The College of Education at Framingham State University is pleased to announce our commitment to establish the “Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families of MetroWest” in memory of State Representative Chris Walsh.

The center’s mission will be to provide information for families and educators about the continuum of educational supports available to students with disabilities, students who are gifted, and students with unmet needs. The center will offer support, workshops and other programming for families, educators, student support professionals, administrators, and advocates in the MetroWest area.

“Chris Walsh was a passionate advocate for students and families during his time in the legislature,” says Framingham State President F. Javier Cevallos. “We are truly excited to establish this critical resource for the MetroWest community in his honor. Now begins the important work of rallying support and funding in order to get it off the ground.”

The center also will engage in scholarly research, educator preparation, and professional development. Framingham State faculty members and students will engage with the local community through this proposed center, in order to create meaningful learning opportunities for future and practicing educators, as well as parents/guardians of students with unmet needs. Needs assessment surveys of over 400 families and over 300 educators in MetroWest have shown a strong level of interest for this center and its mission. Funding for the center is currently being sought from public and private sources.