Dear Colleagues and Friends,
On February 27, Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, and Attorney
General Andrea Joy Campbell issued joint guidance reaffirming the state’s commitment
to support efforts to further equal access and representation in our public schools and
institutions of higher education.
“We believe that bringing people of different backgrounds and perspectives to the table…is a strength, especially in education,” said Governor Healey. “We are committed to working closely with our incredible schools, colleges, and universities to support all our students.”
Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler echoed the sentiment: “This country has long fought
for all students to have equal access to a public education. The federal government is
attempting to take us back decades, exacerbating real inequities that still exist
today. Today’s joint guidance reaffirms that Massachusetts will continue to acknowledge
and address historical and persistent gaps in student access and achievement, including
Black and Brown students, students with disabilities, low-income students, LGBTQ+
students and other marginalized student populations. We remain committed to supporting schools and higher education institutions, within the law, to build more equitable education systems for all students.”
We applaud the Commonwealth’s leaders for their clarity in these unsettling times. At
Power of Place, we know that students, especially those who face social stigma, learn best when they feel a sense of belonging – when they are fully seen, heard, understood, and appreciated. We also know that for students to thrive, educators must also feel appreciated and have opportunities to continue their own learning. That is what our work is all about.
We know how hard it is to take time out to reflect and engage in deep learning while
drinking out of a firehose. Our “third space” is intended as an oasis from the daily frenzy,
where educators can gain skills and perspective, connect with colleagues, help each other through challenges, and emerge better teachers, leaders, and learners. Our mission is to help revitalize a profession that is critical to the future of our communities. There is
something magical that happens when educators come together within and across districts to celebrate and be celebrated for their dedication to a profession that requires keen intellect, creativity, common sense, and open hearts and minds.
That magic is what prompted us to plan the 2025 Winter Gathering as our first-ever entirely peer-led learning experience. Unfortunately, as many of you know, Mother Nature had other ideas, and we had to postpone – not cancel – our February 7 event. I am happy to share that we have been able to find a new date when all of our presenters can be there. While technically no longer in winter, the 2025 Winter Gathering (Take 2) will be on Monday, April 7 from 8 am to 3 pm at Essex North Shore Agricultural and
Technical School (ENSATS). A flyer with more details is below – please share it with
your colleagues. We hope to see you all there!
We know that it can be hard to leave your buildings for the day, and that it may feel almost decadent to “take the day off” for learning. But making space for your own growth is not a luxury; it’s both important and urgent. Those who participate regularly in our learning experiences often leave saying, “I no longer feel alone.” They feel a renewed sense of purpose and return to school with greater energy, sense of joy, and hope for the future. And when educators feel that way, the ones who matter most – their students – are bound to benefit.
In connection,
Jane