Building BBCS Culture: Beginning with Basketball | |
Bridge Boston's Fall '23 Educator League Basketball Team, after their win against Match Charter Public School! Featuring: Orin Gutlerner, Sean Williams, Jabari Courts, Jerry Meneide, Michael Graham, Mike Molyneaux, Matthew Owens, Karaline Smith, Tamila Barbosa-Fernandes, and Taylor Hughey. | |
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Massachusetts charter schools share a unique approach to education. While every charter school is distinct, across the state you’ll always find mission-driven administrators, committed educators, and revolutionized, rigorous curriculum. Bridge Boston is proud to be a part of the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association to support our system of life-long learners and educators.
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How it Started
In 2019, Boston Prep Athletic Director Eric Tabb recognized and appreciated the special approach of educators in Boston-based charter schools. He wanted to find a way to share space with the vast knowledge and experience of these teachers, both professionally and personally.
Mr. Tabb settled on forming the Educator’s League: weekly co-ed Saturday basketball for Charter School Teachers to meet for some friendly competition. The league started with 3 teams who would join together after games to decompress and connect across the charter sector. (Eric would later go on to become Boston Prep's Principal!)
The Educator’s League grew quickly via word of mouth and Bridge Boston joined in Fall 2022. As more teams were formed from more schools, referees were incorporated.
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Flash Forward: 2023
What’s changed since the league began in 2019?
- The Educator’s League hosts 9 teams (with a waitlist!), who play four games every Sunday.
- So far, 14 schools have participated in at least 1 EDL season
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Hundreds of Boston-area charter school educators ball out every weekend!
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The league also boasts a strong, engaging Instagram presence. | |
BBCS's Spring 2023 Team, including: Arthur Spirou, Mike Molyneaux, Orin Gutlerner, Karaline Smith, and Jerry Meneide. | |
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As of 10/27, our Bridge team is 4th in the league on a 2-win streak, totaling a 4-2 record.
Bridge’s next basketball game is this Sunday at 10:30 AM against Neighborhood House Charter School, at Boston Prep. If they win this game, they will head to the semi-finals!
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What's Your Why?
Eric shared with us that the Educator’s League is additionally an amazing staff retention strategy, especially for those new to teaching, Boston, or charter schools. When teachers see their coworkers outside of school, they feel more connected to their fellow staff, develop professional and personal relationships, and are more likely to feel engaged and supported at work.
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The Future of EDL
As the Educator’s League continues to grow, Eric has discussed the possibility of expanding to a second gym to include more basketball teams, plus incorporating more sports including:
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Running club
- Softball
- Soccer
- Winter pickle ball tournament
Eric is also experimenting with potential funding ideas and brainstorming ways to offer prizes to winning teams that benefit their whole school.
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BBCS Alumni
What do MIT, Bridge, and Celtics all-star Jaylen Brown have in common? Read our first Alumni Newsletter to find out!
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Show your BBCS support everywhere you go! Choose from hundreds of designs on hundreds of products, including name brands like Nike and Adidas. There’s something for everybody: hats, jackets, pants, shirts, and more. Use code SAVE20 to save 20% when you spend $75 or more. | |
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Annual Fund Support
When you make a gift to Bridge Boston, you directly aid in the education of bright, promising, wonderful students. You are helping us remove obstacles to education resulting from societal issues or family circumstances. You are making it possible for our students to create their own futures and reach for their potential.
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