What’s the focus of Winter CUECamp? Help us Choose!

What's the focus of Winter CUEcamp? Help us choose! MassCUE is inviting your input on our next CUEcamp. We are excited to announce that we will be returning to the Museum of Science in Boston on February 21, 2025, for our popular CUEcamp: a full day of hands-on professional learning. To ensure we deliver an event that meets your specific needs, we're inviting you to vote on the theme for the day. Choose from topics like accessibility, design thinking/maker spaces, technology in storytelling, and more. Please fill out the form below and let us know which areas of focus would be most meaningful to you. Submit your vote below and plan to join us on February 21st at the Museum of Science! VOTE HERE!

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New Year, New Focus on Digital Equity (2025 Winter BC→DE Cohort)

NEW YEAR, NEW FOCUS ON DIGITAL EQUITY Join us in January for the winter cohort of our Building Capacity through Digital Equity program.  If you have been looking for strategies and systems to help you integrate technology into your classroom, school, or district while promoting equity for all students, the BC→DE Winter Cohort is the perfect opportunity. This flexible program will help you develop your expertise in educational technology while learning strategies to ensure that all students benefit. When you join our winter cohort, you’ll gain access to a supportive community of educators and participate in structured learning experiences designed to help you bridge the digital divide.   Visit our BC→DE page to learn more about this flexible program and register for the winter cohort. VISIT THE BC→DE PAGE

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December Featured Educator – Dr. Hossam Elsayyad

For Dr. Hossam Elsayyad, language learning is more than just academics. It’s about building confidence and creating a sense of belonging. As an English Language Development teacher at the Wawecus Road School in Worcester, Dr. Elsayyad integrates culturally responsive teaching and innovative tools with the goal of creating a classroom where every student feels valued, capable, and excited to learn. “Helping students overcome language barriers, express themselves, and gain confidence in their abilities is incredibly rewarding,” Dr. Elsayyad says. “I’m passionate about teaching English language learners because I believe in the transformative power of education.” Dr. Elsayyad leverages technology to enhance language development across the core domains of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. His innovative use of AI tools has transformed language instruction. He uses Simplified AI to create engaging, visual lessons by turning written text into dynamic video content, making it easier for visual learners to grasp concepts. Pi AI gives students practice speaking in a safe, low-pressure environment through simulated real-life conversations. He creates differentiated activities with ChatGPT, adjusting task complexity to match students’ language levels. “With ChatGPT, you can simplify vocabulary and structures for beginners while challenging advanced learners with more complex language,” he says. “This ensures that all students are appropriately engaged, maintaining high expectations without watering down the content.” One of Dr. Elsayyad’s core beliefs is that learning is a collaborative journey. Involving students in setting goals and reflecting on their progress empowers them and fosters ownership. He integrates digital portfolios, primarily through Seesaw, to track and showcase student progress. These portfolios include writing samples, voice recordings, and project work, allowing students to reflect on their growth and take pride in their achievements. He uses Imagine Learning, an adaptive program that tailors lessons to each student's proficiency level, to provide the right challenge and instant feedback. “Together, these tools help me stay organized and offer families easy access to their child’s progress, fostering a sense of ownership and boosting students' confidence,” he says. “For English learners, seeing their improvement is especially motivating.” Another favorite tool for Dr. Elsayyad is Canva, which allows students to create visually compelling projects like infographics and storyboards, reinforcing vocabulary and comprehension. For group projects, he uses Google Slides. Students collaborate to create presentations on topics such as animals, foods, or family traditions, fostering creativity while allowing them to practice their language skills. He uses Google Classroom for organizing assignments, offering feedback, and maintaining communication with both students and parents. “These tools make learning interactive and give students a chance to express themselves in creative ways, turning language practice into an engaging, meaningful experience,” he says. His advice to fellow ELD teachers: build strong relationships with your students. When you understand their backgrounds, cultures, and interests, it helps you connect with them and make the material more relevant. “Embrace technology, but always use it with purpose. It should enhance learning, not complicate it,” he says. “And above all, create a welcoming classroom. A supportive environment encourages students to take risks with their language practice, which is essential for growth.” Ensuring that students feel confident and engaged, especially when facing language barriers, can be a challenge, he says. Balancing the diverse language abilities and cultural backgrounds of his students requires creativity and flexibility. The reward, he says, is watching his students grow. “Whether it’s the first time a student speaks up in class or the pride they feel when sharing a completed project, these moments remind me of why I do this work,” he says. “Their resilience and progress inspire me every day.”   Hossam Elsayyad is an experienced ELD educator and researcher, currently teaching in Worcester, MA. With a Ph.D. in English Education from the University of BathSpa, his work focuses on bilingualism, language acquisition, and the impact of working memory on reading comprehension. Hossam integrates culturally responsive teaching and digital technology to foster English language development and build intellectual agency in his students. Passionate about supporting English language learners, he focuses on creating an inclusive, student-centered classroom that respects and celebrates cultural diversity.

