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Learn more about how these programs are developing in schools across the state.
Each year, our seniors put on their caps and gowns, display their various honors and cords and medals, and, on the day before their formal graduation ceremony, parade around our schools, where they are applauded by Educators and students, starting with the preschool all the way up to some of their classmates at the High School.
As the principal, I lead the procession with the class advisor, which means I don't always get to see the reactions to what happens in the corridors behind me. I can hear it, sure, but with the din of students cheering and my focus on making sure we keep moving to accommodate a tight morning schedule, I don't always have the opportunity to turn and take in the sights. I rely on some social media posts, or photos that a teacher or colleague may share, or the faithful video production of our local cable access.
Because of them, we get to see how Educators Rising influences a validated, recent past experience, an exciting and emotional present, and a hopeful future.
What may seem like an abrupt shift in rhetoric is actually part of the justification for continuing our educational pathway and partnership with Ed Rising. When students who have worked in an elementary class, having committed in some form to the vocation of Education as part of their High School experience and potential post-secondary journey, the noise gets a little louder, the tears flow a little more freely, and the embraces between educator and student teacher grip a little bit longer. I've seen 15 third graders count from the side of the hallway, cheering for 90 seniors, unable to contain themselves as they bid a final thank-you and congratulations to beloved Miss Abby. Students who serve in the school nursing office get thank-you cards and miniature diplomas from kids whom they may have just talked down from a scraped knee, and those who dedicate time to reading in the library get high-fives, hugs, and a little additional love, often to the delight of their graduate classmates.
What often starts for us in grade 8 or 9 at Uxbridge High School, with some of our career profiling, personality inventories, and interest surveys, ultimately leads to a purposeful pathway merging the Ed Rising program and education courses with an internship tailored to a specific grade level or content area. Make no mistake, the high school students are put to work, and there is a range of experiences, from planning lessons to assisting with administrative tasks to understanding the nuances of the profession's details, not just playing board games or reading a story after lunch. The goals come in multitudes: grow our own educators, create strong mentors and relationships within the district, and give some of our educators the opportunity to share their expertise and challenges. To say the benefits have outweighed the liabilities would be a grave understatement.
Our school is fortunate to have a robust internship program where external partnerships are valued and prioritized. While 90% of our seniors may participate in some form of internship program, about 8 to 10 may find themselves working in a school, tethered in some way to the Ed Rising curriculum. They do so with purpose, with connection, and with the critical intersection of durable skill development to content mastery, not to mention the all-important focus on post-secondary intentions.
Ed Rising is neither the beginning nor the end, but a purposeful partner behind the smiles, the embraces, and the tears—ultimately acting as a catalyst for inspiration and the foundation for our students' decisions to pursue this honorable vocation. While it is just one chapter in a student's journey, it is the one that turns aspirations into reality. We are now only a year or two away from our first alumni returning not as students but as peers—certified educators ready to mentor the next generation with the same passion they once received, completing a powerful, full-circle legacy of learning and leadership.
At Minuteman High School, Educators Rising is fully embedded into our Early Education and Teaching program, giving students the opportunity to connect their classroom learning directly to real-world teaching experiences. Students actively engage in creating lesson plans, developing teaching materials, and participating in hands-on field placements, which naturally prepares them for Educators Rising competitions. Incorporating the Educator Rising standards every day.
Over the past two years, we’ve intentionally grown the program by building awareness early, integrating competition preparation into coursework, and encouraging students to take ownership of their projects. As a result, we’ve seen incredible growth in both participation and success. Last year, we had six students attend the state and then the national conference, and this year, nine students qualified at the state level, earning multiple first- and second-place finishes both years.
One example of this impact is Liberty McCloskey, who competed last year and this year and placed in both states and nationals. She has grown into a confident student leader through her involvement in Educators Rising. Through the program, she has strengthened her public speaking skills, taken initiative in her work, and now serves as a positive role model for younger students considering a career in education. She has also been selected as a Massachusetts Student Ambassador and will represent our program at the national conference, further highlighting the strength of student leadership.
Another student who has made a meaningful impact is Gabby Kangume, who also participated and placed at the state level. Gabby’s work reflects a strong understanding of developmentally appropriate practice and creativity in designing engaging learning experiences. She has also represented Massachusetts at the National Conference in 2025. Through Educators Rising, she has grown in both confidence and professionalism, demonstrating the skills and mindset of a future educator.
Beyond competition, Educators Rising has become a powerful leadership and career development tool for our students. They gain confidence, public speaking skills, and a strong sense of identity as future educators. We also emphasize fundraising, teamwork, and professional responsibility, as students work together to make opportunities like attending nationals possible.
Educators Rising a central part of our program culture—where students are supported, challenged, and inspired to pursue careers in education.
