MARLBOROUGH – Connecting for Success, the largest professional development conference for vocational technical educators in Massachusetts, has new leadership.
Dr. Kelly Fay, curriculum director at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, and Gabriella White, curriculum director at Nashoba Valley Technical High School, have been appointed as the steering committee co-chairs of the 2022 Connecting for Success conference. Both served last year as assistant co-chairs.
The announcement was made by the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA), the organization that sponsors the annual event. “Planning this conference is a huge undertaking,” said MAVA Executive Director Steven C. Sharek, “But we know the job is in very good hands this year with Kelly and Gabby leading the way.”
Dr. Fay earned a Doctor of Education degree from Northeastern University, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) from Fitchburg State University, and a B.S. in Human Growth and Development from Wheelock College. She lives in Billerica.
Ms. White earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Boston University and a B.A. in History from College of the Holy Cross. She lives in Haverhill.
The new Co-Chairs will work with a Steering Committee comprised of educators from regional vocational, agricultural, and comprehensive high schools offering Chapter 74 vocational technical programs. They will be in overall charge of planning, promoting, and delivering a high-quality professional development experience for hundreds of educators.
The Conference includes keynote speakers, live presentations, workshops, classroom instruction and discussions, announcements and updates from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and time for educators to meet colleagues and learn about best practices in vocational education. Educators also have an opportunity to meet with vendors and agencies that provide service or products that assist vocational schools and programs.
The 2022 Connecting for Success Conference is scheduled to be held June 28-30, 2022, at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough.
Last year’s Connecting for Success Conference was conducted as a “virtual” event due to concerns about COVID-19. The conference was organized by Dr. Denise Pigeon, Secretary of the MAVA Board of Directors and Superintendent at Nashoba Valley Technical High School, who volunteered her time.
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