Professional Conference FAQ
Do I need to be an Education Minnesota member to attend the conference?
Do I need to register?
Is there an admission fee?
Can teachers earn continuing education credit at the conference?
When is the exhibit hall open?
Where can I park?
How can I make sure I can get a seat in the sessions I’m interested in?
Can I meet the speakers or buy their books?
Where can I get a conference program?
Why is the conference held in October? Why not in the summer when school isn't in session?
Do I need to be an Education Minnesota member to attend the conference?
No, the conference is open to the public.
Do I need to register?
No.
Is there an admission fee?
No, the conference is free.
Can teachers earn continuing education credit at the conference?
You may be able to earn clock hours and fulfill some relicensure requirements. You will receive a certificate of attendance at the end of each workshop session you attend. Your local continuing education committee determines whether to approve the credit.
When is the exhibit hall open?
On Thursday only, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where can I park?
On Thursday only, you can park free at two locations and take a free shuttle bus to the conference between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. The RiverCentre Ramp, across from the convention hall, and many other parking ramps are available in the area.
How can I make sure I can get a seat in the sessions I’m interested in?
Come early. Seating is first come, first served. We can’t predict turnout for any particular workshop, and sometimes meeting rooms fill quickly to capacity. It’s wise to have second and third choices picked out in case the room is full. Because of fire codes, we cannot allow unsafe levels of occupancy.
Can I meet the speakers or buy their books?
Several speakers this year will be available after their presentations to meet and greet attendees and sign books. A schedule will be posted at the conference bookstore outside Ballroom A on the upper level.
Where can I get a conference program?
Programs will be handed out at Saint Paul RiverCentre. A Conference Preview containing the conference schedule and highlights will be published in the October issue of the Minnesota Educator, and a printable schedule and detailed workshop descriptions are available on this site.
Why is the conference held in October? Why not in the summer when school isn't in session?
It is held during the school year for several reasons. Most important, the focus of the conference is on techniques and ideas that teachers can take back to the classroom and use right away with their students. This schedule provides the greatest benefit to student learning. In addition, in the summer many teachers wouldn't be able to attend because they are taking continuing education courses to stay current in their field and fulfill licensing requirements; teaching summer school; or working summer jobs to supplement their salaries. We want to make this opportunity available to as many educators as possible.
It’s a local school district decision whether to make the conference days non-school days. Most do, but some do not. Others require teachers to attend local training on our conference days.
March 18, 2010