Thursday in-person workshops
Our Minnesota Educator Academy (MEA) is union-sponsored professional development by educators, for educators. The following in-person workshops are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 21 at the St. Paul RiverCentre.
Register now at edmn.me/mea2021
REMINDER: There are no live workshops on Friday. Asynchronous sessions are available to complete on MEA Online. Workshops are for MEMBERS ONLY.
<G> denotes sessions that may fulfill general license renewal requirements.
<S> denotes sessions that may fulfill specific license renewal requirements in positive behavioral interventions, cultural competency, reading, student mental health, suicide prevention and English language learners.
9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
2021 MEA general session kickoff <G>
Featuring Education Minnesota President Denise Specht, Minnesota Teacher of the Year Natalia Benjamin and keynote speaker to be announced.
10:45-11:45 a.m.
From Exhibit to Classroom: Deepening Native American Content Connections <G>
Learn about the goals, themes and development of the Minnesota History Center’s exhibit, “Our Home: Native Minnesota.” Incorporating the exhibit’s Dakota and Ojibwe content, sources and perspectives in your lessons now is possible, even if you and your students are unable to visit in person. Join us to see how! Learn about the goals, themes and development of the Minnesota History Center’s exhibit, “Our Home: Native Minnesota.” Incorporating the exhibit’s Dakota and Ojibwe content, sources and perspectives in your lessons now is possible, even if you and your students are unable to visit in person. Join us to see how!
Presenters: Heidi Kloempken, teacher education program specialist, and Rita Walaszek Arndt, collections outreach specialist, Minnesota Historical Society
Location: Ballroom A
Culturally Responsive Classroom Mindfulness <G>
Participants will learn about culturally responsive mindfulness practices, how they can be used in a classroom to help students focus and manage their own emotions. After the session, participants will walk away with an easy-to-use action plan they can implement in their classrooms. Different strategies will be discussed for various teaching levels. Participants will learn about culturally responsive mindfulness practices, how they can be used in a classroom to help students focus and manage their own emotions. After the session, participants will walk away with an easy-to-use action plan they can implement in their classrooms. Different strategies will be discussed for various teaching levels.
Presenters: Julie Zaruba Fountaine, wellness coordinator, and Judi Roux, visiting assistant professor of education, The College of St. Scholastica
Location: Ballroom B
Sing Today—Read Forever! How to Use Music-Making to Raise Reading Achievement <G>
Learn fun singing activities that raise reading achievement dramatically in pre-K-5 classrooms. Sixty-four percent of Minnesota students are not proficient in reading (2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress). The Rock ‘n’ Read Project’s neuroscientific research-based strategies enable the brain’s auditory processing, beat synchronization and phonological awareness—foundational skills for fluent reading.
Presenters: Ann Kay, co-founder and education coordinator, and Denise Lutgen-Gallaty, education and field consultant, The Rock 'n' Read Project; Lindsey Rymer, teacher, Wayzata Public Schools
Location: Ballroom C
Degrees, Not Debt <G>
Education Minnesota’s Degrees, Not Debt program is rallying public support to decrease the price of college and make it easier and cheaper to pay education debt. We know that student loan debt makes life hard for many young educators, driving some away from teaching. This course covers basic information about student loans and loan forgiveness programs and how to use them. Education Minnesota’s Degrees, Not Debt program is rallying public support to decrease the price of college and make it easier and cheaper to pay education debt. We know that student loan debt makes life hard for many young educators, driving some away from teaching. This course covers basic information about student loans and loan forgiveness programs and how to use them.
Presenters: Andrea Cecconi, negotiations specialist, and Bridget Moore, organizer, Education Minnesota
Location: Ballroom D
How to Obtain Your Minnesota Paraprofessional Credential <G>
Learn about the process of obtaining a Voluntary Paraprofessional Credential offered through the Minnesota Department of Education. Presenters will share our varied experiences, provide resources and teach organizational strategies. Learn about the process of obtaining a Voluntary Paraprofessional Credential offered through the Minnesota Department of Education. Presenters will share our varied experiences, provide resources and teach organizational strategies.
