They Learned the 2016 MEA Conference Brought Excitement and Learning to Thousands of Minnesota Educators from Across the State

A publication for the members of Education Minnesota November 2016

They came, they saw, they learned The 2016 MEA conference brought excitement and learning to thousands of Minnesota educators from across the state. Educators learned about student engagement and culturally responsive teaching. They also took away classroom tips for online interventions and calming breathing exercises. Read more on page 3.

Program offers student loan forgiveness options that work While going back to school a year.” people can also get one- for the second master’s degree That’s where Education on-one guidance on what For more information about loan forgiveness options or she needed for her special Minnesota came in and, program they qualify for and to sign-up for a Degrees, Not Debt training, go to www. education work in Willmar, with Detloff’s guidance, how to apply. educationminnesota.org/advocacy/Degrees-Not-Debt. Tracy Detloff worried about created the Degrees, Not “It’s incredibly difficult to her student debt. Then she Debt training program. navigate, and this training remembered a brief mention “We have done 76 walks through each option educators to qualify for some our Title I schools. Some of loan forgiveness programs trainings so far,” said and their specific eligibility loan forgiveness. teachers who work in special at a local union meeting. Bridget Moore, Education requirements,” said Moore. Teacher Loan Forgiveness education, secondary science “I researched and found Minnesota organizer. “It’s Minnesota ranks fifth in is a federal program designed or secondary math may national programs to help,” important because student the nation for student debt, to support teachers who have actually qualify for $17,500 she said. debt is a huge burden for with the average student debt taught for five consecutive in relief. After being approved for many educators and there load at $30,894 for state years and work in a low- Public Service Loan loan forgiveness programs, is a lot of misinformation college students. income school, meaning Forgiveness is another federal Detloff decided to pass on about forgiveness options “It’s a huge issue,” said that 30 percent or more of program available to all her knowledge. and relief.” Detloff. “People are seeing students qualify for free or school district employees “I became a Central Lakes The training is available it in every magazine. These reduced lunch. who work full-time and have United IO board member for any local union, IO or programs and this training Teacher Loan Forgiveness federal direct loans. To be and people would ask me membership group. This year, is reachable for everybody.” provides one-time money: eligible, you must make or to help,” she said. “I started the training is expanding to There are currently four $5,000 in loan forgiveness presenting one or twice include a “debt clinic” where programs available to to educators who work in Degrees, Not Debt, page 7

INSIDE THIS ISSUE… WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Education Minnesota President Denise Two spots open for election on TRA Read our articles about Education Specht discusses the importance of Board. Minnesota’s Degrees, Not Debt program and strong public schools in a strong Page 9 MEA conference. Then answer the question, democracy. Page 2 Educators focus on social justice issues “What professional development opportunity Read about why Education Minnesota at recent fair. Page 10 or training would you like to see your union members are not just learning at start to offer or offer more?” and send it New Foundation grantee focuses on MEA workshops, but also doing the mentorship. Page 11 to us via email, Twitter or Facebook to be presenting. Page 3 entered into a drawing for a $25 Target Grants available for new members gift card. Educators joined U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison interested in retention of those new to earlier this month to call out bullying in the profession. Opportunities. Page 12 Email us at [email protected] or post on the presidential election. Page 4 Twitter or Facebook using #MNEducator. Find The Election 2016 coverage in this issue is an us on Facebook at Education Minnesota and Education Minnesota’s endorsed independent expenditure prepared and paid for candidates grid. Page 5 by Education Minnesota PAC, 41 Sherburne on Twitter @EducationMN. Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103 in support of named Congratulations to last month’s contest Resources available for support of LGBTQ candidates. The independent expenditure winner, Kari Skildum of St. Paul. See a students and bullying prevention. material is not approved by the candidates nor are the candidates responsible for it. selection of answers to last month’s question Page 7 on page 2. PERSPECTIVES Strong schools are a prerequisite for a healthy democracy The news stories about the with one of every six people For example, we want education out of reach for presidential campaign in my in Minnesota. And that’s just our students to be free to so many people, it widens social media feeds the past in E-12 schools. follow their dreams, but the gap between rich and few weeks are filled with Many of those students what they don’t know about, poor. If the best-paying jobs shocking words and a view of were born in foreign they can’t dream about. only go to the people with women that’s both offensive countries, or are the children Exposing students to many the best educations, then and depressing. There are of immigrants. Fifteen areas of knowledge must the best educations are only heartbreaking accounts of percent of students speak a be part of our mission and available to families with the how the campaign rhetoric language other than English another reason to resist the best-paying jobs. has hurt our students, at home. Listen during narrowing of the curriculum It’s not fair. It’s not particularly girls, immigrant passing time in the school we’ve recently seen. sustainable. And it’s a long families and people who hallways and you will hear Our country can only be way from the American ideal. follow the Muslim faith. conversations flavored with free if all its citizens can think The campaigns will be I keep thinking about words from Spanish, Somali, critically about its future. If just wrapping up when this how I would talk about this Hmong, Vietnamese, Karen, a well-rounded education edition of The Educator campaign with my students Denise Specht, president Arabic, Russian and many is available only to a few is mailed. America will at Golden Lake Elementary more languages. privileged voters, the rest soon have a new president. School in the Centennial Many immigrant students of our nation will become Minnesota will have a new School District. and our nation. Strong public came to America because more vulnerable to slick state Legislature. All the Unfortunately, there has schools are the lifeblood of their parents wanted to give manipulators. Everyone will education groups will start been almost no news coverage that democracy. them a better life. Those suffer on Election Day. positioning themselves for about public education Increasing the number parents trust us to help turn It is one reason Education the next debate on how our during this campaign. Only of well-informed citizens their dreams for their children Minnesota fights so hard schools should work. a story or two covered the voting from their hearts and into reality. On a much for the resources to offer When those education candidate’s positions on E-12 minds is the solution to most bigger scale, the state and equitable opportunities to talks begin, I hope everyone schools, a few more examined problems in our government. federal governments invest all students, regardless of inside public schools can plans to reduce the costs of Just as we all need clean air, billions of dollars a year for their ZIP code. It’s also why remember we have an higher education. This is too drinkable water and safe us to educate Minnesota’s Education Minnesota has awesome responsibility bad. Public education plays food, a healthy democracy young people. been active in reducing the because of what we do. And a vital role in the future of needs its citizens to act on the Educators prepare costs of college, which we what we do is one of the most our country. knowledge that comes from a individuals for the workforce call the “Degrees, Not Debt” important jobs out there. Put I know this might sound well-rounded education. and the state economy, campaign. simply: We make Americans. corny, but a little idealism Educators accepted that but that’s not all we do. Soaring tuition and could be a good antidote to the responsibility when we Collectively, educators crushing loans are threats Together, last weeks of the campaign. become teachers, education move our country toward to our nation because they So I’ll say it. I’ll advocate support professionals, that “more perfect union” deny access to educational for public education. The professors, instructors and all by giving our students the opportunities—just as surely democratic process is still other jobs within the public tools to think clearly and by as formal bans by race and the best tool for fixing the schools. After all, during the showing them possibilities gender did generations ago. Twitter: @DeniseSpecht challenges facing our state school year, we’re entrusted to pursue. When cost puts a college What is the biggest hurdle in recruitment, retention today? In last month’s Minnesota Educator, we introduced “Recruitment—The PUBLIC opinion of teachers. There community. I hear lots of “must be nice to have three the “we want to hear from you” contest and received are still so many out there that feel teachers have it months off.” They have no idea that it’s not really three responses from all over the state via email and Twitter. easy—summers off, get too many paid holidays, paid months anymore and it also is unpaid.” — Linda Case, Here is a selection of the answers. Look on page 1 for too much, have a pension. Teachers are not looked at Minneapolis Federation of Teachers ESPs this month’s question and how to submit an answer. as professionals. Retention—reality sets in—little or Your answer enters you into a drawing for a $25 Target “ The biggest hurdle in recruiting and retaining gift card! no support for new teachers or teachers in general especially from administration and the district office. teachers is salary. The gap between teacher’s pay and “I read the article about retention and the wage gap. We need to help our new teachers. They need support comparable professional jobs continues to grow. This Though I agree that the wage gap is an issue as I each and every day. And we need to appreciate our is especially true in the area of science. Example: A know teachers working multiple jobs to make a living, experienced teachers.” — Linda Lindahl, Elk River chemist earns much more than a high school chemistry I believe the real issue for retention and recruitment Education Association teacher, which is also true with physics.” — Marianne Olson, Education Minnesota Retired has more to do with the obstacles teachers face that “Student discipline is the biggest hurdle in recruitment make us feel unsuccessful. Student behaviors that go and retention of educators today!” — Laurie Meyers, “ The biggest hurdle in recruitment and retention way beyond anything teachers are trained to handle, Minneapolis Federation of Teachers of educators is that each year more and more and expectations that teachers need to be available, responsibilities and expectations are added to the on call 24/7, leave teachers with unbalanced lives “I think pay is certainly an issue. As an associate teacher workload without anything being taking off and burnout.” — Ellen Dischinger, Hopkins Education educator, we have to have two years of college. I do, the plate. This just results in longer working hours each Association but know many that can’t afford this to work part- year. I wouldn’t even want to spend the time to find out “Recruitment and retention begins with comparable time, and get either no raise or like the teachers this what my “hourly” rate is since it would probably be so year 1 percent that doesn’t come close to making up low.” — Kari Skildum, St. Paul Federation of Teachers salaries and respect.” — David Higley, Education Minnesota-Edina for the costs that go up for everyone. I also don’t think school staff are always treated with respect from the “Teacher shortage for open positions.” — Cynthia Hanson, Lake of the Woods Education Association

