| | Dear Friends,
This January, I am reflecting on the importance of diversity in our classrooms. I celebrate our charter public schools’ commitment to narrowing the disparity that exists between the representation of educators of color and students of color. Today, students at charter public schools are three times more likely to have a teacher of color than their district peers. Having diverse educators and role models is transformational for all kids, but especially for students of color. Representation matters.
As we begin a new year, I am energized to continue this work alongside all of you. MCPSA is proud to serve on the steering committee supporting the Educator Diversity Act, a policy proposal focused on breaking down the barriers that prevent more people of color from becoming and remaining educators. We believe that, if passed, the Educator Diversity Act will become a national exemplar for diversifying teacher recruitment and retention, benefitting our students here in Massachusetts and across the country. You, too, have a role to play and can help support this critical legislation by emailing your legislators today.
I am inspired, as always, by the tremendous and ongoing work of the dedicated educators in our state’s charter public schools. Below, I share two of many inspiring stories. |
| Onwards,  Tim Nicolette
Executive Director, Massachusetts Charter Public School Association |
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|  | “One of the many things that is so special about the Academy of the Pacific Rim (APR) is the individualized support that students receive from teachers and advisors. I've been a student here since the 5th grade and teachers' attention and care helps keep me growing on my academic journey as a scholar, learning and achieving more!” - Lysha,
Student, Academy of the Pacific Rim |
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| | MCPSA Spotlight:
Educator Diversity at Charter Public Schools |
| Building an Ecosystem of Diverse Educators |
| Educator Farida Mama Graham’s long commitment to educational equity led her to her current role as Executive Director at the Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter Public School (APR), where building and sustaining diversity has been a key component of the school’s vision to provide an excellent education to its students.
Today, over one-third of classroom teachers at APR identify as people of color and over 50% of leaders identify as people of color; many of the board members are APR alumni. "There's something so special about the way our school leaders and teachers of color interact with our kids and our families. Our kids see themselves reflected in their educators, feel their belief, and are empowered to pursue opportunity," Farida explained. |
| |  | | Growing Educators from Within |
| Lowell Community Charter Public School (LCCPS) serves a diverse group of Pre-K to 8th grade students. The school’s aim is to create a learning environment in which each child feels connected, valued, and affirmed. A key part of this effort relies on ensuring students see themselves reflected in their classrooms. To this end, LCCPS launched an initiative to create a pathway for paraprofessionals from the community to be developed into full-time teacher roles – an initiative that has enabled them to make meaningful progress. Additionally, LCCPS recognizes that as important as it is to bring new, diverse educators into the field, it’s also critical to ensure they stay, which has led to multiple initiatives to ensure teachers feel meaningfully heard and valued. |
| |  | | | Boston Collegiate students get advice from school’s graduates, Dorchester Reporter
Featuring Boston Collegiate Charter School On Wed., Jan. 3, some three dozen alumni/ae from years 2011 to 2023 gathered at Boston Collegiate Charter School to check in with their former teachers and offer advice to current students. The visitors represented a range of post-secondary schools, including state colleges, Ivy League universities, small liberal arts institutions, and the Marine Corps, where two of them had enlisted after their graduations. |
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| | Atlantis students are the teachers — they created books for migrant kids to learn English, Herald News
Featuring Atlantis Charter School Social studies students at Atlantis recently wrote and illustrated a series of early-reader picture books meant to teach kids basic English. They’re gifts for migrant children from Haiti staying in the Fall River area. On Wednesday, the students presented 20 copies of the books to community and children’s advocacy group United Neighbors of Fall River. Wendy Garf-Lipp, United Neighbors’ executive director, said many migrant families staying in local motels include kids of kindergarten-age. |
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