MSAN builds leadership capacity and is dedicated to elevating youth voices through partnership and research
Since 1999, MSAN has worked to expand the leadership capacity of district and school leaders through its communities of practice. MSAN’s two Communities of Practice are the MSAN Governing Board of Superintendents and the MSAN Research Practitioner Council (RPC), composed of senior district leaders, directors, managers, and others.
MSAN Communities of Practice provide members opportunities to:
- Interact and learn together through a variety of activities, including virtual and in-person convenings.
- Problem-solve together, participate in site visits, and discuss emerging issues and solutions.
- Network and communicate asynchronously with supportive and knowledgeable colleagues.
- Consult in job-specific groupings for tailored inquiry and dialogue.
- Share and receive data and information on promising and research-based practices.
- Engage with experts, education leaders, and researchers through professional learning.
- Access online members-only resources.
- Be a part of a dynamic network of education leaders and professionals committed to transformational change.
Governing Board
The superintendents of each MSAN member district, along with the MSAN Executive Director, and the Co-Conveners of the RPC serve as the MSAN Governing Board. The Governing Board, under the leadership of an elected President and Vice President, carries out the business and oversight functions of the network (See Staff & Leadership).
Additionally, along with the MSAN Executive Director and the RPC, the Governing Board sets the network’s agenda, priorities, and research focus areas.
Research Practitioner Council
Each superintendent identifies at least two leaders in their district to serve as members of the MSAN RPC. RPC members are typically assistant or deputy superintendents, professionals from a district’s research team, curriculum and instruction staff, equity or diversity staff, or other professionals who are knowledgeable of and influence equity-related work, research, policy, instruction, or other critical areas.
RPC members are integral to the success of MSAN. They are charged with carrying out the research and professional learning agenda collaboratively established with the MSAN Governing Board and serve as liaisons and key connectors between MSAN and the broader staff in their districts.
Two members of the RPC serve as Co-Conveners and work closely and collaboratively with the MSAN executive director to facilitate RPC meetings, plan meeting agendas, advise/support the Executive Director in advancing the mission of MSAN and the work of the RPC, and represent the RPC at Governing Board meetings.
