2010 MDSC Teacher Partnership Network Orientation

Our Teacher Partnership Network is exciting new initiative that our Education Task Force first piloted in the fall of 2010. This statewide network is made up of educators with experience teaching students with Down syndrome and a desire to share their knowledge. These “experienced educators” are matched by grade, specialty and location when possible with “educator partners”, teachers with limited or no experience teaching students with Down syndrome.

Our “experienced educators” are uniquely positioned to offer invaluable support, share skills, and effectively mentor new teachers. Ultimately, this partnership will help dispel myths about the potential of students with Down syndrome and lay the groundwork for a valuable and productive educational experience for both educator and student.

EXPERIENCED EDUCATORS must have at least two years’ experience educating students with Down syndrome. They may hold any number of positions, including:

• General education teacher
• Special education teacher
• Administrator
• Inclusion specialist
• Paraprofessional
• Therapist (OT, PT, and Speech)
• Behaviorist/guidance counselor/school psychologist/social worker

EXPERIENCED EDUCATORS

• are interviewed by members of the MDSC Education Task Force and required to provide at least one reference, as well as attend an orientation/training.

• are expected to make at least three contacts (via email, phone or in person) with their “educator partner” and provide feedback to the MDSC Education Task Force. (The MDSC Education Task Force is a volunteer team of educators and parents dedicated to offering quality information and on-going support to Massachusetts educators and their students with Down syndrome.)

If you would like more information or if you’re interested in nominating an “experienced educator” (including yourself), please contact Rosalie Forster at rforster@mdsc.org.