Education
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Case Study: Teach Western Mass
Vital lessons for systems change initiatives seeking to solve education equity challenges.
December 12, 2025
- Teach Western Mass (TWM) built culturally responsive training and recruitment programs that expanded access to teaching and increased educator diversity in Holyoke and Springfield.
- In partnership with school districts, colleges and universities, and the state education agency, Teach Western Mass helped elevate educator workforce and diversity as a shared regional priority.
- TWM’s early ambitions to change systems to expand the regional educator pipeline delivered impact, but limited capacity ultimately required the organization to focus on its teacher residency training program.
- This case study underscores the challenges that small nonprofits face mounting long-term system-change efforts.
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Gateway Cities Journal | Legislative hearing focuses on empowering Gateway City residents with Community Schools
Gateway City leaders filled Beacon Hill to champion a new Community Schools Commission that could help scale a model proven to strengthen neighborhoods, deepen trust, and expand opportunity for children and families.
November 14, 2025
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New Roadmap Charts Bold Path for Equitable Public Higher Education in Massachusetts
A new report outlines a strategic blueprint to expand access, improve student outcomes, and strengthen the public higher education system in Massachusetts.
November 13, 2025
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Gateway Cities Journal | School-Centered Neighborhood Development has its day on Beacon Hill
Gateway City leaders push for policies that link schools, housing, and community development to create vibrant, mixed-income neighborhoods where families and students can thrive.
October 16, 2025
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Fixing the Foundation Report Release and Forum
The MassINC Policy Center and the Worcester Regional Research Bureau convened leaders at the State House to discuss new research on inequities in school facilities and the urgent need for more equitable state investment.
October 10, 2025
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Fixing the Foundation: Uneven Access to Modern Schools and a Blueprint for a More Equitable Future
This report examines disparities in school facility conditions across Massachusetts and their implications for student learning.
October 7, 2025
- Nearly 60% of Massachusetts’ lowest-rated or over-capacity schools are located in Boston or a Gateway City.
- At the current pace, it could take 50 years to replace or renovate all high-need school buildings in Massachusetts.
- Suburban districts received 57% of major MSBA Core Program grants since 2015, while Boston and Gateway Cities received less than 19%.
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Gateway Cities Journal | Rolling up our sleeves to build the schools students deserve
Massachusetts’ current school construction funding system reinforces inequities, leaving Gateway City students in outdated and inadequate facilities while suburban districts benefit disproportionately. There must be bold, collaborative solutions to ensure all students can learn in modern, 21st-century schools.
October 3, 2025
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Gateway Cities Journal | ESOL in Massachusetts: Short-term relief, long-term strategy
Progress in the quest for a more robust and more dynamic ESOL training system in Massachusetts.
May 15, 2025
