strategies for building their leadership skills, using their voice effectively, and creating meaningful change within their schools and communities. To close the workshop, everyone will create a small leadership-themed craft to take home—a reminder of the core values and lessons shared during this empowering experience.

Western Regional Fall Leadership Conference 2025 - November 7, 2025

We are excited to announce that we will be partnering with Elms College in Chicopee for our first Western Regional Fall Leadership Conference on November 7th.

You can check out the Elms College HERE

Registration opens on September 1, 2025, HERE. If you don't have an account with us already, you will need to put your information in!

Starr Sackstein will be visiting schools from 11/3-11/6. If you'd like a school visit, please email Starr at SSackstein@educatorsrising.org.

Tentative agenda for the day, with more info coming on specific sessions:

Arrive at the Elms between 8-8:30

8:30 - Kick off for the day - a Welcome from the Elms, State president, Liberty McCloskey shares her Ed Rising Moment

9:15 -10:05 Activities Block 1

Tabling time to informally meet organizations (MASCA, MASR, SEAM, BPA, Educators Rising Student Leadership)

Teacher Leaders session

BPA Advisors Meeting

10:10 -11:00 Activity Block 2

Workshop A: Inside Educators Rising: Competitions Overview

Workshop B: An Introduction to the Student Education Association of Massachusetts (SEAM)

Workshop C: Student Leadership and Advocacy

Workshop D: Enhancing student self-perception in the classroom

Workshop E: Level Up Your Leadership: Learn How to Lead with Inclusion

11:05-12:00 Lunch/Networking

Educators Rising Moment - Gabby Kangume, State Vice President

Short Keynote - The Importance of an Education Career

12:05-12:55 Activities Block 3

Workshop A: Inside Educators Rising: Competitions Overview

Workshop B: An Introduction to the Student Education Association of Massachusetts (SEAM)

Workshop C: Student Leadership and Advocacy

Workshop D: Enhancing student self-perception in the classroom

Workshop E: Level Up Your Leadership: Learn How to Lead with Inclusion

1:00 - 1:30 Campus Tours - all participants

1:30- 2:00 Safe Dismissal back to schools

Session Descriptions Continued:

Workshop D: Enhancing Studen Self-Perception in the Classroom

Workshop E: Level Up Your Leadership: Learn How to Lead With Inclusion.

Presenter: Kaesha Rajgor, MA BPA State President

Think leadership is just about being in charge? Think again! In this interactive workshop, you’ll uncover how small biases can sneak into our decisions, explore different leadership styles, and learn how to ensure everyone’s voice is heard. Through activities, group challenges, and real-world BPA examples, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to create inclusive teams that spark creativity, trust, and success. Come ready to challenge assumptions, celebrate differences, and grow into the leader people want to follow!

State Conference 2026

The 2026 MA State Educators Rising Conference will be held on Wednesday, March 4th. This year, we will partner with UMass Boston. Please save the date!

Here are the competitions and contests we will run so that you can prepare early!

Competitions: Contests:

Educators Rising Moment - Interactive Bulletin Board MS
Lesson planning for the arts - Teacher Created Materials
Children's Literature Pre-k -K English
Children's Literature Pre-k - K Spanish
Research Learning Challenge - Team

*Please review the requirements for each competition and contest in the membership portal and adhere to the correct age group.

I'll share more information on submitting your work as we get closer to the event.

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