November 2016 – Volume 19, No. 3 The Minnesota Educator publishes each month. It is one of the union’s print and digital publications to educate, inform and organize the community of members. The Educator is reported, edited and designed by union staff members. The paper is printed in RR Donnelley Co.’s union shop in Long Prairie, Minn. Find copies of the Educator online at www.educationminnesota.org. Go to the News menu, then Minnesota Educator.

To reach the newspaper for queries, To inquire about advertising in Minnesota Educator (ISSN 1521-9062) is a monthly story or commentary ideas the Educator or on the website publication. Periodicals are postage-paid at St. Paul, Denise Specht Minn., and additional offices. Postmaster: Send President Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] address changes to Minnesota Educator, 41 Sherburne Paul Mueller Mail: Minnesota Educator Phone: 651-292-4865 Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103-2196. Vice President 41 Sherburne Ave. Minnesota Educator. All rights reserved, but readers St. Paul, MN 55103 For general inquiries and business Rodney Rowe at the state headquarters are welcome to reproduce any article in whole or Secretary-Treasurer To report a change of address or end in part on the condition that they give credit to Phone: 800-652-9073 or 651-227-9541 Education Minnesota. Sara Gjerdrum duplicate mailings, contact the Education Executive Director For information about union activities, work and The Minnesota Educator is published for members Minnesota membership department. Brandon Rettke resources, go to www.educationminnesota.org. to share news about education issues and training Email: [email protected] Director of Public Affairs Follow Education Minnesota on Facebook, Twitter opportunities for educators as well as union and Phone: 651-292-4805 political news that affects public education in Kieren Steinhoff and Pinterest. Editor By web: www.educationminnesota.org and choose Minnesota. the Contact Us link to send a change of address. Eric Widi Art Director

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PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG MEA focuses on boosting profession, teacher voice “Students can’t dream than teachers. We are nurses. about what they don’t We are counselors. We are know about.” cheerleaders. We are builders That quote from Education of dreams and destroyers Minnesota President Denise of negativity. Most of you are Specht’s keynote address at probably teachers because of the MEA conference Oct. a great teacher. We’re here to 20 summed up why so many honor great teachers because educators attended the two- great teachers never really day event. The professional die,” he said. development offered boosted Goldstein spoke about the educators’ knowledge, the history of the teaching which they will then pass on profession, the same subject to their students. of her New York Times Attendees listened to bestseller “The Teacher Wars: Specht, 2016 Minnesota A History of America’s Most Teacher of the Year Abdul Embattled Profession.” Wright and journalist and “Teachers are not author Dana Goldstein angels or villains, they are during the keynote session. professionals,” she said. Specht spoke about the She also talked about the big job of educators— demand for data-driven making a difference and school reform being limited. making Americans. “We have typically done “If the candidates in this education reform to teachers, election won’t talk about not with teachers,” Goldstein create engaged classrooms Can I do this? experiences study (ACES) public education, I will. Public said. “Things like teacher and cultural competency “We need to create safe, and resiliency. education is a vital part of performance evaluations and equity. nurturing, engaging school Thursday and Friday what makes America great, have been tried for decades “If we’re able to environments for students, also offered more than 100 and each of you are a vital and just haven’t worked.” successfully connect with especially those affected workshops on student issues, part of public education,” she Goldstein described all kids, it matters,” said by trauma,” said Nancy classroom resources and said. “Our country cannot be how teacher working Dr. Anton Treuer, Ojibwe Riestenberg, restorative teacher effectiveness. free unless our citizens can conditions have mattered professor at Bemidji State practices specialist at Educators also went think wisely and critically. throughout history. University. Minnesota Department of through the hundreds of Demand the best from your “When teachers have all of Dr. Tina Boogren Education, and Mark Sander, booths during Thursday’s students because one day the resources they need, test introduced attendees to the senior clinical psychologist exhibit hall, including a job our nation may need the best scores go up,” she said. four questions associated for Hennepin County and fair, field trip library and from them.” The rest of conference with student engagement the director of school mental General Motors educator Wright spoke about what was filled with mini-keynote and how to set the stage for health for Hennepin County discount area. a huge responsibility and speakers who highlighted positive answers to each of and Minneapolis Public privilege it is to be a teacher. adverse childhood them: How do I feel? Am I Schools, in their mini-keynote “We in this room are more experiences, how to interested? Is this important? on the adverse childhood Educators bring their expertise to MEA workshops While the MEA conference I am presenting gives teachers is a place for educators tools to help their students to receive high-quality participate in hands-on and professional development, it minds-on scientific inquiry.” is also a place for educators Sharing their knowledge to share lessons, ideas and with educators from knowledge by presenting throughout the state a workshop. was especially important “Having teachers present to Ingrid Miera and Joni to other teachers is important Anderson, English language because as an educator, you learner education support want to hear from ‘book- professionals at Fair Oaks smart,’ research-based Elementary in the Osseo presenters and from ‘boots school district. Since on the ground’ people who professional development are actually doing these is often limited for ESPs, things in their classroom,” having a place like MEA said Kristi Corens, a seventh- to attend is important, and grade life science teacher also important for ESPs to in Wayzata, who presented be involved with presenting. on getting students outside “When ESPs get trained, of practicing inquiry and they like having ESPs scientific methods. “MEA do the training,” said gives educators a chance to Anderson. “We can speak go to both types of sessions. It to their work. We bring a “We want attendees to way to approach that. When to other teachers, make is also important for teachers different perspective.” experience what it is like to be you teach students to think, connections and come away to share with each other what Miera and Anderson in the shoes of EL students,” you’re synthesizing fact and with new ideas to bring works and what doesn’t presented three times said Miera. “We want them skills. They rely on their back. It reconfirms that work because we can all use throughout the two-day to be in the situation, so they thinking skills when they are this is what you want to each other’s experiences to be conference. One session can be a little more sensitive taking those tests.” do. I like the energy. It’s better educators.” focused on how ESPs can to the EL’s needs.” Lori Breidenbach, a teacher very validating.” Corens said she feels the receive the Minnesota For Katy Nelson, in the graduation incentives Breidenbach’s workshop variety of choices at MEA is paracredential, which is a International Baccalaureate program at Hopkins High looked at the VoiceThread what makes it so valuable, certification they see as a Middle Years Programme School, was just finishing application in a classroom as and why she wanted to huge boost to the profession coordinator at Robbinsdale her certification to be a a way to continue to interact share her area of expertise in of paraprofessional. They Middle School, presenting at VoiceThread instructor when with students, no matter science methods. also presented their session, MEA this year was all about the opportunity to present at what the setting. “I think it is an important “Equality vs. Equity, sharing her passion. MEA arose. It’s important for educators topic for educators of Language and Culture, Nelson presented a “I’ve always wanted to to be involved in creating the Minnesota because it Cultural Sensitivity and workshop on concept-based present at MEA,” she said. content and presenting at connects what students are Academic Achievement: curriculum and instruction. “A conference like this that conferences like this, she said. doing in class to the broader What Are They All About?” “In Minnesota, we truly is statewide, reaching so “An opportunity like picture of what scientists do,” twice, because they want to focus on teaching our many people, is so energizing this is reminding us that she said. “It is important for do as much as possible to standards. We have that and renewing. I remember we’re all working toward students to see how science advocate for English learners. focus, so we sometimes attending this conference in the same goals. We are is relevant in their lives and “That’s where our heart is, lose the students,” she my first year of teaching. I seen as professionals,” possibly see themselves as a that’s why we want to be at said. “(Concept-based remember thinking this is said Breidenbach. scientist someday. The session MEA,” said Anderson. instruction) is a refreshing so great that you can talk

WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG | NOVEMBER 2016 PAGE 3 Educators call for an end to bullying in election Educators joined U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison and bullying EVERY VOTE COUNTS – REGISTER, expert Dr. Walter Roberts at a news conference Oct. FIND POLLING PLACE, VOTE NOV. 8 3 to reject the bullying The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office offers resources on and hate speech defining registration and how to vote on or before Election Day. the presidential election, citing its effect on Registration Minnesota children. If you have moved or changed your name, you’ll need to re-register October marked National to vote. Bullying Prevention Month Registration or registration updates are both available at your and Minnesota educators polling place on Election Day. Proof of residence will be required. joined others around the all students what they need fully formed at this age. So, country to call for an end to succeed. If you care about what is said and how it is Find your polling place to bullying in politics— closing opportunity gaps, not communicated is important. Go to http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ to see where you vote, get specifically by one of the widening them. Then we’re Words matter.” a map and directions, view a map of your precinct and see what presidential candidates. asking you to stand with us Amy Hewett-Olatunde, candidates and questions are on your ballot. “This is the time to call and say this: ‘Mr. Trump, you 2015 Minnesota Teacher of out Mr. Trump. Minnesota cannot bully your way to the the Year and English language cannot reward bullying, White House,’” Specht said. learner teacher at LEAP High might make change. opinion—that is as it should racial profiling and The three Minnesota School in St. Paul, which is “They said, ‘But we’re be in a vibrant democracy— scapegoating,” Education educators who spoke focused comprised of all immigrant just kids,’” said Ortiz, an the expression of those Minnesota President Denise on what they are hearing in students, said children are English language learner opinions must always be Specht said. “Today, you will their classrooms. being exposed to a climate and Latino culture teacher respectful and mindful that hear from educators about “The essence of the of uncertainty, anxiety, in St. Paul. “Children asking this is a nation of immigrants how students are reacting to discourse in this election hatred, discrimination adults to uphold democracy and that we have gained from Trump. Some are confused. has devolved into a toxic, and ignorance. is powerful.” that diversity of collective Some feel threatened. Some verbal battle that carries “For many of my students Ellison said that while wisdom. Somewhere in this are learning to be bullies significant consequences and students across this state, Trump didn’t invent bullying, country today may well be themselves. The Southern for our children and youth. there is a very real fear about he accelerated it. the child who will grow up Poverty Law Center calls Either it breeds fear or their safety and the safety “When that toxic rhetoric to discover a cure for cancer, it the ‘Trump Effect.’ I sanctions similar behavior,” of their families if the worst spills into schools, it becomes if given the full measure of call it something we need said Anne Lindgren, a speech case scenario would become a problem,” he said. educational opportunity. to keep far away from language pathologist in reality. They left countries Roberts, a professor of I daresay, when that day impressionable children.” Anoka-Hennepin schools. that denied them all of these counselor education at arrives, none of us will Specht and Ellison stressed “The ability to understand for a better life,” she said. Minnesota State University, care about the color of that this wasn’t about taking sides nuanced language or take “Silence enables. Avoidance Mankato, said children pick child’s skin, sexual identity in the election or Democrat another’s perspective, or segregates. Hatred destroys.” up on the larger messages or religion.” vs. Republican, but about realize that the world is not a When Juanita Ortiz’s of what people say, not just “Children can’t learn if the future of the nation and ‘literal’ place, are all abilities students started talking about the words. they don’t feel safe,” he said. well-being of students. that are being developed hate speech, she encouraged “While there will always “If you care about giving well into adulthood and not them to think about how they be differences of political

PAGE 4 NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG Education Minnesota endorsed candidates Here are the candidates endorsed by Education Minnesota for election on Nov. 8. Education Minnesota is asking members to get involved with the election to help get pro-education candidates elected. Stay informed and find ways to be active at www.educationminnesota.org/advocacy/election2016.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES District Name District Name District Name 1 Tim Walz 4 Betty McCollum 7 Collin Peterson 2 Angie Craig 5 Keith Ellison 8 Rick Nolan

