SOUTHWEST CENTER NEWS
June 2021

The Southwest Center and Educator Preparation Programs at KSC are here to support you!
Announcing the 2021 Virtual SW Center Summer Institute

The Southwest Center is going virtual for this year's Summer Institute! Our theme is Wellness for Educators and School Leaders, and we will be hosting morning and afternoon webinars on August 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th and 12th.

Webinar topics will include trauma-informed practice, mindfulness, yoga, and wellness - all with a focus on self-care. Join Dr. Cassie Yackley, Dan Huston, Peggy Wozniak, Sepideh Yeoh, Brianna Renner, Lisa Hunt, and others for a variety of workshops to help you reflect, renew, and rejuvenate!

Registration information will be shared in June; in the meantime, contact Beth Buoro for more information.
Graduate Education
Options at KSC

Interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Principal or Teacher Leadership? Do you want to be certified to teach Special Education? KSC can meet your needs.

We are accepting applications for the Educational Leadership M.Ed., Post Masters M.Ed. , Curriculum and Instruction, or Special Education options. Our Educational Leadership and Special Education programs are nationally accredited and meet New Hampshire certification standards (grades K-12).

Email Steve Bigaj (or call 603-358-2782) if you are interested in customizing a graduate course for yourself or your school or district, or for more information about our programs.

Email Lance Neeper (or call 603-358-2589) for information about Special Education options.
Spotlight: Hopkinton Culturally Responsive Teaching Project

The SW Center can work with schools and districts to offer customized professional development. This spring and summer we are collaborating with the Hopkinton School District on a multi-part Culturally Responsive Teaching Project.

The overall goal is to increase understanding of culturally responsive pedagogy throughout the district. The school district also partnered with the Hopkinton Public Library and First Congregational Church to offer a community track.

The project consists of:
  • Administrator workshop to explore issues and how to lead the effort
  • Community Kickoff in partnership with the library
  • Community book read and discussion via the Hopkinton Reads! program
  • Half-day workshop for all district staff
  • Summer workshop series, open to educators and community members, to dive deeper, with optional graduate credit for educators. The workshops will cover exploration of self as a teacher when engaging in equity work, examination of concepts related to equity and diversity, cultural factors that have an impact on what is done in schools, and creating a school environment rooted in the principles of equity. 

The project facilitator is Dr. Dottie Morris, Associate Vice-President for Diversity and Inclusion at Keene State College, supported by a team of facilitators, school district and public library staff, and SW Center staff. It is truly a collaborative and rewarding effort.

Please contact Steve Bigaj if you would like to explore something like this for your school or district.
New Hampshire Educator Effectiveness for Student Success

The New Hampshire Educator Effectiveness for Student Success (NHEESS) project focuses on leadership development, supporting greater partnership structures for the P-12 community and New Hampshire colleges, and enhancing support mechanisms for educators that lead to greater student success.

NHEESS is a collaboration among local educators with a mission to prepare all educators—teachers and building-level leadership—with the foundational and specialized expertise to meet the needs of all students.

Find out more about their work at the NHEESS website.
Join KSC's Ed Prep Program on LinkedIn!

Are you a KSC alum? Join the LinkedIn group, KSC Educator Preparation Program Learning Community. It’s for KSC Educator Preparation Program current students, graduates and faculty to exchange professional development information and continue working as a team to have impact on the K-12 students we serve. KSC EPP Learning Community
Learning is Fun at Kids on Campus!
Keene State College’s Kids on Campus is a wonderful opportunity for children in preschool through high school to enjoy fun, hands-on learning on a college campus. Read more about the exciting classes we have planned and register at www.keene.edu/kids. All classes are in-person with all recommended COVID-19 precautions in place.

For more information contact Heather Jasmin at 603-358-2290 or heather.jasmin@keene.edu.
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SW NH Principals Collaborative & SW Student Services Leaders

The SW NH Principals Collaborative and Student Services Leaders groups provide support to leaders in the southwest region of New Hampshire through regularly scheduled meetings to discuss pertinent issues, share resources, and participate in professional development opportunities. The groups currently meet virtually on a monthly basis. If you are a principal or student services leader in our region and would like to join either group, please contact Betsy Street for more information. 
SOUTHWEST CENTER FOR EDUCATOR SUPPORT AT
KEENE STATE COLLEGE
Contact: Steve Bigaj
sbigaj@keene.edu / 603-358-2782