Presenters: Ingrid Miera and Joni Anderson, English learner ESPs, Osseo Area Schools
Location: Room 2
Practical Guidance for New(er) Educators <G>
In this session, attendees will be able to pose questions to a panel of educators and district administrators. Whether you are curious about how to craft an eye-catching resume, how to manage student behaviors, or how to avoid teacher burnout, this session will provide you the space to get answers to your most burning questions from educators currently in the field.
Presenters: Kathleen Adee and Beth Anderson, field staff, and Vanessa Pulkrabek, field staff and aspiring educator organizer, Education Minnesota
Location: Room 3
Reading <S>
Participants will review the research and exemplary practices that help students acquire strong reading comprehension skills. For ESPs, teachers and early career educators.
Presenter: Lois Pantoja, fifth grade dual immersion teacher, St. Paul Public Schools
Location: Room 4
Student Mental Health <S>
This session raises awareness of key warning signs for early onset mental illness in children and adolescents and includes strategies for addressing learning challenges faced by students with particular mental health challenges.
Presenter: Laure O'Keeffe, special and general educator and liaison, Saint Paul Public Schools, Anna Westin and The Emily Program
Location: Room 5
The Things They Didn’t Teach You in School — The Power of Personal Branding in Education <G>
Anxiety, depression and suicide have increased 37 percent in kids with the release of social media, creating a pandemic on our campuses. Discover how to rock your campus with self-awareness, authenticity and ownership to increase mental health, confidence, involvement and achievement.
Presenters: Jonathan George, social and emotional learning creative, Rock My Campus, and Shylla Webb, social emotional learning creative, Inner Matter
Location: Room 6
Belong With Us! Using Classroom Dynamics™ to Create Belonging <G>
The AMAZEworks Classroom Dynamics™ tool shows teachers the social relationships in classrooms from the perspective of students. This session will introduce Classroom Dynamics™, a tool which reveals friend groups, isolation, potential friendships and targets of mistreatment/exclusion. We will also discuss interventions and supports to create belonging for all students.
Presenter: Melissa Andersen, director of curriculum and instruction, AMAZEworks
Location: Room 8
Classroom Management That Works <G>
A teacher’s ability to effectively manage student behavior is arguably the most important indicator of the short- and long-term success of a teacher. Attendees will learn how to make meaningful connections with students that lead to a sense of respect from the students to the teachers, direct and not ask within the daily lessons and activities within the classroom and follow up on negative behaviors and properly recognize positive behaviors in order to create a sensible balance within the classroom. A teacher’s ability to effectively manage student behavior is arguably the most important indicator of the short- and long-term success of a teacher. Attendees will learn how to make meaningful connections with students that lead to a sense of respect from the students to the teachers, direct and not ask within the daily lessons and activities within the classroom and follow up on negative behaviors and properly recognize positive behaviors in order to create a sensible balance within the classroom.
Presenter: Steven Bollar, educational leader/speaker/consultant, Stand Tall Enterprises
Location: Room 9
Mindful Eating on the Go <G>
Does eating out have to mean abandoning your health goals? No! This class looks at five common settings (fast food, steak house, deli, coffee shop and convenience store) and provides strategies on how to make the best choices at each one. With a little planning and the right mindset, you won’t be as susceptible when the server brings the dessert tray, and you won’t be as likely to choose a muffin and mocha on the run. Does eating out have to mean abandoning your health goals? No! This class looks at five common settings (fast food, steak house, deli, coffee shop and convenience store) and provides strategies on how to make the best choices at each one. With a little planning and the right mindset, you won’t be as susceptible when the server brings the dessert tray, and you won’t be as likely to choose a muffin and mocha on the run.
Presenter: Carolyn Suerth Hudson, registered and licensed dietitian, Nutritional Weight & Wellness
Location: Room 10
Ojibwe and Dakota PLT Lessons <G>
Teach K-8 students about Ojibwe and Dakota lifeways with seven new Project Learning Tree lessons using stories, role play and outdoor exploration. Sample a few lessons, plus learn geography, vocabulary, treaty history and how to teach with knowledge and respect. Curated by a Minnesota Indigenous educator, approved by the Minnesota Department of Education’s Tribal Nations Education Council.
Presenter: Laura Duffey, educator, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Location: Room 11
Peer Education for Digital Well-Being Leadership <G>
Young people strongly influence one another’s attitudes, motivation, knowledge and behavior. Peer education is an evidence-based model using peer influence in a positive, prosocial way. LiveMore is applying this model to address screen overuse. Learn how students can promote balanced, responsible and intentional use of digital media among peers.