MINNESOTA SENATE District Name Hometown District Name Hometown District Name Hometown 1 Kip Fontaine Mentor 24 Vicki Jensen Owatonna 49 Melisa Franzen Edina 2 Rod Skoe Clearbrook 26 Rich Wright Rochester 50 Melissa Wiklund Bloomington 3 Tom Bakk Cook 27 Dan Sparks Austin 51 Jim Carlson Eagan 4 Kent Eken Twin Valley 28 Jeremy Miller Winona 52 Matt Klein Mendota Heights 5 Tom Saxhaug Grand Rapids 29 Janice Kittok Delano 53 Susan Kent Woodbury 6 David Tomassoni Chisholm 31 Ricky Englund Bethel 54 Dan Schoen St. Paul Park 7 Erik Simonson Duluth 32 Tim Nelson Cambridge 56 Phil Sterner Burnsville 8 Shawn Olson Alexandria 35 Jim Abeler Anoka 57 Greg Clausen Apple Valley 9 Jason Weinerman Little Falls 36 John Hoffman Champlin 58 Matt Little Lakeville 10 Tiffany Stenglein Brainerd 37 Jerry Newton Coon Rapids 59 Bobby Joe Champion Minneapolis 11 Tony Lourey Kerrick 38 Pat Davern Lino Lakes 60 Kari Dziedzic Minneapolis 12 Russ Hinrichs Alexandria 40 Chris Eaton Brooklyn Center 61 Scott Dibble Minneapolis 13 Michael Willemsen Sauk Rapids 41 Carolyn Laine Columbia Heights 62 Jeff Hayden Minneapolis 14 Dan Wolgamott St. Cloud 42 Jason Isaacson Shoreview 63 Patricia Torres Ray Minneapolis 17 Lyle Koenen Clara City 43 Chuck Wiger Maplewood 64 Dick Cohen St. Paul 18 Amy Wilde Dassel 44 Deb Calvert Minnetonka 65 Sandy Pappas St. Paul 19 Nick Frentz Mankato 45 Ann Rest New Hope 66 John Marty Roseville 20 Kevin Dahle Northfield 46 Ron Latz St. Louis Park 67 Foung Hawj St. Paul 21 Matt Schmit Red Wing 47 Darryl Scarborough Chaska 22 Brian Abrahamson Luverne 48 Steve Cwodzinski Eden Prairie

MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES District Name Hometown District Name Hometown District Name Hometown 1A George Bass Thief River Falls 24A Bev Cashman Owatonna 48A Laurie Pryor Minnetonka 1B Mike Moore Fosston 24B Patti Fritz Faribault 49A Ron Erhardt Edina 2B Bryan Klabunde Waubun 25A Linda Walbruch Mantorville 49B Paul Rosenthal Edina 3A Rob Ecklund International Falls 25B Duane Sauke Rochester 50A Linda Slocum Richfield 3B Mary Murphy Hermantown 26A Tina Liebling Rochester 50B Andrew Carlson Bloomington 4A Ben Lien Moorhead 26B John Wayne Austinson Eyota 51A Sandra Masin Eagan 4B Paul Marquart Dilworth 27A Gary Schindler Albert Lea 51B Laurie Halverson Eagan 5A John Persell Bemidji 27B Jeanne Poppe Austin 52A Rick Hansen South St. Paul 5B Tom Anzelc Balsam Township 28B Greg Davids Preston 52B Mary T’Kach Inver Grove Heights 6A Julie Sandstede Hibbing 29B Steve Kilburn Buffalo 53A JoAnn Ward Woodbury 6B Jason Metsa Virginia 30A Sarah Hamlin Elk River 53B Alberder Gillespie Woodbury 7A Jennifer Schultz Duluth 30B Margaret Fernandez St. Michael 54A Jen Peterson Cottage Grove 7B Liz Olson Duluth 31A Sarah Udvig St. Francis 54B Don Slaten Hastings 8B Gail Kulp Alexandria 31B Susan Larson Ham Lake 55A Mary Hernandez Shakopee 9A Meg Litts Staples 32A Paul Gammel Fish Lake Township 55B Cecilia Haakenson Prior Lake 9B Dustin Simmonds Little Falls 32B Laurie Warner North Branch 56A Jared Christensen Burnsville 10A Quinn Nystrom Baxter 35A Andy Hillebregt Ramsey 56B Lindsey Port Burnsville 10B Erin Wagner Aitkin 36A Kevin Parker Coon Rapids 57A Erin Maye Quade Apple Valley 11A Mike Sundin Esko 36B Melissa Hortman Brooklyn Park 57B John Huot Rosemount 11B Tom Jones Mora 37A Erin Koegel Spring Lake Park 58A LeAnn Weikle Lakeville 12A Jay McNamar Elbow Lake 37B Susan Witt Blaine 58B Marla Vagts Farmington 13A Anne Buckvold St. Joseph 38B Ami Wazlawik White Bear Lake 59A Fue Lee Minneapolis 14A Aric Putnam St. Cloud 39A Jody Anderson Stillwater 59B Ray Dehn Minneapolis 14B Zach Dorholt St. Cloud 39B Alan Kantrud Lake Elmo 60A Diane Loeffler Minneapolis 15A Kent Lestrud Princeton 40A Mike Nelson Brooklyn Park 60B Ilhan Omar Minneapolis 15B Karla Scapanski Sauk Rapids 40B Deb Hilstrom Brooklyn Center 61A Frank Hornstein Minneapolis 16A Al Kruse Marshall 41A Connie Bernardy Fridley 61B Paul Thissen Minneapolis 16B Austin Grossenburg New Ulm 41B Mary Kunesh-Podein New Brighton 62A Karen Clark Minneapolis 17A Andrew Falk Murdock 42A Barb Yarusso Shoreview 62B Susan Allen Minneapolis 17B Mary Sawatzky Willmar 42B Jamie Becker-Finn Roseville 63A Jim Davnie Minneapolis 18A Dean Urdahl Grove City 43A Peter Fischer Maplewood 63B Jean Wagenius Minneapolis 18B Darrel Mosel Gaylord 43B Leon Lillie North St. Paul 64A Erin Murphy St. Paul 19A Clark Johnson North Mankato 44A Ginny Klevorn Plymouth 64B Dave Pinto St. Paul 19B Jack Considine Mankato 44B Jon Applebaum Minnetonka 65A Rena Moran St. Paul 20B David Bly Northfield 45A Lyndon Carlson Crystal 65B Carlos Mariani St. Paul 21A Lisa Bayley Red Wing 45B Mike Freiberg Golden Valley 66A Alice Hausman St. Paul 21B Elise Diesslin Elgin 46A Peggy Flanagan St. Louis Park 66B John Lesch St. Paul 22B Kirby Kruse Windom 46B Cheryl Youakim Hopkins 67A Tim Mahoney St. Paul 23A Zac Huntley Blue Earth 47B Jane Montemayor Excelsior 67B Sheldon Johnson St. Paul

WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG | NOVEMBER 2016 PAGE 5 Education Minnesota election material

FILING FORM FOR FILING FORM FOR GOVERNING BOARD AT-LARGE GOVERNING BOARD AT-LARGE VACANCY This form must be filed with the Office of the Elections This form must be filed with the Office of the Elections Committee of Education Minnesota. Committee of Education Minnesota. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. I, , wish to file for the following position: I, , wish to file for the following position: OR OR I, , wish to nominate , I, , wish to nominate , for the following position: for the following position: Governing Board – Election Zone: Governing Board At-Large (three-year term: July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2020) (two positions to be filled; remainder of three-year term: All election zone positions to be filled: 1 through 8. July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2019) Election zone map located at www.educationminnesota.org. Candidate Information Candidate Information Mailing Address: Mailing Address: City/State/ZIP: City/State/ZIP: Local: School Phone: Local: School Phone: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Email: Email: Signature: Date: Signature: Date:

(For official use only) (For official use only) This filing form was received on by This filing form was received on by Membership was verified on by Membership was verified on by DEADLINE: 11:59 P.M. DEC. 9, 2016 DEADLINE: 11:59 P.M. DEC. 9, 2016 Return completed form by fax to: 651-767-1266, or mail to: Office of the Elections Return completed form by fax to: 651-767-1266, or mail to: Office of the Elections Committee, Education Minnesota, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103, Committee, Education Minnesota, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103, or scan and email to [email protected]. or scan and email to [email protected]. Note: Education Minnesota includes an insert of all candidates in the Minnesota Note: Education Minnesota includes an insert of all candidates in the Minnesota Educator published prior to the election in April and in a Voter Guide distributed at the Educator published prior to the election in April and in a Voter Guide distributed at the Representative Convention. Candidates may submit a photo and statement for inclusion Representative Convention. Candidates may submit a photo and statement for inclusion in these publications and on the Education Minnesota website. The photo and statement in these publications and on the Education Minnesota website. The photo and statement must be submitted using the online submission form at www.educationminnesota.org. must be submitted using the online submission form at www.educationminnesota.org. Statement and photo must be received by Dec. 20, 2016. Statement and photo must be received by Dec. 20, 2016.

