Western Regional Fall Leadership Conference 2025 - November 7, 2025

You can check out the Elms College HERE

Arrive at the Elms between 8-8:30

8:30 - Kick off for the day - a Welcome frm 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:

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.

Workshop D: Enhancing Student Self-Perception in the Classroom

Presenters: Liberty McCloskey, Matilda Trudell, Jamie Donahue

Join three Minuteman Tech High schoolers as they share their project on self perception in the classroom. As young teachers we have learned that the environment and teachers shape how children view themselves. Our presentation is about how you can support positive self-perception as a teacher.

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!