Psychology, Adult Learning Theory, and Social-Emotional Competencies

DESE Funds Leadership Conference Hosted by the Center for Behavioral Health, Equity, and Leadership in Schools

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) awarded William James College’s Center for Behavioral Health, Equity, and Leadership in Schools (BHELS) a one-time, $220,900 grant to facilitate a Superintendent Leadership Conference focused on teacher diversification.

The conference convened teams of school leaders and superintendents from schools and districts across Massachusetts. Dr. Kris Taylor, Director of Educational Leadership and DEI at BHELS led the conference, which featured professional learning on workforce diversification, research on teacher diversity challenges, organizational theory for district analysis, and adult social-emotional competencies to enhance practice.

The BHELS Center at William James College is dedicated to fostering more equitable and supportive K-12 learning environments. “Understanding how organizations must change and become more responsive is key to improving teacher diversity,” said Taylor. With the conference, Taylor prioritized bringing together diverse experts who could offer valuable insights, inspire meaningful change, and emphasize actionable takeaways.

"Our conference aimed to integrate concepts from psychology, adult learning theory, and adult social-emotional competencies to guide strategic approaches in creating equitable and responsive environments for both students and educators,” shared Taylor.

“Research demonstrates that educators of color report feelings of anxiety and invisibility while working in schools and this is neither attractive to future educators nor does this support retention.”

Laura Assade, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement represented Salem Public Schools at the conference and shared that her role aligns with recruiting and retaining educators, especially focusing on supporting educators of color. She acknowledged the challenges of being one of the few people of color in her executive team and the importance of advocating for change. She left the conference feeling motivated by the strategies discussed and was looking forward to bringing them back to her district.

Margaret Credle Thomas, Director of Diversity,  Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice from Arlington Public Schools valued engagement with peers and the expertise and knowledge present among attendees and presenters. “I enjoyed having the opportunity to meet with other districts,” she said. “I think there are times when we need to do that. It helps us to hear what other people are doing and to hear of their challenges because sometimes you think you're the only one that has a challenge. A lot of us are having the same challenges.”

When asked about her three biggest takeaways, Thomas shared the following:

1. When things get difficult, remember to breathe.
2. Teacher diversification is not just about the hiring and retention of BIPOC staff. The approach must include all educators and administrators.
3. It’s important to continue to look at the research around teacher diversification.

“At times, we may find ourselves influenced by our surroundings, but research equips us with the insights to become practitioners who can transform a district into a space where everyone—educators and students alike—feels a true sense of belonging, support, and the freedom to thrive as their authentic selves," shared Thomas.

In December 2023, BHELS was awarded a one-year, $425,000 contract from DESE to support the development of a diverse and culturally responsive educator workforce across the Commonwealth. The Superintendent Leadership Conference is a second opportunity from DESE to impact the learning of superintendents and leadership teams across Massachusetts and make an impact on the diversification of its educator workforce.

Glenn Singleton, Founder and President of Courageous Conversation®, Conference Keynote Speaker

Russell D. Johnston, PhD, Acting Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education

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