Brookline’s Professional Development Day To Focus On Anti-Racism

BROOKLINE, MA — The Public Schools of Brookline are closed Tuesday to host a Professional Development Day for over 1600 educators across the district, during which participants will collectively learn and implement anti-racism work.

While students have the day off, PSB staff will refine their instructional methods and practices through various school-based activities, the district said.

This year’s program will feature racial justice educator and writer Debby Irving as the keynote speaker. Irving will help Brookline’s educators to explore how they can interrupt harmful racial patterns to further personal and professional activism.

For the first time in over five years, Brookline’s professional development day will be a district-wide opportunity. Staff members of every sector and school in PSB will participate in the same program and training on Tuesday.

Educators will also have time to discuss this work in small breakout sessions with one another and within their departments or school-building communities.

"PSB greatly values this time for educators to share, think, and collaborate to improve our collective practices,” the district said in a statement. "We are excited for the opportunity for individuals to come together in one space to learn, share stories and insights, and continue our anti-racism work.”

Brookline schools will reopen for classes on Wednesday, Nov. 9.