Presenters: Katherine Myers, director of school and youth engagement, and Maree Hampton, director of strategy and programs, LiveMore ScreenLess
Location: Room 12
Free Online Research Resources for K-12 <G>
Still Googling? There is a better way! In this session, we will explore the free eLibrary MN (ELM) K-12 research databases available via school or home for all Minnesota teachers and students. Which database would work best for your project? How can you find and create a curation of quality information for your students? How can the database tools make browsing, searching, reading and citing easier? Whether you are new to ELM or want a refresher, please join us to learn more!
Presenter: Linda Mork, reference outreach and instruction librarian, Minitex/University of Minnesota
Location: Room 13
I've Been Accused of Maltreating a Student. Now What?! <G>
Find out what school staff can expect from a Minnesota Department of Education maltreatment investigation, especially when they are the focus of the investigation. The presentation will include MDE’s process, different perspectives on the investigation, data privacy and potential impacts and outcomes on school staff.
Presenters: Adam Heuett and Ken Maher, investigative specialists, and Sarah MacGillis, attorney, Minnesota Department of Education
Location: Room 14
11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. - Lunch and visit our exhibitors
1:15-2:15 p.m.
Understanding and Using Assessment Results to Support Equitable Learning Opportunities <G>
This presentation will discuss factors to consider when analyzing your assessment data. Topics discussed will include balanced assessment systems, appropriate uses and other contextual information needed to interpret assessment results, and guidance for using results to accelerate learning for all students. New resources for educators to use to evaluate their classroom assessments will also be shared.
Presenter: Kendra Olsen, outreach specialist-data reporting academic standards, Minnesota Department of Education
Location: Ballroom A
Culturally Responsive Teaching for Muslim Students <G>
Engaging Muslim students is more effective with an understanding of Muslim religious and cultural practices. This presentation will cover reasonable religious accommodations for Muslim students, tips for establishing rapport with Muslim students and parents, as well as best practices for teaching about the religion of Islam.
Presenters: John Emery, executive director, Islamic Resource Group; Dr. Tamara Gray, founder, Rabata
Location: Ballroom B
Creating Gender Inclusivity Through Language, Curriculum and Sharing Stories <G>
How do we talk to young children about gender identity and expression and support our gender-expansive and transgender children? This workshop will focus on gender-inclusive language, how to use literature and persona dolls to create all-gender inclusive classrooms, and two equity frameworks to guide participants towards becoming anti-bias educators.
Presenters: Rebecca Slaby, executive director, and Ryan Kersey, sales and programs coordinator, AMAZEworks
Location: Ballroom C
Question, Persuade, Refer <S>>
Learn the three steps anyone can take to help prevent suicide. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. QPR is the most widely taught gatekeeper training program in the United States, and more than one million adults have been trained in classroom settings in 48 states. This training meets the one hour of suicide prevention training requirement for Minnesota teacher relicensure.
Presenter: Renee Labat, youth and parent educator, NAMI Minnesota
Location: Ballroom D
When Can I Afford to Retire? (ESPs) <G>
The answer to this question depends not only on how well you have planned financially, but also on what your plans are in retirement. While you are working, your income comes from your paycheck. In retirement, your income will come from three sources: your pension, Social Security and any savings you have accumulated in accounts such as 403(b)/457/IRAs and savings. You will learn about various investment plans and the differences between them so you can plan what will work best for you with your other sources of income in retirement.
Presenter: Kent Schutte, EFS Advisors
Location: Room 2
Reading <S>
Participants will review the research and exemplary practices that help students acquire strong reading comprehension skills. For ESPs, teachers and early career educators.
Presenter: Lois Pantoja, fifth grade dual immersion teacher, St. Paul Public Schools
Location: Room 4
Student Mental Health <S>
This session raises awareness of key warning signs for early onset mental illness in children and adolescents and includes strategies for addressing learning challenges faced by students with particular mental health challenges.