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Recording Available – Better Together

Watch the Recording All Hands on Deck: The Shared Responsibility of Student Well-Being When it comes to technology and student well-being, we all have a role to play in keeping kids safe. Educators from organizations across the commonwealth joined forces on Thursday, November 21 to tackle the issues and make suggestions on student data privacy, social media use and more. Watch the full recording of our November Better Together event below: This event was held in partnership with the Collaborative for Educational Services (CES), the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), the MA Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (MASCD), the Massachusetts Educational Technology Administrators Association (METAA) and the Mass School Library Association (MSLA). Resources Discussed by Panelists VIEW RESOURCES IN FULL-SCREEN MODE Featured Panelists CES Julia Sabourin Chief Operating Officer Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office Ronna Zigmand Tech Director, Librarian Richmond Consolidated School CSTA Megan Bounit Technology Officer Buckingham Browne & Nichols School MASCD Suzy Brooks Director of Instructional Technology Mashpee Public Schools METAA Trisha Leary Director of Technology and Digital Learning Seekonk Public Schools MSLA Laura Gardner Librarian, Dartmouth Middle School Moderators (MassCUE) Jen Thomas MassCUE Brandon Hall MassCUE

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Influence and Advocacy Update: U.S. Department of Ed Releases AI Toolkit

Influence & Advocacy Update November 2024 U.S. Department of Education Releases AI Toolkit On Thursday, October 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Ed Tech released an AI toolkit for safe, ethical, and equitable AI integration for K-12. This new federal AI resource comes as more districts look for guidance around AI in their classrooms. While many states have released their own K-12 AI guidance, this toolkit will provide a more uniform resource for developing school district AI plans. The Office of Ed Tech is committed to encouraging innovative technological advances to improve teaching and learning across the nation’s education systems in a safe, ethical and equitable environment/manner. Read the announcement here. AI TOOLKIT READ THE ANNOUCEMENT

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Celebration of Educators Kicks Off Fall Conference 2024

The 2024 MassCUE Fall Conference got off to a great start with a celebration of three amazing educators who are using educational technology to make a difference for students and colleagues. The annual President’s Dinner featured an awards ceremony for this year’s Pathfinder, Administrator and Shelley Chamberlain Community Service award winners. Michael Rubin Uxbridge High School Principal Michael Rubin knows who to carry a vision forward in the face of adversity and obstacles. This year’s winner of the MassCUE Administrator Award also finds time to share his expertise in educational technology, AI and the Pathways program. When AI first appeared on the educational scene, Board Member Jessica Brittingham pointed out that Rubin learned as much as he could about this technology so that he could be a leader in this innovative time in technology. Read more about our 2024 award winners. Beth Hughes An English Language Arts teacher in Wakefield, Pathfinder Award winner Beth Hughes is a passionate educator and advocate for all students. Board Member Chris Gosselin joined President Casey Daigle in presenting the award to Hughes, saying she is a pioneer in edtech who is always finding new ways to incorporate tech tools in the classroom. Read more about our 2024 award winners. Jared Perrine He is the Director of Technology for the Naragansett Regional School District, but his superpower is his ability to remind us all of our human connection. Jared Perrine has worn many hats in the MassCUE organization over the years. President-Elect Sarah Boyle says he listens carefully to others and approaches every idea with the question, “how will this benefit our teachers and students?” She says he earned the Shelley Chamberlain Community Service Award for his servant leadership and for being the kind of person who will always stop to ask how you are doing and always listen for the answer. Read more about our 2024 award winners.

