20-21 Virtual Statewide Affinity Network

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will launch a virtual Statewide Affinity Network in collaboration with the InSPIRED initiative and Fellowship. This Affinity Network is open to any and all educators of color (e.g., aspiring educators, paraprofessionals, current teachers, school counselors, and school administrators).

The InSPIRED Initiative connects current educators to DESE in order to help cultivate, support and retain a culturally responsive and diverse educator workforce in MA schools.

The year-long Statewide InSPIRED Affinity Network aims to create a safe space for educators of color to network and engage in dialogue about their authentic experiences, and explore professional development opportunities and/or action that makes for a more equitable experience in their schools. The group also aims to do the following:

Foster an environment that is warm, supportive and respectful
Create ongoing opportunities to build relationships with other education professionals through networking
Foster community and provide supports regarding problems of practice (e.g., cultivating antiracist environments and instructional practices in MA schools)

Please complete the registration below to indicate your interest in participating in the Statewide InSPIRED Affinity Network no later than Monday, November 23rd.

Any information shared with the Affinity Network will be used to support the affinity network and the growth/development of its members. Affinity network participation will not be shared with districts (although affinity network members are able to self-identify within their districts, if desired).

1. We would like to get to know you. Please tell us about yourself. *This question is required.

	First Name
	Preferred First Name (what would you like to be called?)
	Last Name
	Gender Pronouns (e.g., she/her, he/him, them/they)

2. What is the best e-mail to use to contact you? *This question is required. This question requires a valid email address.

3. What is your current educator licensure status?

This information helps us plan and tailor content based on the professional needs of the group. Licensure status will not disqualify anyone from participating in the affinity network. *This question is required.

4. What is your current title/role?

If you are currently enrolled in an educator preparation program, please write "Candidate."
If you are not currently enrolled in a program, but would like to be an educator, please write "Aspiring Educator." *This question is required.

5. What school do you currently work in? *This question is required.

5. What district do you currently work in? *This question is required.

5. How many years have you been in education?
(If you are an aspiring educator, please write 0). *This question is required. This question requires a valid number format.

6. What is your race?

Please enter an 'other' value for this selection.

7. What is your content area?
(e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Elementary, English, General Science, History, Math, etc.)

8. What grade levels do you work with?

9. Which days of the week are best for you to meet with the Affinity Network?

10. Which times of the day is best for you to meet?

12-1pm
3-5pm
4-6pm
5-7pm

11. What challenges are you experiencing as an educator, especially during this pandemic?

12. How can an affinity space best support you this year? What would you like to get out of this experience?

13. Would you feel comfortable with your information in a directory to be shared with the affinity network? *This question is required.

14. If you are comfortable with sharing your information in a directory, please share any social media accounts you'd like to include in the directory:
(This is optional. You can also email us later to change this.)

Space Cell	Username/Handle
Twitter	Twitter: Username/Handle
Instagram	Instagram: Username/Handle
Facebook	Facebook: Username/Handle
Other - please specify	Other - please specify: Username/Handle

14. How did you hear about the Statewide Affinity Network?

I was an InSPIRED Fellow the past one/two years.
A colleague
I received an email from someone who applied
My school/district
Social Media
DESE Newsletters
Other - Write In Please enter an 'other' value for this selection.

15. If you know of other educators of color you'd like to share this opportunity with, please share their information below so we can reach out to them.

Person 1:

First Name
Last Name
E-mail Address

Person 2:

First Name
Last Name
E-mail Address

Person 3:

First Name
Last Name
E-mail Address

Person 4:

First Name
Last Name
E-mail Address

Person 5:

First Name
Last Name
E-mail Address

20-21 Virtual Statewide Affinity Network

20-21 Virtual Statewide InSPIRED Affinity Network