New Racial Equity Advocates begin important work
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New Racial Equity Advocates begin important work

Education Minnesota’s Racial Equity Advocate program is now in its fourth year of training members to serve as co-conspirators and help develop an anti-racism growth mindset in local unions and school districts. The fourth REA cohort started in November with 22 members, who will meet another three times during the school year centering around specific…

Ellison receives national award for his commitment to his students, union
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Ellison receives national award for his commitment to his students, union

Tom Ellison’s career in education has been one of adapting and changing to meet the needs of his industrial technology learners. But at the core of his support for students has also been his commitment to his colleagues and his profession through his union work. That focus is the reason why Ellison is Minnesota’s nominee…

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Science teachers prepare, develop PD for new standards

Minnesota science educators will have until 2024 to fully implement the newly approved state science standards, which include big changes for sixth-grade curriculum, but a group of educators is already working to make sure their colleagues are prepared. “Earth science will be new for all sixth-grade teachers,” said Lee Schmitt, a Minnesota Science Teachers Association…

Special ed teacher motivates students with special guests
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Special ed teacher motivates students with special guests

When students enter Jamie Weisz’s special education classroom at Champlin Park High School, they never know who might greet them. Of course, Mr. Weisz is there, but he has also started a project finding local and national celebrities to send him selfie videos with a motivational message for the students. “The past few years, I…

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ESP Bill of Rights a key part of legislative agenda again

ESP Bill of Rights a key part of legislative agenda again Education Minnesota will once again be introducing an ESP Bill of Rights as legislation this session. The union hopes to push key parts of this package of proposals to have hearings and receive attention. Everyone who works in public education deserves the same things….

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Legislative session begins with focus on COVID relief

The 2021 Minnesota Legislature convened in early January, with much of the focus so far being on the COVID-19 pandemic as it still remains a concern. As of press time, the House and Senate have held hearings on updates from the Minnesota Department of Education and hearing from parents and students on their experiences. Education…

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COVID, vaccine updates available for all members online

As school districts continue to change learning models and a new vaccination plan for educators becomes reality, Education Minnesota continues to update its website and send email updates to its members. Our COVID webpage, www.educationminnesota.org/resources/in-the-classroom/Coronavirus, includes: FAQs on vaccinations, saliva testing, health concerns, prep time, distance learning privacy, special education, paid leaves, unemployment and student…