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Classroom Grants – Open Oct.16, 2024-Jan. 10, 2025

Elevate Your Classroom with a MassCUE Classroom Grant Ready to transform your teaching and inspire your students? Apply for a…

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Join the Goosechase Scavenger Hunt at the MassCUE Fall Conference

  Make Discoveries, Win Prizes! Get ready to explore the MassCUE Fall Conference in a whole new way. Join the Goosechase Scavenger hunt! As you complete the missions, you’ll discover new areas of the conference and earn the chance to win some amazing prizes: Chromebook Gift Basket courtesy of Custom Computer Specialists New England Patriots Memorabilia courtesy of The Craft Group Celtics Tickets courtesy of The Ockers Company Goodie Bag courtesy of ClassLink One Free Course courtesy of the CES MassCUE Membership courtesy of MassCUE & more! Once you have registered for the conference, watch your email for a Join Code and a Password. Download the Goosechase App and log in to get started on the pre-conference missions right away! Need more information on how to download? Visit the Fall Conference Apps page of our website. All participants who earn at least 150 points and are present at the time of the drawing will be eligible to win. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make new discoveries and win big at the MassCUE Fall Conference.

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What will YOU discover at the MassCUE Fall Conference?

  What will YOU discover at the MassCUE Fall Conference? The MassCUE/M.A.S.S. Fall Conference…

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I&A Update: New Safety Measures for Teen Social Media

October 2024 I&A Update: New Safety Measures for Teen Social Media Many of you may have heard about TikTok’s New Family Safety Partnership designed to create a contract-style document that allows parents to establish clear boundaries and guidelines for their family’s social media uses. As well as Instagram's decision to unveil “teen accounts” feature, where teenagers are automatically placed into private accounts with built-in privacy controls. But did you know State Attorneys General Endorse Social Media Warning Labels: A coalition of 42 U.S. state attorneys general recently endorsed a plan to introduce warning labels on social media platforms. This initiative, first outlined in a June op-ed by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, would implement tobacco-style labels on social media to highlight risks such as anxiety, depression, and body image issues. These movements are designed to protect our children and keep them as safe as possible. Visit the MassCUE Influence & Advocacy Committee page to learn more about our committee and how to get involved.

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Fall Conference 2024: Celebrate our Award Winners

