BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the appointment of Colleen Mason, a longtime Boston Public Schools educator, to the Massachusetts Board of Early Education and Care (EEC). Mason will serve as the Board's early education and care teacher representative, bringing extensive classroom experience and a strong commitment to supporting young children, families, and educators across the Commonwealth. Mason participated in her first meeting today during the Board’s November session.
“Our early educators do incredible work every day to give children the strong start they deserve, and it's important that their voices are heard when we're making decisions about early education and care,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Colleen Mason has spent her career helping young children learn and grow, supporting students with disabilities and working alongside fellow educators and families. She knows firsthand what our teachers and students need to succeed, and I'm excited to welcome her to the Board.”
“Expanding access to high-quality, affordable early education and care is one of our administration's top priorities, and we know how important it is to have educators at the table helping guide that work,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Colleen brings years of classroom experience, a passion for helping every child thrive and a strong record of supporting her fellow educators. Congratulations to Colleen on this appointment, and thank you for your continued commitment to Massachusetts children and families.”
Mason currently serves as an Inclusion Specialist at Blackstone Elementary School in Boston, where she supports teachers in delivering inclusive, high-quality instruction for students with diverse learning needs. In this role, she leads schoolwide inclusion initiatives, mentors educators, partners with families, and works to ensure students with disabilities have meaningful access to learning opportunities.
“Colleen Mason’s experience in the classroom, commitment to inclusive education, and leadership in supporting fellow educators will bring a valuable perspective to the Board,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “I look forward to working with Colleen as we continue expanding access to high-quality early education and care for children and families across Massachusetts.”
"Colleen brings an important perspective to the Board, grounded in years of experience working directly with young children, families, and educators," said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. "Her expertise in early childhood education and inclusive learning will be invaluable as we continue working to strengthen the early education and care system and support the educators who make a difference in children's lives every day."
Prior to her current role, Mason spent more than a decade teaching in early childhood classrooms across Boston Public Schools, including as a Pre-K Inclusion Teacher at the East Boston Early Education Center and Lee Academy Pilot School. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of teacher leadership roles, helping to advance curriculum development, support professional learning, and strengthen instructional practices.
Mason has also contributed to educator development and education policy through her work as a Teach Plus Policy Fellow and adjunct faculty member at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she taught courses focused on early childhood education, play-based learning, and social-emotional development.
“As both an early childhood educator and the mother of two young boys, I understand how important the early years are in shaping a child’s future,” said Colleen Mason. “I am honored to join the Board of Early Education and Care and to bring the perspectives of educators and families into conversations that impact our youngest learners. I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members to strengthen access to high-quality, inclusive early education and care, support the educators who do this important work every day, and ensure that all children across Massachusetts have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Mason holds a master’s degree in early childhood education, specializing in students with and without disabilities, from Wheelock College and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and elementary education from Northeastern University.
“As chair of the Board, I’m delighted to welcome Colleen,” said Paul Belsito, Chair of the Board of Early Education and Care. “Decisions about early education and care are stronger when educators who work with children and families every day help shape them. Colleen brings that firsthand perspective, along with deep experience in inclusive learning and supporting fellow educators. I look forward to working with her.”
“In order to set students on the path of becoming lifelong learners, it’s important that we help build the foundational skills of our youngest students by expanding access to and investing in quality early education opportunities,” said American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President Jessica Tang. “Colleen has dedicated her career to just that. Colleen’s experience as an educator with ties to our public schools and her work building out vibrant, high-quality inclusive classrooms will provide new, unique perspectives to the needs of the early education and care systems of the Commonwealth. We are thankful that the Board will now have a longtime educator among its members, one who has the background and experience to ensure the needs of the over 30,000 preschoolers served by our public schools are met and the voices of those educating them are heard.”
The eleven-member Board of Early Education and Care sets policies and regulations governing early education and care programs and services across Massachusetts. Mason fills the seat designated for an early education and care teacher, with nominees jointly submitted by the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the Massachusetts Federation of Teachers.