Presenter: Laure O'Keeffe, special and general educator and liaison, Saint Paul Public Schools, Anna Westin and The Emily Program
Location: Room 5
Rock SEL: Experiential Social & Emotional Learning for Educators and Students <G>
Create a movement that rocks your campus, starting with you. There's a proven link between teacher burnout and student disengagement. With 78 percent of teachers feeling physically and emotionally exhausted, it is no surprise that 75 percent of high schoolers and 50 percent of middle schoolers described themselves as “often or always feeling stressed” by schoolwork. You need the tools to transform your own well-being first so that you can powerfully implement SEL in your classroom.
Presenters: Jonathan George, social and emotional learning creative, Rock My Campus, and Shylla Webb, social emotional learning creative, Inner Matter
Location: Room 6
Staying Positive During Challenging Times <G>
Staying Positive During Challenging Times is a how-to session for maintaining a positive outlook on life, even when things aren’t going according to Hoyle. It is designed to give participants a shot of positive mental attitude about their students, their co-workers and life in general. It is fun, upbeat and filled with ideas that can be put to use immediately, both on and off the job.
Presenter: Denny Smith, retired teacher/motivational speaker, Dennis Smith Training
Location: Room 7
SEL and Equity: Building Educator SEL Skills to Create Equity and Belonging for All Students <G>
Join us as we practice self- and social awareness while learning how biases and stereotypes impact our own and our students’ identities. We will learn about anti-bias education as a model to create belonging and equity in our classrooms and apply the SEL competencies to our anti-bias education work.
Presenter: Melissa Andersen, director of curriculum and instruction, AMAZEworks
Location: Room 8
Ideas Ideas Ideas <G>
Creating change doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. This presentation is chock-full of ways to create massive change in your school without spending a lot or planning huge initiatives. Based on Steve’s popular book of the same title, this session will show you how to rejuvenate the climate and culture in your school while being creative, unique and fun, provide ideas that can be implemented right away (without months-long planning) to improve the morale, culture and climate in your school.
Presenter: Steven Bollar, educational leader, speaker, consultant, Stand Tall Enterprises
Location: Room 9
Getting a Good Night's Sleep <G>
Sleep has an impact on many areas of our health and most of us are sleep deprived! Learn what happens in the body when we're experiencing lack of sleep and walk away with tips that can help you sleep through the night. Learn which foods and nutrients are critical for sleep, discover delicious bedtime snacks and get your questions answered on nutrition to support those zzzzz's.
Presenter: Carolyn Suerth Hudson, registered and licensed dietitian, Nutritional Weight & Wellness
Location: Room 10
Explore Your Environment: Meet the New PLT Guide <G>
Learn about 50 hands-on, multidisciplinary activities that connect children to nature from Project Learning Tree. Activities include detailed step-by-step instructions, academic correlations, corresponding student worksheets with green career connections, and outdoor extensions. K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 grade bands. Do a lesson or two and sign up for a hands-on workshop to get materials and CEUs.
Presenter: Laura Duffey, educator, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Location: Room 11
Digital Well-being for EDUCATORS! <G>
Let’s take care of you with a focus on digital well-being. We will address the cumulative impact of the effects of screens and stress. We will provide an overview of the dimensions of well-being and practice digital well-being skills. We will conclude with your commitment to yourself for your well-being.
Presenters: Katherine Myers, director of school and youth engagement, and Maree Hampton, director of strategy and programs, LiveMore ScreenLess
Location: Room 12
Ebooks Minnesota Update: Five Years Later <G>
Ebooks MN was launched in 2015 as Minnesota’s statewide ebook collection. It serves all types of libraries. The initial collection focus was on Minnesota’s independent publishers, although that focus has expanded. All current titles are licensed for unlimited simultaneous access. Five years into the program, we embarked on a project plan to reassess Ebooks MN within the ebook landscape in the state. Our goal was to use the outcomes from the assessment to position Ebooks MN as a core resource for as many Minnesota libraries as possible. In this session, you will learn about the results of the Ebooks MN environmental assessment, diversity audit, the ebooks platform RFP and where the collection is now.
Presenter: Linda Mork, reference outreach & instruction librarian, Minitex/University of Minnesota
Location: Room 13
Educator Speech Rights <G>
Can my district discipline me for political opinions I express on social media? What about criticism of my district or administrators? Does the First Amendment protect my ability to express political opinions in lessons? Do I have the academic freedom to teach controversial topics without administrative or parental interference? These topics have never been more timely and will be discussed in an interactive session.
