MATSOL awards and grants recognize Massachusetts educators of English Learners for excellence, creativity, and innovation.
2020 Call for Nominations & Proposals
MATSOL Teacher of the Year: For excellence in the education of English learners.
Anne Dow Award for Excellence & Creativity: For leading collaboration to support the education of English Learners.
Linda Schulman Innovation Grant: Grants of up to $1,000 for pedagogical projects that benefit English language learners by improving their language competency or increasing their understanding of American culture.
Jan 24, 2020: MATSOL submitted testimony to the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security in support of the Safe Communities Act H.3573 (Reps. Ruth Balser & Liz Miranda) and S.1401 (Sen. Eldridge).
The Safe Communities Act restores confidence in our public institutions by allowing our police and court officials to focus on public safety, providing clear guidance for their interactions with ICE, ensuring that in Massachusetts, no one has to live in fear, and everyone’s civil rights will be respected.
The passage of the Safe Communities Act is not just a public safety issue; it is also an educational issue. MATSOL urges legislators to support the Safe Communities Act in order to protect students and their families, and to allow our students in all educational contexts to pursue their educational goals. Most immigrant families include US citizens and people with varied immigration statuses, so the bill will have a far-reaching impact within our school communities. If we are serious about valuing every student, we need to show this by creating an environment in which every student can learn and thrive. The Safe Communities Act is vital to the success of Massachusetts students and the future of the Commonwealth.
Proposal deadline EXTENDED to Monday, December 16, 2019 11:59 PM
The 2020 MATSOL Conference brings together educators of English learners from across Massachusetts to learn, network, and share expertise.
Submit a proposal to present at the conference!
MATSOL encourages engaging, interactive presentations that make the theory to practice connection. Successful proposals include practical classroom activities informed by current research and pedagogy, demonstrations of successful instructional practices, examinations of current issues in education, and research that informs educators in the Massachusetts context. Presentations should engage the audience through hands-on or interactive activities when possible.
Presentations may address audiences from all program types including PK-12 schools (public, charter and independent), adult and workplace education, community college ESL, Intensive English Programs (IEPs), private language schools, and pre-service and in-service teacher education.
Topic strands:
Academic Language in the Content Areas
Bilingualism and Biliteracy
Co-Teaching and Collaborative Practices
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Curriculum Development
Data and Assessment
Listening, Speaking and Pronunciation
Digital Learning & Technology
Family and Community Engagement
Policy and Advocacy
Program Administration and Evaluation
Professional Development and Teacher Education
Reading, Writing and Literacy
Vocabulary and Grammar
Presentations take place on Wednesday, May 27 – Friday May 29, 2020.
Proposal deadline extended to Monday, December 16, 2019 at 11:59 PM.
The MATSOL PLS/IEP and Community College ESL Special Interests Groups (SIGs) are proud to present the 2019 Intensive English Program & Community College Conference!
Please join us in downtown Boston at EC English Language School on Saturday, November 9, as presenters from the world of private language schools, intensive English programs, and community college ESL programs converge from all over Massachusetts and New England to share their insights and experiences of the ESL industry.
Session topics include: intercultural communication, test prep, lesson planning, and professional development, just to name a few. This is a great opportunity to network and share your knowledge with others who love the ESL industry as much as you.
We look forward to seeing you there! Register soon as space is limited!
The Call for Proposals is open for the 2019 MATSOL Intensive English Programs & Community College Conference!
Join your MATSOL colleagues for our fall conference bringing together English language educators and administrators from private language schools, community colleges, and intensive English programs across Massachusetts.
Audience: English language educators and administrators from private language schools, Intensive English Programs (IEPs), and community colleges.
Topic strands: Continuing professional development; video & digital media; English for Specific Purposes; intercultural communication; speech, pronunciation & listening; writing/composition; teaching grammar; vocabulary & lexicon; reading & literacy; special needs; material creation/adaptation; test preparation.
Find out more
This conference is jointly organized by MATSOL Private Language Schools and Community College Special Interest Groups (SIGs).
MATSOL is hiring a Program & Member Engagement Coordinator to support MATSOL board members and volunteers in planning, organizing and facilitating engaging and informative activities and events for educators of English learners.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coordinate development of activities that promote member development, networking, professional learning, and advocacy. Oversee MATSOL volunteer initiatives. Do outreach to MATSOL members to join and lead member groups and committees. Assist volunteers in innovating new activities; Work with board and staff to increase member engagement and volunteer opportunities.
Support leaders of MATSOL special interest groups. Provide training on MATSOL resources and policies. Assist members in planning in-person and online meetings and events including agenda planning, site logistics, registration, communications, technology use, and publicity. Facilitate meetings if needed.
Coordinate communication with members and the public about MATSOL’s activities, positions, and strategic priorities. Create and disseminate information and publicity through MATSOL communication channels including email, MATSOL publications, and social media.
Coordinate development of regular webinars, blog posts, and other content presented/created by members and experts.
Work collaboratively with the board and staff to plan and deliver programs. Contribute to developing strategic objectives, planning activities, and evaluating programs. Take the lead in coordinating innovative programs and events.
Contribute to annual conference planning and management, and work on-site at the conference. Coordinate volunteer opportunities related to the conference.
Attend MATSOL events, meetings, and conferences to oversee or assist with site logistics, facilitation, and other tasks.
Perform other tasks as needed to support programs and member engagement.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication, in-person and online presentation/facilitation, and social media.
Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Demonstrated event management skills.
Strong technical skills including MS Office Suite, Google Suite, WordPress, ZOOM, Survey Monkey, WordPress, and social media platforms. Ability to learn new systems including the MATSOL association management system (member database, website, and event registration).
Ability to travel within Massachusetts to MATSOL member meetings and events. Occasional overnight travel required. Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings and events (in-person and online).
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
Three to five years of experience leading and
managing in a collaborative environment.
Experience successfully recruiting, training,
and supporting volunteers.
Experience planning and facilitating meetings
(in person and online), events, webinars and professional learning activities.
ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working with teachers or in
educational or nonprofit settings.
Understanding of and experience with English
learner programs in PK-12, adult and university settings.
The pathway awards were originally developed during the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy Pilot, which operated from 2016-18 before passage of the LOOK Act. The LOC is continuing to support the awards and provide resources for implementation.
LOC Biliteracy Pathway Award levels:
LOC Biliteracy Participation Award (ACTFL Novice-High): For preschool and elementary school Students & students with disabilities (all grades).
LOC Biliteracy Attainment Award (ACTFL Intermediate-Low): For elementary & middle school students.
LOC Biliteracy Achievement Award (ACTFL Intermediate-Mid): For middle and high school students.
The Language Opportunity Coalition has a launched a new website at www.SealOfBiliteracyMA.org with resources developed during the SoBL pilot project from 2014-18. The site includes:
Criteria and certificates for the Language Opportunity Coalition (LOC) Biliteracy Pathway Awards, a compliment to the State Seal of Biliteracy that can be awarded to students at lower grade and language proficiency levels.
MATSOL: Equity & Excellence for English Learners 