Keroack joins peers in learning
Published on October 14th, 1998
STONEHAM, MA - As a member of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Stoneham Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Keroack believes that professional development of educators has far-reaching effects.
"I find it enormously helpful in developing me professionally and helpful to the organization as a whole," Keroack stated of her own professional affiliation.
With the ability to move off site to attend the various seminars and workshops offered by the organization, to which she has been a member for the past three years, Keroack stated that such opportunities allow herself and others to gain a clearer outlook on issues that affect all school systems.
"It gives you just a little time to get a perspective...It helps to know others have same concerns," she said.
The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents is a group dedicated to the professional development of school superintendents state-wide. The association plans offerings throughout the year at various locations aimed at the varied professional development needs of its members.
This past summer, the association ran a three day Superintendent Summer Institute on Cape Cod and offered workshops on pertinent issues affecting school systems today, such as legal issues, funding and staffing. Approximately two-thirds of the state's 350 superintendents and assistant superintendents attended.
Keroack stated that the summer session may be extended in the future as it seems to be gaining in popularity each year.
"It provides an opportunity where a huge group of people can hear the same message, at the same time," she said.
Keroack was involved with the daunting task of organizing the 50 or 60 vendors for this summer's conference.
Next month, the association will work jointly with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees on a conference offered to school committee members state-wide.
The Massachusetts Teachers Association is another group with which Keroack's group will work in sponsoring annual one-day training sessions for educators. The state's Department of Education also gets involved with many of the offerings of the superintendent's association.
Keroack calls her affiliation with the association enormously rewarding and valuable.
With the huge responsibilities of running an education system, Keroack stated that the job of being a superintendent or assistant superintendent can be isolating at times. Professional affiliations, such as hers, are extremely helpful, she has found.
"You know you have someone you can call...who won't think you're deficient because you don't have the answer," she said.
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