On the wall across from Albert Mussad’s desk is a large photograph of children and their teacher. The teacher is Mussad, and the students are some of his very first, from his early days as an educator. Now, as the newly installed Director of Professional Development at the Collaborative for Educational Services (CES), Mussad feels as though he has come full circle. The joy found in teaching has become the joy found in helping teachers and school leaders as educators.
Mussad’s first work for CES was as a consultant, working with teachers in subject areas that are frequently measured. He was asked to evaluate an English Language Learner (ELL) program in a large new England city. Relocating from new Jersey, he brought with him an extensive background in curriculum and instruction. He was quickly tapped to become a CES instructor, and began teaching ELL and Secondary Literacy in the CES Licensure program. These two areas remain a primary interest of Mussad’s today, as he devotes part of his time to teaching ELL and leadership workshops.
Mussad’s education work began as a Spanish teacher in Vermont. As a speaker of Spanish and Arabic, Mussad taught in summer ELL programs in New England. In new Jersey, Mussad taught K-12 English as a Second Language (ESL) and became involved in school administration, as well as coaching for principals, supervisors, and teachers. He worked to assist underperforming schools and to help improve student outcomes.
Despite his new responsibilities for the CES Professional Development department, Mussad knows the importance of staying connected to classrooms and educational leadership. He continues to lead Title III ELL workshops taught at different school locations throughout the CES districts and to provide updates for principals on District Determined Measures (DDMs). He also stays involved with both the CES Professional Group for Curriculum Directors and Associated Superintendents and the Principals’ Professional Learning Community (PLC).
Staying connected to educators enables Mussad to pursue his vision of how CES Professional Development can best support school districts. Each year, the Professional Development Department reviews input from teachers, administrators, and school districts in anticipation of planning out the following year’s programs. Understanding what districts need over time with clarity is important, says Mussad; but it is also a moving target. As a result, staying in close contact to understand ever changing needs is vital. This ties in directly to planning Professional Development courses throughout the year, as well as CES Summer Academy offerings.
Mussad’s teaching, and his work to plan and provide development and support to educators, both provide personal and professional fulfillment for him. He notes that the excitement and joy of helping educators is a personal mission-“why I do what I do.”
Learn more about what inspires our team in the Collaborative for Educational Services 2015 Annual Highlights report, www.collaborative.org/sites/default/files/CES-2015-AnnHighlightsRept.pdf
