MCLA Leadership Academy Announces Info Sessions, Opens Applications

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Leadership Academy concluded its summer residency on July 20 with 22 educators completing this phase of their journey toward becoming school administrators.
 
The program, which has seen remarkable success with alumni now serving in leadership roles across Massachusetts and New York, will open applications for its 2026 cohort on Oct. 1.
 
"This program is rooted in the arts and social justice. It's not just about getting your credentials for school leadership. It's about finding your voice and being an education advocate," said Marianne Young, Leadership Academy coordinator.
 
The MCLA Leadership Academy combines the convenience of remote learning with essential on-campus experiences. Unlike traditional two-year programs, participants complete this certificate program in just one year, attending only four on-campus residencies while maintaining their teaching positions.
 
Program Highlights:
  • One-year completion versus two years at other institutions
  • Hybrid format with only four on-campus visits required
  • Unique focus on arts and social justice in educational leadership
  • Cultural experiences including Mount Greylock, Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, Bridge of Flowers, and Bennington Museum
  • Highly regarded by New York and Massachusetts State Departments of Education
Participants enter the program with a Master's degree and three years of school experience, though registered teaching certification is not required. The current cohort includes primarily educators from New York, reflecting the program's strong reputation throughout the Northeast.
 
"Our alumni consistently describe this as a life-changing experience," Young noted. "They come to us as teachers and leave us as confident education advocates ready to lead positive change in their schools and communities."
 
The program serves educators throughout Western Massachusetts, extending to Boston and Cape Cod, as well as New York from Manhattan and Brooklyn to Albany, Rochester, and Buffalo areas. Southern Vermont educators are also encouraged to apply.
 
Multiple information sessions are scheduled to help prospective students learn more about the program. Info sessions provide potential students with the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff and alumni to learn more about the program. Sessions will be held at MCLA.
  • September 24, 2025 - 4:30 pm
  • October 14, 2025 - 7:00 pm
  • October 15, 2025 - 4:30 pm
  • November 20, 2025 - 7:00 pm
  • December 9, 2025 - 4:30 pm
  • December 10, 2025 - 7:00 pm
  • January 12, 2026 - 7:00 pm
  • February 12, 2026 - 4:30 pm
  • March 14, 2026 - 10:00 am - Hybrid: in-person on campus and Zoom
  • March 18, 2026 - 4:30 pm
  • March 24, 2026 - 7:00 pm
About the MCLA Leadership Academy: The Leadership Academy is part of MCLA's Division of Graduate and Continuing Education, preparing current educators for school administration roles through an innovative curriculum that emphasizes both practical leadership skills and advocacy for educational equity and justice.
 
For more information about the Leadership Academy or to complete an inquiry form, visit the Leadership Academy webpage. Applications for the 2026 cohort open October 1st.

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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