MCEA SPARKS!

New Teachers Unite

SPARKS is a support and networking retreat for members who have between zero and six years of educator experience. The purpose behind the group is to make positive connections between newer members, provide an opportunity to network, and provide information on desired topics chosen by participants. The program was developed in 1998 and originated at the Washington Education Association in Washington State. In came about for MCEA by word of mouth through TABCO. The MCEA Membership Committee and Uniserve director, Jamal MIller, were driving forces in making the first ever SPARKS program successful in the Fall of 2007.

Info:

  • Who: Members in this first 6 years of educator experience
  • What: Weekend experience that allows newer members to network with other newer newer memebrs and chose topics they are interested in receiving information about.
  • When: MCEA usually runs two experiences -- Fall and Spring. Friday AM-Saturday PM.
  • Where: Annapolis, MD - MSTA 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 MSTA, 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!