Professional Development Offerings
CMSS is a opens in a new windowMassachusetts DESE accredited PD Provider for the following content areas: Safe & Supportive Learning Environments, Arts: Performing Arts, and Special Education-General. We are happy to provide PDP Hours Certificates for MA educators for the PDs below after completion of an assessment of learning.
Adaptive Music and Neurodivergent Learners
Adaptive Music Education Foundations Certificate for pre-service music teachers
The Adaptive Music Program (AMP) at the Community Music School of Springfield (Massachusetts) is proud to present a first-of-its-kind Adaptive Music Education Foundations Certificate program for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in developing their philosophy and skills in teaching music to disabled students with high support needs. This program will combine training in anti-ableism, neurodivergence affirmation, culturally responsive music pedagogy, accommodations and teaching strategies, with hands-on co-teaching experiences in public school classrooms with experienced AMP Teaching Artists.
The 2026 program will begin with two days of training in person at the Community Music School on January 5th, 9:30-3:30, and January 6th, 9:30-3:30. Beginning on January 7th and continuing through January 30th, participants will observe, assist, and co-teach with AMP Teaching Artists in sub-separate Special Education classrooms in the Springfield Public Schools and with other school and adult day program partners, typically between 9 am and 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Teaching assignments will be based on each participant’s interests regarding age, focus, nature of disability, and schedule preferences. The program will also include weekly meetings with AMP Director Jessica Corwin to process the classroom experiences and continue building foundational knowledge about adaptive music education.
The basic program in the month of January will include at least 10 hours of training and 30 hours of classroom time. If a participant needs additional hours or other benchmarks to meet the requirements of their educational institution, AMP will comply with such expectations that are clearly laid out during the application process, including through additional assignments that lead to meaningful learning about disability justice and accessible education. Please inquire for special schedule accommodations, including the possibility of completing the classroom hours on a weekly schedule during Spring semester.
This program is offered tuition-free thanks to generous state funding that was secured by State Representative Carloz González. For further information about the Foundations Certificate, please contact AMP Director Jessica Corwin at jcorwin@communitymusicschool.comcreate new email.
Requirements:
Successful participants must:
- Complete a volunteer application and pass a background check with the Springfield School Volunteers by December 20th.
- Have reliable personal transportation between school sites. Local public transportation does not offer a sufficient schedule.
- Have a background in music performance (formal training or community-based music making), music education and/or music therapy. Must be able to comfortably sing children’s songs on pitch.
Application Process:
Candidates must submit a resume and statement of interest to AMP Director Jessica Corwin at jcorwin@communitymusicschool.comcreate new email by Sunday, November 2nd, 2025. Interviews will take place on Zoom and final selections will be made by Friday, November 14th.