The Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) hosted its annual Connecting for Success conference last week, bringing together more than 400 leaders in career technical education from across the state.
The conference was held June 28 and 29 at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, with this year’s theme of “Working for a New Tomorrow.”
Connecting for Success is the largest professional development conference for vocational-technical and agricultural educators in New England. About 50 people attended a pre-conference on Tuesday that featured lectures and seminars led by industry professionals.
Charles Lyons, who served as Superintendent of the Shawsheen Valley Technical School District in Billerica for 28 years, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from MassCTE for his decades of service and dedication to career technical education.
“It is truly significant to be recognized by my fellow teachers and administrators,” said Lyons. “My time as Superintendent was enjoyable and it is because of the amazing staff that have worked beside me and supported me over the years.”
A keynote presentation by Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School Superintendent Aaron Polansky followed. Polansky has served as a keynote speaker, conference presenter, and consultant nationwide, helping people to become the best version of themselves.
Breakout sessions over the course of the conference touched on a wide variety of topics. Topics during Wednesday’s sessions included: Creating a Successful Job Shadow Program; Co-teaching in all Classrooms, Unpacking Stigma and Implicit Bias, Special Education in the Technical/Vocational Setting, and more.
Wednesday’s conference concluded with closing keynote addresses by Joshua Peach, who motivates his audiences to be their best at work and in life. He stitches together profound stories highlighting the resiliency of the human spirit, he has been helping people uplift their lives for over 13 years.
Thursday’s breakout sessions included topics such as Introduction to Utilizing ChatGBT; Rethinking Grading through an Equity Lens; Elevate Your Students Technical Language Skills; CVTE Senior Exploratory Program; Leveling up Related; and more.
The session concluded with a final keynote presentation by Theresa Melito-Connors, who specializes in providing her audiences with theatre-inspired professional development workshops and educational curricula.
“I want to extend my gratitude to our many presenters, sponsors, keynote speakers, as well as the staff at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School for hosting the event,” said MAVA Executive Director Steven Sharek.
New Officers
MAVA also welcomed its new slate of officers this week. Officers include the following:
- President: Dr. Heidi T. Riccio, Superintendent, Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School
- Vice President: Dr. Denise P. Pigeon, Superintendent, Nashoba Valley Technical High School
- Treasurer: Aaron Polansky, Superintendent-Director, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School
- Secretary/Clerk: Dr. Karen M. Maguire, Superintendent, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School
- Immediate Past President: Dr. Andrew H. Linkenhoker, Superintendent, Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School
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