Presenter: Meg Luger, attorney, Education Minnesota
Location: Room 14
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Panel With Minnesota Teacher of the Year and Finalists <G>
Starting out in the profession? Ask questions about current education issues and those pertinent to new educators like effective relationships, curriculum choices, work/life balance, career goals and other topics.
Presenters: Minnesota Teacher of the Year panel
Location: Ballroom A
Culturally Relevant Pedagogy With Primary Sources <G>
The past has so much to teach us, and so do our students. How do we intersect effective social studies instruction and culturally-relevant learning in a way that honors students' cultural competence? Primary sources, or first-hand accounts from the past, are great tools to help our young learners understand history while reflecting on their own knowledge and experiences. Join us for hands-on activities that share historical instruction through a culturally relevant lens.
Presenters: Kara Knight, teacher educator, and Jessica Ellison, teacher education specialist, Minnesota Historical Society
Location: Ballroom B
Trauma I: Understanding Trauma and the Developing Brain <G>
This course provides an introduction to the relatively new field of understanding the consequences of childhood trauma and what that means for educators. The course provides an overview of the original ACEs study, defines key terms and explores, at a basic level, how trauma impacts the developing brain. Understanding that dynamic opens up new doors for educators to stop causing further harm with traditional responses to behavior problems and to identify new ways to help students carrying high levels of toxic stress from exposure to childhood trauma to develop resiliency.
Presenters: Sara Ford and Justin Killian, education issues specialists, Education Minnesota
Location: Ballroom C
Why Is It So Hard to Talk About Race? <G>
Race talk, along with the expression of strong, intense emotions, is often discouraged in the classroom. This session will provide space and language for educators to learn and talk about three common barriers to opening discussions about racism in our schools. Our hope coming out of this session is that participants will have the tools to label their own barriers to talk about race and some tools to help us all move forward.
Presenter: Melissa DelRosario, education issues specialist, Education Minnesota
Location: Ballroom D
When Can I Afford to Retire? (Teachers) <G>
The answer to this question depends not only on how well you have planned financially, but also on what your plans are in retirement. While you are working, your income comes from your paycheck. In retirement, your income will come from three sources: your pension, Social Security and any savings you have accumulated in accounts such as 403(b)/457/IRAs and savings. You will learn about various investment plans and the differences between them so you can plan what will work best for you with your other sources of income in retirement.
Presenter: Kent Schutte, EFS Advisors
Location: Room 2
Racial Justice is Education Justice: How To Show Up for Our Students, Families and Communities <G>
The #redfored movement showed the nation that educators can win historic changes and reforms when they (1) commit to addressing racial inequities within public education, and (2) work in tandem with families, students and community partners to create solutions, actions and initiative to address those inequities. This interactive and virtual workshop will walk educators through the ways in which they can become better racial justice advocates, and how to integrate a racial justice lens into our standard labor priorities and activities.
Presenters: Robin Wonsley, community engagement coordinator, and Jonathan Kim, education issues specialist, Education Minnesota
Location: Room 3
English Learners <S>
Learn to tap into the strengths that English Learners bring to your class. Discover strategies for differentiation and scaffolding to support their work as they progress through stages of language acquisition. For ESPs, teachers and early career educators.
Presenter: Lois Pantoja, 5th grade dual immersion teacher, St. Paul Public Schools
Location: Room 4
Positive Behavior Interventions <S>
This session focuses on effective strategies that lead to increased student engagement and achievement.
Presenter: Laure O'Keeffe, special and general educator and liaison, Saint Paul Public Schools, Anna Westin and The Emily Program
Location: Room 5
Mental Health and Social Media: Help Students Take Ownership of Their Well-Being <G>
Anxiety, depression, and suicide have increased more than 37 percent with the release of social media, weakening an already stressed system. I have spent the past 21 years creating the personal brands of some of the biggest teen stars with over 150 million online followers. I am sharing the tools I have created to help them maintain a thriving mental state by taking ownership, being authentic and having responsible decision-making.
Presenter: Jonathan George, social emotional learning creative, Rock My Campus
Location: Room 6
Neuroscience for Educators - Mindfulness of Emotions <G>
Half of the nation’s children experience one or more serious traumas before the age of 18 and as educators, we feel ill-equipped. How we handle emotions that come with these difficult situations is what matters. Learn how to be a rockstar with emotions rather than be consumed by them.
