For this webinar series, participants will automatically be enrolled in all 5 sessions.
SpeakerS
Description
In this five-part webinar series, Attorneys Michael Joyce and Craig Kowalski will discuss updates to laws and regulations impacting student services and their practical implications for school leaders and educators. Participants will learn best practices for conducting manifestation determinations, complying with Section 504 and student records laws and regulations, and developing post-secondary transition plans. The presenters will also review recent court and BSEA decisions and how they impact planning and effectively defending programs within your schools.
To receive PDPs and CEUs, participants must attend all 5 sessions, either live or via the recording, and successfully pass a quiz following Session 5. Within 24 hours of the live webinar, registrants will be emailed a link to view the recorded webinar. The recording will be made available for 7 days after each session.
About the SpeakerS
Michael J. Joyce, Esq. (he/him) is a former public school teacher and currently an attorney with MacAvoy, Joyce & Kowalski, P.C. specializing in general education and special education law in public schools. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Joyce served as a Civil Rights Attorney for the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), conducting investigations and trainings throughout New England concerning a wide range of civil rights concerns arising in public schools, including the enforcement of Section 504 and the federal statutes pertaining to harassment and discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender and age. Before working for OCR, Mr. Joyce served as prosecuting attorney in the Gang Unit of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, conducting dozens of trials and evidentiary hearings with a specialized focus on gun violence and firearms prosecution. Mr. Joyce also served as a law clerk to the Justices of the Massachusetts Superior Court. Prior to pursuing a legal career, Mr. Joyce taught for three years in public elementary schools as a member of Teach for America during which time he was nominated for Teacher of the Year. Mr. Joyce graduated from Boston College Law School and holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College. From 2008-2011, Mr. Joyce taught legal research and writing at Northeastern School of Law, and, from 2011-2015, he served as an Adjunct Professor at the Lynch School of Education and Boston College Law School where he teaches a graduate level course on education law and policy. Mr. Joyce has conducted hundreds of presentations on educational law, including presentations to local, regional and national audiences. He served as president of the Massachusetts Council of School Attorneys and was recognized in 2024 as an education “Go To Lawyer” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
Craig F. Kowalski, Esq. (he/him) is a Partner at MacAvoy, Joyce & Kowalski, P.C. who represents school districts on general education and special education matters. Craig assists clients with bullying and harassment investigations, special education law and policy, student discipline, and a multitude of other matters involving public school students. Craig also frequently represents clients before the Bureau of Special Education Appeals. Craig is a current member of the Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Council of School Attorneys. Prior to joining the firm, Craig served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office for fifteen years. As a member of the District Attorney’s Homicide Team, Craig investigated and prosecuted numerous murder cases from crime scene to jury trial, and also handled cases involving other major violent felonies, drug trafficking offenses, sexual assaults, and crimes involving child victims. During his last two years, Craig served as Senior Trial Counsel, where he mentored and advised the office’s attorneys with their investigations and prosecutions at all stages of cases in Superior and District courts while maintaining a busy caseload of his own. Craig has taught at Boston College Law School as an adjunct professor.
Membership Information
Most MPY webinars are available ONLY to current staff from member districts and organizations. Public school memberships include police and fire personnel. Former and retired employees and members of committees, including but not limited to, PTO/PTA, PAC, School Improvement Councils, Health Councils, Drug/Alcohol Councils, and school volunteers, are not considered MPY members.
PDPs and CEUs
MPY is an approved Professional Development Provider through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (Provider No. F20180079). Professional Development Points (PDPs) are offered for most MPY professional development webinars. PDPs are issued in 10 hour increments, per DESE requirements.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for clinical staff through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc. (MaMHCA). The NASW and the MaMHCA approve each event individually. CEUs may be given in hourly increments.
To receive PDPs and CEUs, participants must pass the quiz.
Event Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend a MPY webinar you must cancel, through Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org, one business day before the webinar.
For MPY hybrid conferences, the date in-person registration closes will be posted on MPY’s website. Virtual conference registration will close one business day before the hybrid conference. You cannot cancel or switch your registration from in-person to virtual after in-person registration closes. Please email Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org with any questions regarding registration.
All sessions are 9:30 – 11:30 am