Wareham District Schools have joined a select group of Massachusetts schools in a new public-private union dedicated to serving the individual learning needs of students.

Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Andrea Schwamb told School Committee members on Wednesday that she, along with four other teachers and administrators, are now taking advantage of professional development opportunities offered through the Massachusetts Personalized Learning Edtech (MAPLE) Consortium.

Committee member Mary Morgan described MAPLE as “an organized, professional learning community” and, along with her fellow committee members, praised Schwamb for joining.

Personalized learning is designed to address students as individuals, providing them with instruction that accounts for their varied backgrounds and abilities.

Schwamb said Wareham is one of just 12 districts in the state participating in MAPLE, which costs nothing to join. Becoming part of MAPLE early will put Wareham ahead of the curve, according to Schwamb.

“It puts us in a leadership role,” she said. “We will mentor other districts that want to move into that direction. People from across the state will come to Wareham.”

Schwamb said as MAPLE’s newest members, her team will spend the next year learning from other educators in the program.

Looking ahead, Schwamb said some team members will attend a MAPLE meeting set for Thursday in Marlborough and an educational conference in Boston set for February.

“This provides us the tool and the opportunity to provide all students with precisely what it is they need to grow in their education, which then empowers them,” said Schwamb. “It will also give students more time to formulate meaningful relationships with students.”