MassCUE is pleased to announce the recipients of the Administrator, Pathfinder and Shelley Chamberlain Community Service Awards. Please join us in congratulating these extraordinary educators. They will be celebrated and receive their awards as part of the MassCUE Fall Conference 2024. Michael Rubin Principal, Uxbridge High School As Principal of Uxbridge High School, Dr. Michael Rubin has built a pathways program that now serves as a model for districts across the country. He often hosts visiting districts, some from as far away as Utah, and shares all of his knowledge and experience with all who are interested in learning more. He focuses on career and skill development in students and has established partnerships with many local businesses to provide authentic work experience through internship programs for students at UHS. Mike also charged into the AI scene and attended conferences, webinars, and other PD opportunities to learn everything he could about AI so that he was equipped to lead UHS through this technological advancement. He has presented on AI at multiple conferences, and models AI best practices for his staff and district leaders. “Mike Rubin is hands down the most authentic, genuine, and innovative administrator I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” one colleague wrote. “He makes it a priority to share his experience and leadership skills with new administrators, and never says no when a colleague needs assistance or advice. He's an incredible human with a big vision, and he is unlike any other administrator I have ever known.” Beth Hughes English Language Arts Teacher, Wakefield Memorial High School Beth Hughes is an English Language Arts (ELA) teacher at Wakefield Memorial High school. She is a visionary educator who has transformed the ELA classroom. Beyond cultivating a profound love of reading, she is a pioneer in harnessing technology to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences. Her expertise in crafting real-world tasks, authentic assessments, and innovative learning practices is evident in her inspiring writing and presentations. A passionate advocate for all students, Beth is a driving force in Massachusetts education, constantly seeking new approaches to empower and support every learner. Her infectious positivity and joy make her an inspiration to colleagues and students alike. Having served in the field for 28 years (but she only looks 25, which is crazy!), Beth has demonstrated an immeasurable commitment to fostering a love of learning among her students. Beth has presented at numerous conferences in New England and MA, including the MassCUE Fall and Spring Conferences and the Blue Ribbon Schools Conferences on a variety of topics including digital literacy, writing in the digital age, authentic assessments, real-world tasks in the ELA classroom plus many more. Beth is a pioneer in educational technology. Since Wakefield High School chose to incorporate a Bring Your Own Device model in 2013, Beth has embraced the presence of educational technology in her English Language Arts classroom. Inspired by thought leaders such as Catlin Tucker, Katie Novak and others, Beth has pioneered multiple ways to incorporate technology tools in her classroom, such as purposeful and meaningful blogging (Passion Blogs), multimedia projects and fostering an active, digital writing culture amongst her students. Additionally, as readers, her students use digital tools to track their progress in reading new texts throughout the year. In a recent blog post, titled, when numBAHs don't lie, Beth wrote: "Students can’t be reduced to a number. They can’t be defined by their results on a common assessment, reduced to where they fall on a state test, nor limited by their SAT/ACT scores. However, sometimes numbers don’t lie." She then shared in a beautiful digital display that her high school students demonstrated an astonishing 221% increase in their independent reading habits over the course of the school year. Beth supported these students with her incredible classroom library - more than 3,000 texts available - as well as access to various e-texts and resources. As digital consumers, we need to ensure that our students thrive in literacy skills. Beth keeps the passion for reading alive for her students. Beth maintains a dynamic (and beautiful!) website/blog that serves as a hub for learners, colleagues and parents in her community. On it, she shares her thoughts on teaching, resources for others and celebrations of learning. There is no question that students feel welcomed, supported and challenged in Beth's classroom. She is truly an exemplary teacher! Jared Perrine Director of Technology Naragansett Regional School District Jared Perrine is an experienced educator and technology leader from Massachusetts. He has served as the Director of Technology for the Narragansett Regional School District and previously worked in Somerville and at the Benjamin Banneker Charter School. Jared is a foundational member of the MassCUE community and has continually supported members of the board as well as the membership as a whole. He is always asking about others and how they are doing, what is going on in their lives and how he can help support them and help them achieve their goals. Jared has the interests of both teachers and students at the heart of all he does. His motivation is to improve MassCUE and therefore the education system as a whole to support the learners throughout Massachusetts and the surrounding communities. Jared has been a long-time member, committee member, board member, and advisor for MassCUE. He has also been heavily involved with the Massachusetts Educational Technology Administrators Association (METAA) and the Digital Learning Advisory Council (DLAC). Jared holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology and the Massachusetts CTO Certification. In addition to his educational work, Jared is also a writer and podcaster. He lives in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, with his wife, three children, a cat, and a dog. Interestingly enough, Shelley Chamberlain is a former professor and mentor of Jared's, and one that he holds in the highest esteem.   You can learn more about our MassCUE Awards & Recognition and the work our committee does to oversee the awards and recognition handed out by the MassCUE Board.   Past Recipients Administrator Award Recipients Pathfinder Award Recipients Shelley Chamberlain Community Service Award Recipients  

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Communications Committee Update: STEM Network Event for Students

STEM Network Event for High School and College Students The MassCUE Communications Committee would like to share the following resource with our members. See Yourself in the Green Workspace Explore, Share & Network! Wednesday, October 23 Walk-in any time between 3:30pm-6:00pm Christa Mcauliffe center, Framingham State University During Massachusetts STEM Week 2024 Join us for the MA STEM week event, where high school and college students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from local employers and sustainability organizations to: Explore a wide range of emerging job opportunities in the green sector. Share your skills and interests and learn how they support the needs of the green workforce. Network with local employers, green sector professionals and like-minded youth. Visit the event website to learn more. Visit the MassCUE Communications Committee page to learn more about our committee and how to get involved.

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