2026 MSAA Summer Institute

This presentation is designed for administrators evaluating special education teachers. What are the key elements to successful specialized instruction with high student engagement? Attendees will leave with a framework of how to use the Mass Teachers Evaluation Rubric to guide conversations and support special educators.

Step into a magical world where every child belongs! This session shares a Disney-inspired approach to early childhood inclusion, with an exemplary model that helps students “shine like stars,” fosters meaningful peer connections, and celebrates each child’s unique gifts. Inclusion is more than placement—it’s about creating classrooms where every child feels seen, valued, and capable. This session offers practical strategies to foster meaningful peer interactions, celebrate individual strengths, and build joyful, supportive learning environments.  Through storytelling, classroom examples, photo sharing, and a sprinkle of “pixie dust,” participants will discover how to lead programs that create joyful, inclusive environments where learners and educators feel empowered, supported, and ready for their own happily-ever-after.

This session reframes center-based & small-group instruction from a classroom strategy into a systems-level leadership framework that supports consistent, high-quality instruction across programs serving students with intellectual disabilities and diverse learning needs. Rather than focusing on how teachers run centers, participants will explore how administrators ensure effective implementation through leadership oversight, intentional adult deployment, and alignment to IEP goals. The session highlights how structured environments increase instructional time, promote student independence, and create observable evidence of progress while maximizing paraprofessional effectiveness. Through practical tools and classroom scenarios, leaders will learn how to evaluate engagement, independence, and instructional alignment during walkthroughs and leave with actionable strategies to strengthen programs and improve student outcomes.