SPARKS!

Building the Next Generation of Teacher Leaders

SPARKS! is an MCEA leadership development program for members with less than six years of experience. SPARKS! provides an opportunity to share the triumphs and challenges of being an MCPS educator, learn about the resources and opportunities available through the union, and have a weekend of fun at the same time.

SPARKS! is a hands-on, experiential and intellectually stimulating way to take a breath--and do something for yourself for a change.  It is a way to connect with other bright, talented and energetic educators from schools all across Montgomery County.  This is more than just a training; through SPARKS! you will not only learn about the union, but you will also build a network of people with similar visions and leadership goals. Through SPARKS! you can enhance your career and help plan for your future as an educator and teacher leader.

This is done through a day and a half adventure where you help decide what you will learn.  We can cover topics from conflict management, financial planning, hot topics issues in public education, and everything in between.  And, with the Magical Mystery Tour and night on the town in Annapolis, good times will not take a back seat.  Take all of this and couple it with personal connections to our union’s leaders and colleagues from around the county and you will be equipped to take your talents, abilities and passion for education to the next level.

Info:

  • Who: Members in this first 6 years of educator experience
  • What: Weekend experience that allows new members to network with other new memebrs and chose topics they are interested in receiving information about.
  • When: MCEA usually has one experience -- Spring, Friday AM-Saturday PM.
  • Where: Annapolis, MD - MSEA Headquarters
  • How: Members are recommended by building reps, staff development teachers, & other leaders in the worksites. The Membership Committee then sends invites to those who were recommended for the 2-day weekend retreat.

What Members Are Saying:

  • “I take the responsibility of developing new leadership to ensure the future of our union very seriously. But working with the members who participated in the SPARKS program made my job fun!  They were engaging and interested.  They wanted to talk about the 'big picture' of public education and the teacher union’s role in creating great public schools for all children.  I know that MCEA will be in good hands as they become more involved in leadership roles. I look forward to the continuation of this important program.”  Bonnie Cullison, 2nd Vice President-MCEA
  • “It was an amazing opportunity.  Even though I have been involved with the union on various levels, it was nice to get together with people who have similar teaching experiences (less than 5 years) and who are ready and willing to bring fresh ideas to MCEA.  One of the highlights of the weekend was the social times after the sessions.  This was the time when we really got to bond and discuss different topics.  It had a very relaxed and open atmosphere.  I think this is one of the aspects in which SPARKS is different from other trainings.  Had it just been the sessions at MSEA, I would not have gotten as much out of it.  It was nice to branch out and meet people outside of my school. Can't wait for a reunion!”  Kelly Gray, special education educator at Bethesda Elementary School
  • “I thought that the weekend was very informative and well planned.  I learned many things that I did not know before and this knowledge is vital for a new teacher. Thank you for taking the time to put this workshop together and for showing you care about the teachers!”  Olga Shapiro, Spanish teacher at Rockville High School
  • “I had a wonderful time at the SPARKS training. I enjoyed being able to spend time with other professionals that have similar interests and ideas as myself. It was a great way for each of us to learn more about MCEA. The workshop on How to Teach and Retire Rich really helped me understand more about the importance of investing.”  Ashley Thornton, fifth grade teacher at Gaithersburg Elementary School

Will You Be Next?

MCEA SPARKS!

New Teachers! Unite!