FILING FORM FOR FILING FORM FOR GOVERNING BOARD GOVERNING BOARD ESP HIGHER ED/STATEWIDE AFFILIATE This form must be filed with the Office of the Elections This form must be filed with the Office of the Elections Committee of Education Minnesota. Committee of Education Minnesota. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. I, , wish to file for the following position: I, , wish to file for the following position: OR OR I, , wish to nominate , I, , wish to nominate , for the following position: for the following position: Governing Board ESP Governing Board Higher Ed/Statewide Affiliate (two positions to be filled; three-year term: July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2020) (one position to be filled; three-year term: July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2020) Candidate Information Candidate Information Mailing Address: Mailing Address: City/State/ZIP: City/State/ZIP: Local: School Phone: Local: School Phone: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Email: Email: Signature: Date: Signature: Date:

PAGE 6 NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG Resources for bullying prevention, LGBTQ support October was National how educators can identify, Association, have produced GLSEN resources on schools, prevent bias- Bullying Prevention Month intervene and advocate to Schools in Transition: A creating safe, supportive based bullying and gender and many educators struggle create bully-free schools and Guide for Supporting environments stereotyping and support with how to best support the critical role that school Transgender Students in GLSEN is a national transgender and gender- LGBTQ students and deal climate plays in bullying K-12 Schools. The guide is a education organization expansive students. The with the bullying that often prevention. The campaign roadmap for educators and focused on ensuring safe program features a starter comes along with a student also puts a focus on education parents to provide safe and and affirming schools for kit for those interested in sharing their whole self in a support professionals and the supportive environments LGBTQ students. They have creating a welcoming school school environment. vital role they play in bullying for all transgender students, an educator network mailing environment, which includes prevention efforts. offering practical advice, list for those interested lesson plans, books and tips. AFT’s Share My Lesson Toolkits, videos, social field-tested tips and narratives in receiving a monthly Also available online are digital resources media images and a pledge of real experiences from newsletter that highlights resources to help educators The American Federation to change your school climate students and educators. resources and news. The answer challenging questions of Teachers’ Share My Lesson are all available at www.nea. To read more about the group also offers professional and tips to integrate books has launched new digital org/bullyfree. project or view the guide, development and educator into curriculum that reflect resources designed to support go to http://neatoday. resources. Online resources diversity. educators in providing safe NEA social justice campaign org/2015/10/08/schools- include educator guides, To see all the resources, go classroom environments NEA EdJustice engages in-transition-a-guide- lesson plans on bullying, bias to www.welcomingschools. for LGBTQ students. The and mobilizes activists in the to-support-transgender- and diversity and LGBTQ- org. expanded bullying prevention fight for racial, social and students-in-k-12. inclusive curriculum. collection includes teaching economic justice in public The NEA’s general counsel Resources include a toolkit GSA Network resources for resources, information and education. Readers will find office has created a Legal to create a respectful space organizing a school group guidance for teachers and ways they can advocate for Guidance on Transgender for elementary schools, The Genders and parents, as well as content educators, students, families Students’ Rights. including respectful learning Sexualities Alliance Network from prominent partners and communities. This site Transgender student rights plans, lesson alignment, is a support network for such as the Anti-Defamation includes stories about issues is an emerging area of law. lessons on family diversity, grassroots, youth-led groups League, the Bully Project such as LGBTQ students, The most effective way for educator responses and and GSAs, empowering them and Teaching Tolerance. bullying, English language institutions to comply with respectful recess and physical to educate their schools and Resources include lesson learners, immigration, voting their legal obligations is to education spaces. GLSEN communities, advocate for plans, developing inclusive rights, opportunities for all, develop effective policies also has a facebook group for just policies that protect classroom materials, creating racial justice and ending the that take into account the GSA advisors called GLSEN LGBTQ youth from safe spaces in a school school-to-prison pipeline. legal rights of transgender Educators Forum. harassment and violence, and environment, modules on Learn more, take action on students and treat such To sign up for the mailing organize in coalition with how to handle bullying in these issues or sign up for an students with dignity and list or to access resources, go other youth groups across the classroom and suicide e-newsletter by visiting www. respect. Although guidance to www.glsen.org. identity lines to address prevention presentations. neaedjustice.org. documents and model broader issues of oppression. The collection can be found policies differ somewhat, HRC’s welcoming The network offers at http://sharemylesson. Guides on transgender all of them agree on certain schools program resources for how to start a com/collections/bullying- students’ rights actions that schools and HRC Welcoming Schools club as a student or advisor prevention-resources. The National Center for school districts should take to is a comprehensive approach and how to focus on student Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and comply with their obligations to creating respectful and leadership development. NEA’s Bully Free: It Starts Gender Spectrum, along with toward transgender students. supportive elementary Learn more about with Me campaign Human Rights Campaign To read the guide, go to www. schools with resources and the GSA Network at The National Education Foundation, the American nea.org/assets/docs/20184_ professional development www.gsanetwork.org. Association’s campaign offers Civil Liberties Union and Transgender%20Guide_ to embrace family diversity, resources and research on the National Education v4.pdf. create LGBTQ-inclusive

