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Why Become a Member of MSA?

A professional life well-lived includes the process toward personal achievement while helping others to do the same. Membership in Magnet Schools of America offers opportunities for members to network, become inspired, grow professionally, develop leadership skills, mentor colleagues and build a great resume.

But investment in your own portfolio is only half of the story. The other half is about magnet school communities and students who benefit from your enhanced experiences. Your participation in problem-solving issues, creative challenges and growing acumen are a benefit to those around you, for colleagues, as well as students. Your investment in membership is an investment far greater than professional development, although you’ll receive plenty of that in the process!

Why Become a Member of MSA?

  • COMMUNITY: Practicing the same principles that guide the magnet school philosophy, teachers and administrators flourish from connecting with each other professionally and while seeking curricula support. The sharing of best practices and strategies naturally creates stronger bonds among practitioners and fosters new ideas and methodologies. Moreover, it serves to strengthen their work locally, within their districts and schools.
  • INFORMATION: Members have access to MSA’s monthly eChoice newsletter, grant information, monthly professional webinars, job postings and more. MSA discusses the needs of districts, schools, administrators, teachers and students legislatively on Capitol Hill and provides regular updates on federal education legislation and its impact on magnet schools. MSA also participates in a number of coalitions with other education associations to increase the magnet voice. In 2015, these voices helped preserve MSAP funding in Congressional appropriations.
  • RECOGNITION: Magnet Schools of America recognizes excellence each year during the National Conference on Magnet Schools.Our competitive Merit Awards program honors outstanding magnet schools and programs in our members. We also select the National Superintendent of the Year, National Magnet School Principal of the Year, District Sustainability Award recipient, Teacher of the Year and winner of the Student Poster Contest from member schools. Hundreds of schools vie for these honors, as the recognition within the school district and nationwide is significant.
  • TRAINING: As committed as we are to our students, MSA is equally committed to its members by way of personalized professional development, with an eye toward the future. MSA’s tool-kit is as diverse as are the methods we utilize for teaching in our schools – our goal is to enrich and impact the professional development of magnet school administrators and teachers consistently throughout the year. MSA hosts between two and four conferences annually, as well as monthly webinars on a variety of topics, accessible to by archive for all members.
  • SAVINGS: Members always get reduced rates on conference registrations and NIMSL services.

Technical Services

MSA developed the National Institute of Magnet School Leadership (NIMSL)  to provide technical assistance to schools and districts across the nation to ensure they are equipped to provide high-quality instructional programs that promote choice, equity, diversity, and academic excellence for all students. Our consultants have decades of experience in magnet school design, leadership, marketing, curriculum, and instruction – among other areas.

The Benefits of Membership

Discounts on Conferences

  • Receive discounts on exclusive magnet-oriented events throughout the year, including MSA’s National Conference, the only conference focused on magnet and theme-based curriculum in the country.

Participation in Awards Programs

  • Our coveted National Awards include Superintendent of the Year, District of the Year, Principal of the Year, Teacher of the Year, School Merit Awards, and more.

Discounts on Specialized Technical Expertise

  • Update and innovate your programs with our National Institute for Magnet School Leadership (NIMSL) team of experts – at a discounted price.
  • Learn more about the workshops and services available.

Magnet Certification

  • Participate in our Standards of Excellence Certification Program, a designation which can be invaluable to your marketing and ability to secure support for your school.
  • Learn more about MSA’s Standards of Excellence Certification Program here.

Representation on Capitol Hill

  • MSA makes sure your voice is heard by key policy decision makers. We also build support for magnet schools through coordinated grassroots campaigns at the state and local level.

Professional Development Webinars

  • Explore topics such as school leadership, curriculum and theme development, project-based learning, and technology integration from the comfort of your desk.

Publications

  • Stay current on the latest trends and developments in magnet schools across the country, as well as policy updates from the Hill with our weekly email newsletter, the Magnet Minute, and our digital magazine, Distinct by Design.

Supporter Memberships

  • Parent – $5
  • Individual (not associated with a business and/or institution) – $125
  • Consultant – $250
  • Business/Vendor – $700

Institution Membership

  • School/Department – $475

District Memberships

District memberships include a minimum of 10 schools plus the district office:

  • Category I: 10-20 Magnets in District – $4,600
  • Category II: 21-40 Magnets in District – $5,500
  • Category III: 41-60 Magnets in District – $6,400
  • Category IV: 61-80 Magnets in District – $7,300
  • Category V: 81-100 Magnets in District – $8,200
  • Category VI: 101+ Magnets in District – $9,100

 

* Membership rates for July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025


Learn how to become a Nationally Certified Magnet School

Raise the level of performance consistent throughout school districts nationwide and creates a platform from which all magnet schools can flourish. Magnet Schools of America’s national certification process is designed to recognize the hard work of the best magnet schools in the nation and to help them as they grow.

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