Presenter: Shylla Webb, social emotional learning creative, Inner Matter
Location: Room 7
Impact Teaching <G>
Good teaching that produces effective outcomes requires the teacher to have knowledge of the subject matter and the ability to use tools and methods to engage all of the students. To be effective, that material must be presented using methods that acknowledge and respect all learning styles and levels of attention.
“Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I will understand”
In this workshop I will use hands-on experiential techniques and examples to help the participants make better connections, build teams and improve their presentations.
Presenter: Carl Olson, retired middle school counselor and owner, Energizer Olson Presentations
Location: Room 8
The Little Things That Make the Biggest Difference <G>
We discover the five most influential people in our lives and how they came to be. We discuss the little things in life and how taking advantage of those can make all the difference. The first step to helping those around us is to appreciate their strength and understand what they are going through.
Presenter: Mitchell Reed, superintendent, Florence School District 14-1
Location: Room 9
Go After Some Laughter <G>
Go After Some Laughter gives us a chance to laugh and enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of fun and humor. It is well documented that laughter raises the body's endorphin levels and has a significant impact on health and well-being. It is also a great tool to enhance classroom climate.
Presenter: Denny Smith, retired teacher/motivational speaker, Dennis Smith Training
Location: Room 10
Creating Schools That Welcome All Genders <G>
We know that all children benefit from a school climate that addresses gender role stereotyping and disrupts bullying around gender identity, expression and perceived sexual identity. This workshop will provide participants with concrete strategies to create an environment where all students thrive. Attendees will have an interactive, first-hand experience with two of Welcoming Schools’ most popular professional development modules—Creating Gender Inclusive Schools and Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Students—which include strategies, videos and resources to better support all your students!
Presenter: Dave Edwards, Welcoming Schools national facilitator, Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Welcoming Schools Program
Location: Room 11
Building Your Tech Sandwich <G>
Who doesn’t love a good sandwich? Using the metaphor of building a sandwich, we will explore how to pick (vetting process) the educational technology tools you want to use in your classroom/school/district and how to help users at all levels build their own tech sandwich.
Presenter: Tricia Louis, district technology integration professional, Richland School District
Location: Room 12
How Do I Teach That? Tips for Meeting MN Science Standards Related to Climate Change <G>
Minnesota educators will soon be asked to incorporate the newly adopted Minnesota Science standards into their curriculum. Join Climate Generation educator Seth Spencer as he explores tips, activities and resources to help address the standards that relate to climate change. Activities will be hands-on and interactive.
Presenter: Seth Spencer, Teach Climate Network coordinator, Climate Generation
Location: Room 13
3:45-4:45 p.m.
Teaching Gifted Learners: Advice From Minnesota Educators of the Gifted and Talented <G>
With few people receiving professional development on how to teach gifted education during their initial teacher licensure, this session will provide an overview of effective methods for reaching advanced learners. The session will also overview the work of the organization with suggestions for how participants can get involved.
Presenter: Kelly Jensen, gifted teacher, Minnesota Educators of the Gifted and Talented
Location: Ballroom A
Getting Started With Project-Based Learning <G>
Learn all about the elements of high-quality, project-based learning, the recent research that backs it up and walk away with several free resources that will help you begin to apply it to your own classroom.
Presenter: James Fester, technology integration support specialist and PBL national faculty, Hill-Murray School
Location: Ballroom B
Trauma II <G>
This course, a follow-up to Trauma I, will provide an overview of important classroom strategies for engaging with and supporting students with high levels of toxic stress from heavy exposure to childhood adversity.
Presenters: Sara Ford and Justin Killian, education issues specialists, Education Minnesota
Location: Ballroom C
Race Talk Messaging: What, Why and How <G>
This course introduces members to the Race Class Narrative Project, a well-researched messaging guide grounded in the principles of positive racial identity and collective action. By using real-life campaign advertisements, reflective practice and winning narrative building blocks, participants will create their own powerful and activating message to inspire their own membership to action.
