The Rennie Center is partnering with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to convene panels of Massachusetts educators to review evidence on the quality of curricular materials and their alignment to Massachusetts learning standards. This work will lead to a series of reports that provide guidance to schools and districts as they select high-quality core curricular materials. Instructional materials can be an important lever for racial equity. CURATE is committed to using this process to help districts make critical shifts towards culturally responsive curriculum materials.
How does CURATE work?
CURATE convenes over the course of one semester. Panelists receive 9 hours of professional development on assessing evidence of curriculum quality and alignment. After the initial training, panelists reconvene 4-6 times to collaboratively evaluate, calibrate, and rate curricular materials. By the end of the process, panel teams agree upon quality & alignment ratings for each curriculum. The work of the CURATE panels results in a series of brief, user-friendly reports to support Massachusetts educators in making more informed curriculum choices.
Panelists will receive a maximum stipend of $2000 depending on the number of curricular materials that the panel reviews (no more than 3).
Qualifications:
- A certified teacher currently teaching in a Massachusetts public or charter school
- Have served as a teacher of record for at least one class within the past two school years.
- Have at least 3 years of teaching experience as of the end of the most recent school year.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every qualification listed. The Department is committed to centering the voices of those who have been historically marginalized in public education and strongly encourages Black, indigenous, Latinx, Asian, other educators of color, and members of other historically marginalized groups to apply. We encourage anyone interested to apply. Preference will be given to Massachusetts teachers who consistently:
- Build deep, meaningful, culturally and linguistically sustaining relationships with students;
- Believe in empowering students through evidence-based instruction;
- Affirm students’ identities and work towards removing inequities; and
- Are committed to learning about and being advocates for the use of high-quality curricular materials
- You do NOT have to be an expert in curriculum development, alignment, and/or selection.
Application Process
Part 1 – Written Application
The written application asks you to complete general demographic information and short response questions.Part 2 – Interview
You will be notified if you have been invited to participate in a phone interview.Part 3 – Selection
You will be notified if you have been selected to join the Massachusetts CURATE Curriculum Fellowship. If accepted, you will commit to attending all in-person and virtual sessions.
By engaging in the CURATE process, teachers gain deep insight into the quality and alignment of a variety of curricular materials. This leadership opportunity allows Massachusetts teachers to expand their influence in their schools, districts, and across the state without leaving the classroom.
Sign up here to be contacted about the next CURATE application cycle!
If you have any questions about CURATE or the application process, please contact Alejandra Zeiger at azeiger@renniecenter.org.