Degrees, Not Debt from page 1 FILING FORM FOR NEA DIRECTOR have made 120 on-time payments she said. “I should be done with my since October 2007 on an income- payments in the next year, when This form must be filed with the Office of the Elections driven repayment plan. After those it would have taken me almost Committee of Education Minnesota. qualifying payments are made, the 15 before.” PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. remaining principal and interest And there are many other educators is forgiven. The requirements can who have taken the training that have I, , wish to file for the following position: appear technical and complicated, also benefitted. OR but the Degrees, Not Debt trainers “When I was going to school, I can help. didn’t know how much debt I would I, , wish to nominate , The SELF Refi is a new student be in. My mindset was, get done, I for the following position: loan refinancing program that allows want to teach,” said Staretta Ann NEA Director thousands of Minnesotans to refinance Taylor-Cooper, a pre-kindergarten their student debt through the state to teacher from St. Paul. “I am so Candidate Information get a better interest rate. This program thankful that I attended the Degrees, Mailing Address: is available for qualifying loans where Not Debt training. My union gave me the student is the borrower. Parent accurate information that I needed City/State/ZIP: PLUS loans are not eligible. at the right time. A burden has Local: School Phone: The Minnesota Teacher Shortage been lifted. I’ve found a solution Loan Forgiveness program was that works.” Home Phone: Cell Phone: created in the last legislative session. Heather Carlson, a special education Email: The application period is currently teacher in Waconia, qualified for the closed but will reopen again next Teacher Loan Forgiveness program Signature: Date: spring. Teachers who work in a and received $17,500 to pay off the specific subject area or economic remainder of her loans. She had tried (For official use only) development region in the state are to get the information herself, but This filing form was received on by eligible to receive $1,000 each year, ended up frustrated. up to $5,000 over five years. After attending the Degrees, Not Membership was verified on by “Teachers don’t ever get a bonus. Debt training in her district, she saw DEADLINE: 11:59 P.M. DEC. 9, 2016 This is our bonus,” said Detloff. some potential. “The paperwork takes five minutes “I really appreciated the Return completed form by fax to: 651-767-1266, or mail to: Office of the Elections to fill out.” presentation. If it wouldn’t have been Committee, Education Minnesota, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103, Because of both the teacher loan in my district, I probably wouldn’t or scan and email to [email protected]. forgiveness and public service loan have gone,” Carlson said. “But the Note: Education Minnesota includes an insert of all candidates in the Minnesota forgiveness programs, Detloff’s support was crucial. I don’t have these Educator published prior to the election in April and in a Voter Guide distributed at the payments were cut by three-fourths. thousands of dollars holding me back. Representative Convention. Candidates may submit a photo and statement for inclusion “My payments went from $700 a There’s a relief in feeling that I can in these publications and on the Education Minnesota website. The photo and statement must be submitted using the online submission form at www.educationminnesota.org. month to between $150 and $199,” move forward.” Statement and photo must be received by Dec. 20, 2016.

WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG | NOVEMBER 2016 PAGE 7 PAGE 8 NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG FILING FORM FOR NEA RA STATE-CREDENTIALED DELEGATE This form must be filed with the Office of the Elections Committee of Education Minnesota. Delegate selection PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. I, , hereby submit my name for state credentials to the NEA RA to be held June 30-July 5, 2017, in Boston, MA. for 2017 NEA RA OR The National Education delegates are expected to Association Representative attend all caucus meetings I, , wish to nominate , Assembly, the major decision- and to be on the convention for state credentials to the NEA RA to be held June 30-July 5, 2017, in Boston, MA. making body for the NEA, floor for all proceedings. I further certify that the nominee is eligible for state credentials as a delegate from: will take place June 30-July Funding includes: Airfare— 5 in Boston. travel arrangements to be Active Member Election District “Delegates bring their made through the designated (K-12; statewide affiliates; and school related personnel) voices to the representative travel agent and direct-billed Category 2 assembly and shape the to Education Minnesota (inactive NEA life member and not an Education Minnesota Retired member) actions and policies of the (alternative transportation Please complete the following information: NEA,” Education Minnesota will be reimbursed up to a President Denise Specht said. predetermined amount); the Name: “The convention celebrates cost of a double-occupancy Local: excellence in our profession room at the delegation hotel Home Address: and provides an opportunity (to be direct-billed) for an to connect with educators authorized number of nights; City/State/ZIP: from across the country.” and reimbursement for meals Home/Cell Phone: All active Education and other convention-related School Phone: Minnesota members are expenses up to $560 (with eligible to run to be a state- original itemized receipts). School Email: credentialed delegate for the Substitute costs for state Personal Email: NEA RA. Filings open Nov. delegates working in year- ...... 7 and close Dec. 9. round school settings will (Optional information for internal use) Elections will take place be covered as outlined in in local districts during the the Education Minnesota American Indian/Alaskan Native Caucasian (not Spanish origin) 15-day window beginning Financial Policy for Black Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Feb. 6 and ending Feb. Governance and Members. Hispanic Other 24. Elections will be held Mileage to and from the on weekdays only during airport is reimbursable at 20 Asian this period. cents a mile, along with the First Time Delegate? Yes No Ballots will be mailed the cost of airport parking. PreK-12 Higher Ed ESP last week of January to all No funding is available local presidents in districts for Category 2 delegates, DEADLINE: DEC. 9, 2016 (11:59 P.M.) where an election is necessary. those who are retired or Return completed form by fax to: 651-767-1266, or mail to: Office of the Elections Nominations for state- inactive members. Committee, Education Minnesota, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103, credentialed student delegates Filing forms for state- or scan and email to [email protected]. open Nov. 3 and close Feb. credentialed and student If you do not receive confirmation of receipt within seven days after 15. Elections will take place delegates are printed on submitting, inquire by email to [email protected]. on a date to be determined in this page. Note: Education Minnesota includes an insert of all candidates for each election district in April, if necessary. the Minnesota Educator published prior to the election. Candidates may submit a photo Funding for small locals and statement for inclusion in this publication and on the Education Minnesota website. Funding information for This is a funding program The photo and statement must be submitted using the online submission form at www. state-credentialed delegates designed to help send a educationminnesota.org. Statement and photo must be submitted by Dec. 20, 2016. To receive funding, state- delegate from locals with 150 credentialed delegates must or fewer members to the NEA be in attendance for the entire Representative Assembly FILING FORM FOR Representative Assembly, or the American Federation beginning with the first caucus of Teachers TEACH NEA RA STATE-CREDENTIALED DELEGATE-STUDENT meeting on June 30 through Conference. Local presidents This form must be filed with the Office of the Elections Committee of Education Minnesota. adjournment the night of will receive information and PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. July 5. State-credentialed details about how to apply. I hereby submit my name as a candidate for state credentials to the NEA RA to be held June 30-July 5, 2017, in Boston, MA. I further certify that I am eligible for state credentials as a delegate from: Two TRA seats Student (must be an Education Minnesota Student Program member) up for election Please complete the following information: Name: The Teachers Retirement interest disclosures. Association Board of Trustees To request an election College: is seeking candidates to fill application, call TRA at School Address: two active-member seats on 651-296-2409 or 800- City/State/ZIP: the board. 657-3669. The application The terms of Rob Gardner, is also available at www. School Phone: high school English teacher minnesotatra.org. Home/Cell Phone: on leave in the Edina school Applications must be received School Email: district and current field at TRA by Dec. 23. manager with Education Education Minnesota Personal Email: Minnesota, and Mary Supple, members who want to screen Summer Address: a sixth-grade math teacher at for the union’s endorsement City/State/ZIP: Richfield Middle School, can contact Jodee Buhr at ...... expire June 30, 2017. There [email protected] or are no term limits for board 651-292-4830. (Optional information for internal use) members. The new four-year In February, eligible active American Indian/Alaskan Native Caucasian (not Spanish origin) terms for these positions will members will receive election Black Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander begin July 1. information, including a Trustees meet about seven biographical overview of Hispanic Other times a year to oversee the each candidate. Only active Asian administration of the pension members are eligible to vote First Time Delegate? Yes No fund. Special meetings might for active member board be held at the call of the board positions. Election results DEADLINE: FEB. 15, 2017 (11:59 P.M.) president or of any three will be reviewed and certified Return completed form by fax to: 651-767-1266, or mail to: Office of the Elections members. Board members by the TRA Board of Trustees Committee, Education Minnesota, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103, act as fiduciaries of the TRA on April 12 and published or scan and email to [email protected]. plan in accordance with immediately thereafter on If you do not receive confirmation of receipt within seven days after Minnesota statute and are www.minnesotatra.org. submitting, inquire by email to [email protected]. also subject to state economic Note: Candidates may submit a photo and statement for inclusion on the Education Minnesota website. The photo and statement must be submitted using the online submission form at www. educationminnesota.org. Statement and photo must be submitted by Mar. 3, 2017.

WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG | NOVEMBER 2016 PAGE 9 Focus put on social justice issues at metro education fair Mid-October brings about my students.” numerous professional Stephanie Pastrana, development opportunities a Spanish teacher at for educators, and many Robbinsdale Middle School, educators went to Patrick came to the fair for the Henry High School Oct. same reasons. 21 to focus on social justice “This is a space to discuss issues in the classroom at real issues going on in our the Twin Cities Social Justice schools,” she said. “We Education Fair. as educators need to help Put on by the Industrial come up with an action Workers of the World, plan and be intentional Minneapolis Federation of Members of the Anoka-Hennepin Teachers of Color Coalition shared the fair brings together on implementation.” Teachers ESP member Londel the successes of their mentorship program at the Twin Cities Social educators, students, parents Pastrana was also French talks with attendees Justice Education Fair. and community members hopeful to network with about the union. from across the metro other educators who are to collaborate, network, seeing similar issues in local union also had an in the district and leaders across the state,” he said. and organize social justice their classrooms across the informational table at of the coalition, which is “We have current and in education. Twin Cities. the event. run through the local former mentees who will “I’m glad to see new “We can’t just keep up with “We have new leadership union, Anoka-Hennepin be sharing their struggles voices pushing for this,” the status quo,” she said. and we are trying to get as Education Minnesota. and successes in starting said Amy Andrezejewski, a “We have to keep up with the much exposure as possible,” “With the support and to work in education,” speech language clinician at changing system.” said French, especially backing of the union, we can said Yang. “But they have Elizabeth Hall Elementary Other Education Minnesota about the ESP unit that has be successful,” said Yang, an been finding that working in Minneapolis, who members were involved in been working on increasing English teacher and AVID with other teachers of color attended. “I think this is presenting sessions. membership numbers since program coordinator at has positively impacted a good opportunity to get Simon Smedberg and the summer. “This is another Champlin Park High School. their work.” professional development Londel French, education place to meet educators Recruitment and retention The fair also featured opportunities on equity.” support professionals in where they already are and of teachers of color is a sessions for students who Andrezejewski decided Minneapolis Public Schools, introduce ourselves.” national issue, which is were interested in being to come to the conference presented a session on Members of the Anoka- why the group is hoping active in social justice issues. for discussions on school workplace bullying, what it Hennepin Teachers of Color mentorship will help keep Students from Patrick Henry resource officers and the is and how to fight it. Coalition also presented a them in the profession. High School were part of the school-to-prison pipeline, “The bullying narrative workshop on their mentoring “We want to find out planning committee. as well as networking with has changed for students, but program, which is reaching things, like why teachers of This was the fifth-annual other educators. not necessarily for adults,” out to new and student color don’t apply in certain fair. For more information “Our schools are facing said French. “Workplace educators of color in the areas of the state,” Yang said. or to watch for information similar challenges,” she bullying is a big issue. If district and connecting them Grinage said he was about next year’s event, go to said. “We’re having different we as educators take the to other educators of color hopeful the session at https://tcedfair.org. conversations about race opportunity to organize for support. this fair might introduce in my school and I want to around it, we can help.” Justin Grinage, Vanhtha potential partnerships. learn more. I want to be able The Minneapolis Rasavong, Verna Wong and “So many of us are working to bring some of this back to Federation of Teachers Meng Yang are all educators on this, but we’re isolated

PAGE 10 NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG New Foundation grantee focuses on expanded mentorship

The ASPIRE Mentor Program is working hard on FOUNDATION GRANT developing a one-on-one mentoring program, DEADLINES APPROACH and with funds from the Education Minnesota The Education Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Minnesota Foundation for it is continuing to expand its reach. Excellence in Teaching and Learning offers The program is sponsored is using the grant money We’re going to a performance grants for classroom by the Gamma Xi Lambda to expand its community at Penumbra Theatre. We teachers (all levels, chapter of the Alpha Phi development activities. are hoping to do a retreat. all disciplines), Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The Currently, the program has We’ve attended the Science post-secondary chapter is an alumni network 15 mentors and about 20 Museum’s exhibit on race,” faculty, education for the fraternity and the mentees ranging from middle said Sneed. support professionals mentoring program is a to high school age. The The program also has and nonprofit huge part of what they do. mentors meet one-on-one lessons on values, etiquette, organizations that The program focuses on with the mentees, participate personal hygiene, going from share our goals. A African-American adults in monthly activities as a high school to college and scholarship is also mentoring African-American group and consult with college to career. offered for licensed young men. parents and school staff. “We are using some of the teachers obtaining “Ours is a newly envisioned “When they meet one-on- funds to help get them some National Board Certification. program of something one, they can go on a walk, professional clothes, and from the past,” said Carlos get coffee, go to a movie. One then teach them how to tie Applications for the following professional development Sneed, program coordinator. mentor is teaching is mentee ties,” Sneed said. grants—classroom, higher education and education support “We want to infuse new how to swim, ride a bike, And through all of these professionals—and the National Board Certification ideas into an existing shop at a farmer’s market activities, Sneed and the scholarships and Affinity grants are due Nov. 3. mentorship program.” and then learn to cook,” other mentors have seen The Bruce Vento Science Educator Professional Development The program applied for the Sneed said. a difference. and classroom project applications are due Dec. 9. The foundation’s Affinity Grant The grant funds have been “Their confidence and level IMPACT grant application is due Jan. 13. The second round last year, which is a category used to expand their group of engagement with each of professional development grants, as well as classroom intended for organizations activities and focus those other has grown,” he said. technology and second-year classroom grants, are due April 3. that work closely with activities on exposing the “Their ability to share their Minnesota educators and youth to things they might opinion and experience and For more information or to apply, go to www. students in order to eliminate not normally be exposed to engage in critical dialogue educationminnesota.org/resources/grants/foundation. disparities so that all students in their everyday lives. has grown. The comradery can learn. Sneed found out “We want to expand between the mentees has about the grant through one their horizons beyond the increased with going to the more ways to partner with academic resources.” of his mentors, Education serious, academic and social Twin game. It’s about finding Education Minnesota. If you are interested in Minnesota member Jonathan issues. We want them to their voice.” “We can learn a lot getting involved, you can Jones, who thought it would have cultural and political Sneed hopes to continue from teachers too. We contact the program at be a great partnership. experiences as well. We went the relationship with the would love to connect on [email protected]. Sneed said the program to a Minnesota Twins game. foundation and explore youth development and

WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG | NOVEMBER 2016 PAGE 11 OPPORTUNITIES

EDUCATION MINNESOTA OPPORTUNITIES

Early career engagement grants available Education Minnesota wants to hear from educators happy hours to share stories and solutions for challenges The submissions will be judged based only on the project who are new to the profession and new to the union. new educators in a local are facing in their classrooms. description and budget by a committee of Education Polling data has shown that new educators often feel Applicants must be members of Education Minnesota Minnesota staff and members. overwhelmed, isolated and alone, and as your statewide who are in the first five years of their career. Submitted Participants will be notified of their application status union, we want to help change that. applications can be from one person or a team of by Dec. 14 and the first two-thirds of the funds will be Education Minnesota’s Early Career Contest is seeking educators. Projects must take place in the 2016-17 school awarded Jan. 1. The last one-third of the funds will be ideas about how to support new educators, provide space year. All project grantees must take part in an evaluation, released after project evaluations are completed. for them to support one another and engage with their assessment and share the results of their project. For questions about the grant process, contact Carrie local union. Five to 10 grants of up to $2,000 will be given To apply, educators must fill out an online form with a Lucking, director of Education Minnesota’s Policy, Outreach to the best ideas on how to excite, support, engage and description of the project and a budget. and Research department at [email protected] or help early-career educators. Applications are due Nov. 23 and can be submitted by 800-652-9073, ext. 4886. A possible grant idea could be a series of networking going to http://bit.ly/edmnthought16.

