Magnet Schools of America

Professional Development and Leadership Conferences

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

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY TRAINING CONFERENCE

This is one of MSA's highly acclaimed meetings.  Held in Washington, D.C. each year in February, participants have the opportunity to hear first-hand discussions from experts on budget and appropriations, No Child Left Behind (NLB) reauthorization, program updates and technical assistance for improving and sustaining magnet school programs.  MSAP grantees are also provided technical assistance with implementing their grant.  Participants visit Capitol Hill for briefings and meetings with their Congressional members.  This conference provides the opportunity for the leadership of magnet schools to be heard with the common goal to "increase MSP funds" thereby providing additional high quality magnet programs to students across the country.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MAGNET SCHOOLS

RACE TO INDY! MSA's 2011 conference theme is "Driving Education Into the Winner's Circle."  This year's national conference took place in Indianapolis, Indiana hosted by the Indianapolis Public Schools, May 15-18, 2011.  Each year approximately 1,200 to 1,500 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 in MSA's all day pre-conference where participants may select up to three (3) presentations. 

Join us for MSA INDY 2011! 

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 2011 Merit School Application.  This year's conference will take place in sunny San Jose, California and hosted by the San Jose Unified School District, July 11-14.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CONFERENCE

This is MSA's most popular conference for fellow magnet educators.  Held in Washington, D.C. in the Fall, this conference addresses strategic planning, staff development, curriculum development, and research to support magnet programs, curriculum assessment, policy and decision making.  A major component in 2010 will be professional development and training for a new cohort of MSAP grantees to be funded beginning October 1, 2010.  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.  Save-the-Date...MSA TAC...November 7-10, 2010.