Presenter: Melissa DelRosario, education issues specialist, Education Minnesota
Location: Ballroom D
Using Membership to the Max: Member Benefits <G>
Education Minnesota ESI brings quality programs and services to members and their families in order to maximize hard-earned dollars, plan for today and the future and protect yourself and loved ones. Through a member-led advisory committee and board, programs and services go through a review process before being sponsored. Learn about the ESI, NEA and AFT sponsored programs including identity theft protection, financial resources and shopping discounts.
Presenter: Christine Thornborrow, director of marketing, Education Minnesota ESI
Location: Room 2
Social Studies Update: Into Your Rights and the Standards Revision <G>
This workshop is centered around social studies teachers, but it is great for any teacher with questions about free speech rights in the classroom, concerns about anti-equity parent groups, who is unsure of having courageous classroom discussions regarding controversial topics, and more.
Presenters: Kari Rehrauer, field staff, and Eva Wood, attorney, Education Minnesota
Location: Room 3
English Learners <S>
Learn to tap into the strengths that English learners bring to your class. Discover strategies for differentiation and scaffolding to support their work as they progress through stages of language acquisition. For ESPs, teachers and early career educators.
Presenter: Lois Pantoja, fifth grade dual immersion teacher, St. Paul Public Schools
Location: Room 4
Positive Behavior Interventions <S>
This session focuses on effective strategies that lead to increased student engagement and achievement.
Presenter: Laure O'Keeffe, special and general educator and liaison, Saint Paul Public Schools, Anna Westin and The Emily Program
Location: Room 5
I Didn't Sign Up For This! A Teacher's Guide to Overcoming Overwhelm, Burnout and Exhaustion <G>
Seventy-eight percent of teachers report feeling physically and emotionally exhausted, which adversely impacts students achievement. Learn how to use stress as a resource before it takes over your ability to teach like a rockstar.
Presenters: Shylla Webb, social emotional learning creative, Inner Matter; and Jonathan George, social emotional learning creative, Rock My Campus
Location: Room 7
Why Outdoors? Why Not? <G>
Build teacher enthusiasm for using your school grounds as an outdoor classroom. Experience strategies for all students to be successful learners outdoors with a focus on observation and journaling as a multidisciplinary teaching tool. Introduction to fun hands-on Jeffers' resources, Good Sense, Calendar in the Classroom and EcoTime Cards. These resources contain quick easy environmental lessons that support academic standards.
Presenter: Polly Saatzer, retired teacher, lead workshop facilitator Jeffers Foundation; and Linda Anderson and Jill Kufrin, retired teachers
Location: Room 8
Mapping Local Communities: Young Learners, Primary Sources and Cultural Relevance <G>
Using an elementary classroom lesson and video of students in action, practice using primary sources to intersect your local community, your students and the past. Participants will create their own maps of community, and analyze them using a graphic organizer to record their observations and interpretation, putting culturally relevant pedagogy into practice.
Presenters: Geoff Freeman, teacher and content coach, J.J. Hill Montessori Magnet School in St. Paul; and Kara Knight
Location: Room 9
Fifty Shades for Youth? A Survivor’s Presentation on Toxicity in Teen Literature <G>
From TikTok to Teen Lit! Explore some of the most common toxic tropes in popular teen literature, engage as educators and/or parents with teens, and envision a golden future through the encouragement of positive now and upcoming books. Topics highlighted include misogyny and #metoo, racism, homophobia, mental health issues. An interactive Q&A/call-to-action. BIPOC/queer voices to be featured! Attendees will receive a free signed paperback of the author/presenter’s anti-trafficking YA dystopian, The Aviary.
Presenter: Emily Shore, anti-abuse author and activist, Independent/Women At Risk, International
Location: Room 11
How the Minnesota NBCT Network Helps Teachers Achieve National Board Certification <G>
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards has a mission to advance the quality of teaching and learning through a voluntary advanced certification. This session introduces teachers to the process of board certification, and details the support that our network provides for assisting candidate teachers on their journey to certification.
Presenter: Keith Steadland, support lead, Minnesota NBCT Network
Location: Room 12
Unlocking Literacy Through Dance and Theater <G>
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll draw upon the frameworks of Arts Lit, a free literacy resource, to explore ways of entering, comprehending and embodying texts. This work is geared for elementary and English teachers, librarians and others interested in using theater and dance to deepen comprehension and facilitate community building.
Presenter: Mary Harding, dance teacher, Perpich Center for Arts Education
Location: Room 14