“Gathering in person for the first time in four years, the energy and excitement was palpable at our 11th annual Leadership Forum on Early Education Research, Policy, and Practice May 4. We had record attendance as nearly 250 early education professionals joined us from New York, Maryland, and all across Massachusetts.â€
“Guest speaker Amy O’Leary, executive director of Strategies for Children, told attendees to continue demonstrating that early educators are not to be underestimated or undervalued. She urged them to stay current with local, state, and national ECE policy along with opportunities to support early learning in our own communities. The energy, enthusiasm, solutions, and innovative spirit of early educators are what make high quality early childhood experiences possible, O’Leary said.
“ “We need you to be bold, effective and thoughtful leaders. Today, make connections, introduce yourself to five people you don’t know. Listen as others share their dreams and visions and reflect on what you want to do next, be present and feel the love and collective power in this room,’ said O’Leary. ‘And then after today, follow up with the five people that you connected with. Think about something that you want to try, or that you want to learn and practice. … Whatever it is, I want you to say it out loud today. Tell at least one other person, make a plan, and make it happen.’ â€
— “An inspiring day at the 11th annual Leadership Forum,†Early Education Leaders, an Institute, University of Massachusetts Boston, June 6, 2024