MASC

Education leaders: take note. Northeastern University is inviting applications from school committee members and other education leaders for its nationally recognized Education Policy and Fellowship Program (EPFP), a 10-month program for mid-career professionals in education and related fields. Fellows in the program develop skills and knowledge in the areas of leadership, public policy and networking. Massachusetts EPFP is based at Northeastern University and coordinated by Director Carol Doherty, Associate Director Angela Irving  and former Governor Michael Dukakis who is a member of the Political Science Department. It is part of a network of 12 state programs sponsored by the Institute for Educational Policy in Washington DC.

The 2011 program begins on September 23 with a weekend retreat in Ashland MA, followed by twice-monthly meetings in the evening from October to May. Meetings include guest speakers and discussion among fellows on topics related to leadership and public policy, and also includes one regional meeting (Pennsylvania) and one national meeting (Washington DC).

Chris Nixon, a member of the Winchester School Committee, who participated in the 2010 EPFP program spoke enthusiastically about his experience. “I was thoroughly impressed by the Fellowship Program which not only gave me new perspectives into the world of education policy and process, but put me squarely in the shoes of others—from teachers in traditional and non-traditional schools, to union leaders, administrators, researchers and lawmakers. The experience left an indelible impression that I will bring to both my school committee and professional responsibilities for years to come.”

MASC President Dorothy Presser is another graduate of the EPFP program who credits the experience with helping her to become a more effective school committee member. “It was invaluable in broadening my understanding of the issues, not just those that affect me and my community, but the larger mega-needs and issues of education policy and leadership.”

For application materials and more information on the program, visit: http://epfp.iel.org/?page=MA or contact Angela Irving at 617-373-2630 (email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Applications are being accepted through September 9. Estimated cost for the program, which includes tuition and travel costs to the regional and national meetings, is approximately $4800.