Students at East Bridgewater Jr./Sr. High School has been actively engaged in its Educators Rising membership, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field of education. Throughout the year, they have participated in district classroom visits, collaborated on lesson planning, and contributed to curriculum development projects.
Recently, several students expanded their learning by attending a virtual Future Educator Conference hosted by Bridgewater State University, where they explored pathways into the teaching profession and connected with peers who share similar goals.
In preparation for Teacher Appreciation Week, students are currently creating thoughtful gifts to recognize and celebrate the dedication of teachers and staff. They look forward to continuing their involvement in Educators Rising and building on their experiences in the coming school year.
Educators Rising has played a pivotal role in the increased structure of the Education Pathway curriculum at Everett High School. In 2018, Everett High School launched a pathway for students interested in becoming educators. They started as sophomores in learning about careers in education, and the program grew as those students progressed through high school.
As juniors, students take a course on methods and teaching strategies, and as seniors, they complete a capstone and internship in local elementary schools. In partnership with Educators Rising, the program has grown from 7 seniors graduating to 22 seniors graduating this year.
The Educators Rising curriculum has helped us create a scope and sequence for our three courses that keep the work rigorous and consistent. Not only do we use the notes and slideshows to present our day-to-day class activities, but we also use the access to Kappen and Teaching Channel to supplement our curriculum. Students have been challenged to think more critically about the role of education in their own lives and the world. They are thinking deeply about the issues teachers face every day in the classroom and learning how to advocate for themselves.
The competition and contest topics have also inspired class projects and discussions. Educators Rising has added content and rigor to our growing program and has definitely contributed to our continued success.
"At Greater Lowell Technical High School, we host Educators Rising Club every Thursday after school from 2-3 pm at our on-site laboratory preschool. Students in the ECE shop, alongside peers in other shop areas, meet to engage in all things Education and Teaching.
At Greater Lowell, the Ed. Rising Club has wonderful support from our Superintendent, Principal, and the School Committee. Every year, we have been approved to attend the State Conference held in March, and in 2023 and in 2024, we were able to attend the National Conferences in Orlando and in Washington DC. These national trips were life-changing for our students.
For the 2025-2026 club meetings, we kicked things off in the fall with a focus on professional skills, earning micro-credentials in Effective Classroom Leadership and Workplace Flexibility. These weren't just "paper" certifications; students spent their time learning how to set clear expectations and build the kind of student-teacher relationships that keep a classroom running smoothly. We continued these micro-credentials throughout the winter.
The most valuable part of the program remains our time at the Little Gryphon Preschool. Every Thursday, our members step into leadership roles, designing and leading mini-lessons for the preschoolers. Whether they are running small-group literacy activities or organizing our Read Across America Week or Teacher Appreciation Week events, the hands-on experience allows them to see firsthand if teaching is the right path for them.
This spring, the focus shifted to professional networking and competition. We virtually attended the Educators Rising State Conference at UMass Boston and also took a virtual field trip to Bridgewater State University for its Future Teachers Conference. A major highlight at the Bridgewater conference was hearing from Tara Goodhue, the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year, who spoke about the importance of staying connected to your students.
Our members also stepped up to compete in several categories this year at the Educators Rising State Conference:
Children’s Literature: Two of our juniors earned 2nd Place at the state competition for their literary piece on Juvenile Diabetes.
Teacher-Created Materials: Another team designed an original educational game board, presented it to a panel of judges, and received valuable feedback to bring back to their work next year.
Career Insights: Beyond the competitions, students hosted a "Journey to the Classroom" panel, where they interviewed current staff members about their own paths into education.
From practicing instructional skills with preschoolers to holding their own against other schools at the state level, these students have shown incredible growth. These students are gaining experience each week in their direct instruction with young students and engagement with like-minded peers. All are getting a head start on their careers in education. Go Gryphons!"
Lowell High School has offered an Educators Rising Club since 2023, with between 30 and 35 active members each year. The club meets after school to host career speakers, complete community service hours, and raise awareness of opportunities for students interested in education careers. It is an integral part of the school’s push to “grow our own” diverse, dynamic, and dedicated future educators. Educators Rising members gain hands-on experience by attending field trips to work with students at the elementary and middle school level, as well as giving back through volunteer work across the district. Club advisor and social studies teacher, Glen Gallagher, in partnership with English teacher Kendra Bauer, has attended the last three state and national conferences. At each of these conferences Lowell High School students competed in various contests and competitions. The students have won several awards, as highlighted by Jisella Sanquiche’s first-place finish in the national Public Speaking competition in 2024. This summer, nine members of the school’s Ed Rising Club will travel to Portland, Oregon to compete at this year’s national conference. The trips to the national conference are truly inspirational as the students get out of their comfort zones to learn, network, and connect with students from all over the country
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