Magnet Schools of America

Professional Development and Leadership Conferences

Magnet Schools of America (MSA) hosts several professional development/training conferences throughout the year, ranging from research, best practices, and technical assistance. These include:

LEGISLATIVE TRAINING CONFERENCE

This is one of MSA's highly acclaimed meetings. Held in Washington, DC each year in February, participants have the opportunity to hear first-hand discussions from experts on budget and appropriations, No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) updates and technical assistance for improving and sustaining magnet school programs. Participants also visit Capitol Hill for briefings and meetings with their Congressional members.  Save-the-Date...February 12-15, 2012.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MAGNET SCHOOLS

Next year's national conference will take place in Dallas, Texas May 18-21, 2012 and will be hosted by the Dallas Independent School District. The conference theme is, "Destination, Direction, Diversity." Each year approximately 1,000-1,200 magnet teachers, principals, top level administrators and school board members from across the nation in magnet and public schools of choice participate in MSA's premier meeting. Participants experience a wide spectrum of professional development opportunities through outstanding keynote speakers, general and breakout sessions including technology, best practices, innovative instruction, and theme integration in magnet schools. Participants are also provided the opportunity to visit magnet schools by theme and grade level within the host district. Preceding the national conference is MSA's all day pre-conference where participants may select up to three (3) presentations. 

SUMMER TRAINING INSTITUTE and LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

MSA's Summer Training Institute offers professional development for teachers and principals, as well as leadership training for principals/aspiring principals through MSA's Leadership Academy sponsored by the National Institute for Magnet School Leadership (NIMSL). Throughout the institute, participants have the opportunity to experience, "theme-based" and "job-a-like" workshops from the host district. The Leadership Academy focuses on five key areas - people, priorities, promotion, practices and productivity. MSA staff provides training on how to prepare for MSA's Individual Awards Programs: Principal of-the-Year, Teacher of-the-Year, Poster Contest, and the 2012 Merit School application. This year, the Summer Institute will be held in Baltimore, MD July 18-20, 2011.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CONFERENCE (TAC)

This is MSA's most popular conference for fellow magnet educators. Held in the fall, this conference addresses strategic planning, staff development, curriculum development, and research to support magnet programs, curriculum assessment, policy and decision making. One of the most frequently asked questions is, "how do I start a magnet program?" This and many other key questions are answered at MSA's annual Technical Assistance Conference.  This year's conference will take place October 23-26, 2011.