Youth Frontiers workshop, concert for educators DirectTV technology grant ABOUT THIS PAGE Youth Frontiers is a nonprofit organization Directpackages.com, a DirectTV authorized whose mission is to partner with schools to dealer, is giving three $1,000 gift cards for educators The Minnesota Educator provides opportunities build communities where students thrive socially, to spend on technology in the classroom. Applicants listings on this page as a member service, highlighting emotionally and academically. The organization need to write an essay about the impact new the free and low-cost professional development offers one-day retreats on values like kindness, classroom technology could have for you and your the union provides. The page also lists conferences, courage, respect and responsibility for students in students. The top three submissions featuring the training and resources of possible interest. Readers fourth–12th grades. We also offer educator retreats most innovative and beneficial uses for classroom interested in pursuing an opportunity should to help schools support their educators and create technology will win. Entries are due Feb. 24. check it out carefully. The Educator tries to include cohesive teams all focused in a common direction— For more information or to apply, go to www. only legitimate, useful opportunities that support their students. directpackages.com/teachers-grant/. education practice. Upcoming opportunities include a complimentary concert and brunch for educators Nov. 20, which Kennedy Center, Sondheim inspirational teacher To submit an opportunity: will feature Youth Frontier musicians, and the awards Send a complete description of your Purpose Conference Dec. 6, an opportunity for Each year, the Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim opportunity to [email protected]. educators to focus on why they do the work. Inspirational Teacher Awards ask for nominations Send your item by the first ridayF of the For more information or to register, go to www. from the general public and notable public figures, month to be considered for the next month’s youthfrontiers.org/events. providing the opportunity to submit stories about Opportunities page. Include daytime contact teachers and professors who made a significant information. Urban Leadership Academy workshops difference in their lives. A select number of these The Urban Leadership Academy, from the teachers will each receive the Kennedy Center/ Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award and and Development at the University of Minnesota’s $10,000 in appreciation for their contributions to PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT College of Education and Human Development, the field of teaching. Nominations will be accepted has a number of professional development offerings until Dec. 31. Free elections workshop Nov. 5 for educators in the next few months. Included For more information or to register, go to http:// The Minnesota Historical Society is offering a is a workshop called Achieving Equity through education.kennedy-center.org/education/sondheim. free workshop Nov. 5 at the Minnesota History Culturally Responsive Teaching on Nov. 10, and Center, called “Shaping America’s Elections.” The Cultivating Community and Voice in the Classroom Minnesota State Arts Board grant program content of this workshop will cover various U.S. with Dr. Rashne Jehangir on Dec. 14. Both of these Minnesota State Arts Board’s grant program called elections, so it will be helpful for history teachers events are at the TIES event center in St. Paul. Arts Learning offers schools $5,000-$150,000 in in middle and high school. Participants will discuss For more information, to see more offerings or funding to support arts learning experiences for political media through the lens of shared American to register, go to www.cehd.umn.edu/olpd and look their students. Projects must provide participatory values and the inherent tensions that exist between for Upcoming Events. learning and engage learners with skilled teaching them, and explore methods for guiding students to artists and high-quality artistic experiences. Last understand political rhetoric from the election of year, we funded about $3 million in Arts Learning 1800 to the modern day. CLASSROOM RESOURCES grants. Many of the grantees were schools or school districts and many of them were teaching artists For more information or to register, go to http:// Mill City Museum field trip scholarships available education.mnhs.org/node/11687. or organizations providing arts programming in The Mill City Museum offers a wide range of schools. The grant deadline for the next round is in Primary sources workshops offered across educational opportunities for Minnesota’s K-12 February. Application information will be available Minnesota, Wisconsin for free students. Thanks to the support of the McKnight online in November. The Minnesota Historical Society has received Foundation, with additional support from the For more information or to apply, go to www. a Teaching with Primary Sources grant from Cowles Fund, Mill City Museum is able to offer arts.state.mn.us/grants. the Library of Congress to support inquiry- free museum admission and partially subsidized based instruction in K-12 classrooms. Regional busing for students from qualified public schools. To workshops will take place throughout Minnesota qualify, schools must be from the Twin Cities metro DIGITAL RESOURCES area, have 50 percent or more of students enrolled and Wisconsin from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on various Verizon app challenge Saturdays. Workshops are free, but registration in the federal free or reduced lunch program and visit the museum in January, February or March. The app challenge, part of Verizon Innovative is required and limited to the first 25 teachers. Learning, is a nationwide contest in which middle Teachers who attend the full day receive lunch, For more information visit http://millcitymuseum. org/mill-city-mcknight-foundation-scholarship. and high school students are challenged to develop continuing education units and a stipend. concepts for mobile apps that solve a problem in Visit http://education.mnhs.org/loc/workshops to Call 612-341-7556 or email mcmschedulingoffice@ mnhs.org for details or to register. their community. It’s a unique, hands-on activity find the workshop closest to you. If a workshop fills that teaches collaboration, critical thinking, up, grant partners will start a waiting list. Contact problem solving and entrepreneurship, as well as Jessica Ellison at [email protected] with GRANTS AND AWARDS STEM skills and coding. The students must be in questions about the Minnesota regional workshops. grades 6 through 12, and the teams must have five United Educators Credit Union education grants TIES 2016 education technology conference to seven members plus their adviser. Submissions The United Educators Foundation is offering up need to include an essay and three-minute video. The TIES 2016 Education Technology Conference to $2,000 in grants during its ninth annual Financial will take place at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis For more information or to see how to apply, go Education Grant program. Grant funds will be to http://appchallenge.tsaweb.org/. Dec. 10-13. Over the course of four days, attendees awarded via a check of up to $500 to teachers, will have access to information and resources departments or schools who are promoting financial Scholastic teaching resources blog covering hundreds of educational technology- literacy to their students. Submitted applications The Scholastic blog, Top Teaching, is filled with related topics. Presenters have hands-on experience should support instruction of content related to lesson ideas, classroom strategies, book lists, videos with the subjects they address and attendees will budgeting, credit, money management, economics, and reproducible materials. Veteran teachers from leave ready to hit the ground running with students saving and investing or other personal finance around the country author the content, with new and staff. From Makerspaces and Google apps to topics. All grades K-12 and subjects at accredited things posted on an almost-daily basis. Recent posts professional development and digital portfolios, Minnesota schools are eligible to apply, and the include five tips for a simple STEM lesson, the power TIES 2016 workshops and seminars shed new light application deadline is Dec. 16. Funds will be of interest and independent study, guided reading on innovative classroom technologies. awarded in early 2017 to be used during the 2016- toolkits and 10 tips for project-based learning. For more information or to register, go to http:// 17 school year. For more information or to see to offerings, go to ties2016.ties.k12.mn.us. For additional details and to download an www.scholastic.com/teachers/teaching-ideas. application, visit www.uecu.coop/scholarship.

PAGE 12 NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG