MRVED Update - November 2, 2022

MRVED Business

MRVED Meetings

Tuesday, November 15, 2022 - Community Education Directors' Meeting

Friday, November 11, 2022 - VIRTUAL Title III Meeting

Friday, November 18, 2022 - Teachers' Advisory and Principals' Advisory Council Meeting

Wednesday, November 23, 2022 - Superintendents' Council Meeting

October 19 Recap

Unfortunately, due to last-minute unforeseen circumstances with our presenter, the MRVED Superintendents agreed it would be better to cancel the MRVED event versus trying to put something together last minute. It was decided that the districts would plan their own professional development for the day. The MRVED would like to thank Benson schools for being willing to host the event. Our hope is that your day was productive and worthwhile in your districts. We look forward to moving forward into MELT with a stronger lineup than ever before!

MELT 2023

MELT 2023 is fast approaching. There are currently over 60 individual sessions planned from people from all around Minnesota as well as many of our great local teachers. If you want to present or know of someone that should be presenting, please let Brandon (braymo@mrved.net) know. There's always room for a couple more sessions.

IMPORTANT: MELT registration will open on Wednesday, December 14th at 7:30 AM and close at the end of the day on December 22nd. Be sure to register early as sessions fill fast. Your principal will be sending you the brochure and registration materials a couple days prior.

MELT 2023 Networking Facilitator Sign-Up

The MRVED is looking for people to be facilitators of networking sessions for MELT 2022. As a facilitator, you are not expected to be the expert or present on anything. Your job is to facilitate the meeting. Start and end the session on time and keep people positive. You will also have the ability to email the group prior to MELT to gather ideas and plan for the hour. Sign-up link is listed below. Facilitators are paid a $100 stipend and allowed access to early registration.

**Please note; Any networking sessions that does not have a facilitator, will not be held.**

MELT Networking Facilitator Sign-Up

Professional Development

Election Resources

With the election drawing near and campaign ads filling our television screens, it creates a great teachable moment for students. Students may have lots of questions as to why we vote, who are the candidates, how do you vote, etc... Many of these questions can be difficult to answer, especially for younger aged students. Fortunately, there are some great resources for teachers to help them talk about the election with their students. Below is a listing of some awesome resources.

iCivics - Election Headquarters

CivicsRenewalNetwork

PBS Election Central

CNN Politics

Why I Stopped Giving Zeros

This enlightening article was posted on Edutopia this past week by Mary Beth Townsend on grading practices was a quick read that makes you think about the purpose of grades. It also provides small steps a teacher can take to begin grading equitably in their classroom. Reading the article reminded me of a short video I saw a few years ago by Doug Reeves on Toxic Grading Practices. Give the short 6 minute video a watch today and reflect back on your own grading practices. The one line in the video that stands out to me is "The penalty for not doing the work, should be doing the work - not a zero".

Instructional Coaching - Everyone Needs a Coach

Within the MRVED, we have a small group of teachers and leaders that gather monthly to discuss instructional coaching. It is one of my most favorite groups that I meet with monthly. We have great conversations about continuous improvement not only in teaching practices, but in our own careers. The group is currently reading the book Dare to Lead by Brene Brown. The book is centered around vulnerability and how to react to that vulnerability and lead people through that vulnerability. It is an excellent book that I highly recommend for any teacher leaders. I was reading our section of the book for our discussion and had a few thoughts. Why do we, in education, view working with a coach as a punishment? Why do we view it negatively? I think it all goes back to vulnerability. Brown defines vulnerability "as the emotion that we experience during times of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure (Brown, 19)." Working with a coach is a risk..."what if it doesn't work?" "What if what I am doing is wrong?" "I don't need help." Through experience, as a coach, the reward certainly outweighs the risk. If you are interested in going through a coaching cycle or want to learn more, please reach out to Brandon (braymo@mrved.net). Brandon can coach anyone in our districts and there is no additional charge to your school. Watch the TED Talk below from Atul Gawande on why everyone needs a coach!

Jon Gordon's The Power of Positive Leadership for Teens

Last fall the MRVED had the privilege of hearing Jon Gordon speak. Jon's books are inspirational and full of life nuggets. The books are very easy to read and can be applied to almost any area of your life. On December 4th, he is offering a 2-hour workshop on The Power of Positive Leadership for Teens. The cost is very reasonable at $59 per person (with group rates available). If you are an advisor of an activity or coach of a sports team, this would be a great training for your student leaders. Jon is very influential and can help your student leaders grow. Check it out today!

Power of Positive Leadership for Teens

MRVED Update - September 28, 2023

MRVED Business

MRVED Meetings

Wednesday, October 26, 2022 - Superintendents' Council Meeting

Friday, October 28, 2022 - Principals' Council Meeting

Welcome Back

Welcome back to the 2022-23 school year. It's been fun to see all the smiling faces back in the buildings with lots of learning happening. The MRVED staff wishes you the best school year ever. If there is anything we can do to help you accomplish your goals please don't hesitate to call or email any one of us. Our main goal is to be of help and service to our member school districts. Have a great year!

Karen Jacobson - Director

Brandon Raymo - Assistant Director

Katie Raymo - Administrative Assistant

Pam Bruns - Administrative Assistant

October 19th Common Inservice Day

The MRVED has prided itself on providing high quality professional development opportunities for the past 25 years. For the past 6 years our nine school districts have collaborated during 3 common inservice dates per school year. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances with our keynote speaker, the October 19th common MRVED inservice date will now be converted back to district controlled time. The MRVED is thankful to the Benson School District for being willing to host the day. Your administration will be in contact with you about your individual plans for the October 19th inservice day. We look forward to coming together during the MELT Conference on January 16, 2023 at Lac qui Parle Valley High School.

MELT Call for Presentations

The 2023 MELT will once again be held at Lac qui Parle Valley High School on January 16, 2023. This conference is the envy of many around the state of Minnesota. There aren't very many school districts in the state of Minnesota that send their whole staff to a conference like this, let alone 9 school districts!

Each year, we rely heavily on local presenters to share what they are doing in their classroom. This year is no exception. There are so many great things happening in all our classrooms. Please consider sharing your ideas & talents with your colleagues. There is a stipend and perks to presenting.

The Call for Presentations is NOT a guarantee or agreement to present. It is simply providing your name and idea for the committee to consider. Brandon will contact you by the middle of October if your session is selected.

MELT Call for Presentations Link

Paraprofessional Conference Recap - August 17, 2022

MRVED hosted the annual Paraprofessional Conference on August 17, 2022 at Benson High School. Over 120 paraprofessionals attended the conference and participated in a variety of breakout sessions throughout the day. The day started with a general session focused on poverty presented by Heather Jesertiz and Angela Larson from United Community Action Partnership. After the general session there were breakout sessions the remainder of the day. Breakout sessions that were offered are listed below. Thank you to all that attended and to those that were willing to present.

Poor vs. Poverty Follow-Up - H. Jeseritz & A. Larson	Para 101; Karen Jacobson	Phrases para la classe - Ana Pieda & Missy Ochsendorf
Minnesota Standards Update - Brandon Raymo	Why I'm Right and You're Wrong - Dr. Jennie Gunlogson	Suicide Prevention - Brian Skogen
From Para to SPED Track - SMSU Professors	Fine Motor Strategies - Peggy Knutson	Intro to Google Apps - Aimee Thalberg
What is LETRS? - Sheri Schneider	Immigration Process - Rafael Antonio Valenzuela Charver	Behavior Regulation Strategies and Supports - Angie Young
Race and Culture for Ourselves & for our Students - Hope Schmidt	What Would You Do? - Brandon Raymo	Math Tips, Tricks, & Games - Karen Hartke
Para 201 - Karen Jacobson

Professional Development

Perpich Center Regional Arts Teacher-Leader Network

The Regional Arts Teacher-Leader Network is a virtual cohort of Minnesota arts educators (dance, music, theater, visual & media) working collaboratively through multi-year professional development to advance their leadership skills and classroom practices. This opportunity is hosted by the Perpich Center.

While an Interest Form is available now, more detailed information will be coming as applications open, which they are anticipating will be in late October. Applications will close in December with an anticipated start date of January 2023. As this is a multi-year professional development network, applications may not open again for two or more years.

SWWC It2 Conference

Date: October 27-28, 2022

Location: Willmar Event Center

What: The conference begins on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 1:00 pm with a series of concurrent sessions. New this year, the Exhibit Hall will have exclusive hours during the conference from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, during which appetizers and refreshments will be available. Our Exhibit Hall challenge will make a return this year, which is your ticket to enter the drawings for some awesome door prizes. The conference will resume on Friday, October 28, 2022. Our keynote speaker, Steven Baule, will begin the day at 8:00 a.m. with breakout sessions to follow. The breakout sessions should conclude around 3:00 p.m. with the door prize drawings held after.

Registration Link

Standards Update

In the past four years we have seen updates to the ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies state standards. While implementation of these standards are a few years away, there will still be valuable work that needs to be completed to be ready for implementation and the first testing of the new standards. Currently all four documents are in the rulemaking process. This process can take upwards of two years after the final draft has been completed. Sometime this winter we should see ELA and Science exit the rulemaking process and move into implementation. Social Studies and Math will likely be in rulemaking throughout this school year.

There are significant changes in all the standard areas, so an implementation plan should be in place in all our districts to prepare ourselves for the first testing of the new standards. All new standards are linked below. Please note - these standards are NOT what our students are CURRENTLY being tested on.

ELA Standards

Math Standards

Science Standards

Social Studies Standards

Brandon's Books to Read for 2022-23

I always enjoy getting book suggestions from people. It helps me narrow down my search for the next book I'll read. Here is my list of professional books I am currently reading, have recently read, or are on my list to read.

Dare to Lead - Brene Brown

Teach Like a Champion - Doug Lemov

Leaders Eat Last - Simon Sinek

You Win in the Locker Room First - Jon Gordon & Mike Smith

The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More, & Change the Way You Lead Forever - Michael Bungay Stanier

MRVED Update - November 10, 2021

MRVED Business

MRVED Meetings

November 12, 2021 - Title III Teachers (Virtual)

November 18, 2021 - Teachers' Advisory Council and Principals' Council

November 19, 2021 - Title III Paraprofessionals

November 24, 2021 - Superintendents' Council

MELT Networking Facilitator Sign-Up

The MRVED is looking for people to be facilitators of networking sessions for MELT 2022. As a facilitator, you are not expected to be the expert or present on anything. Your job is to facilitate the meeting. Start and end the session on time and keep people positive. You will also have the ability to email the group prior to MELT to gather ideas and plan for the hour. Sign-up link is listed below.

NEW THIS YEAR: Networking facilitators will be paid a $100 stipend. Facilitators will also get priority registration for the MELT to ensure they get into the sessions they need and want.

Please sign-up by the end of the day November 19, 2021.

**Please note: Any networking group that does not have a facilitator, will NOT be held.**

MELT 2022 Networking Facilitator Sign-up

Resources

PBS Learning Media

PBS Learning Media is a great resource when looking for lessons & videos on a variety of topics. You can search by subject, grade level, or standard. Teachers have access to 1,000's of lessons and videos ranging from PreK to 12th grade. From Sid the Science kid to a Ken Burns documentary. From science, to reading to physical education. There is something here for everyone. There is so much in this database, you could get lost for hours searching. Everything PBS does is of high quality. Check it out today!

Professional Learning

2021 Learning Forward Annual Conference

One positive aspect to living in a COVID world is the ability to tap into high quality workshops virtually. The 2021 Learning Forward Annual Conference will be virtual this year December 5-7, 2021. Learning Forward has keynote and breakout sessions from some of the best & top minds in education. Breakout sessions from people like Thomas Guskey, Michael Fullan, and Jim Knight are just some of the few you can have access to. Registration is roughly $200 per day. Considering it would cost a district around $2000 per person to send someone to a National conference, $200 is a great deal. Registration for the conference can be found on the conference homepage linked above. If you don't feel you can make the conference, but want to see what people are saying about it, follow along on Twitter with #LearnFwd21.

Book Study

The Power of Positive Leadership - Chapters 7 & 8

I don't know about you, but reading this book a 2nd time has given me the ability to see so many things I didn't catch the first time. If this is your first time through the book, I highly suggest reading it a 2nd time with a pencil and highlighter in hand and marking up the book. If you don't have The Power of Positive Leadership by Jon Gordon yet, you won't be disappointed! It's a quick read, and you will have plenty of time to get caught up to where we are.

Chapter 7 is on uniting people and chapter 8 is all about relationships. I've had one thing stick with me throughout the reading of these two chapters. Jon Gordon says, "You can be the smartest person in the room, but if you fail to connect with others you will fail as a leader" (Gordon, 89). You can own all the businesses you want, but if you don't make connections & build relationships with the people, eventually you will have nothing. Many of the leaders that fail to connect with people are also the same people that put themselves before the team. Gordon calls it the "disease of me" (Gordon, 90) and it infects everyone in the organization. These type of "leaders" are easy to spot. They gloat about what they have, they are more concerned about money and fame, others in the organization don't like to be around them, & they often see themselves as great leaders.

Connection is so important, Jon Gordon says, "The more connected you are, the more committed you become" (Gordon, 91). If you, as a leader are connected to your people, they feel connected to the organization, and therefore will be committed to the mission and vision of the organization. Bottom line is that people are committed and loyal to other people. I'm not committed and loyal to a brand or organization...I'm loyal to my leader. We see this in action when a leader moves on in an organization and is replaced by someone that might have a different vision. Often times we see other people choose to leave the organization when the leader goes.

Chapter 8 is about relationships. As educators we know full-well the importance of relationships. Jon Gordon's first couple sentences of this chapter really resonated with me, "The first step in uniting people and being a leader is not saying, "Follow me." It's being someone your team wants to follow" (Gordon, 101). He then goes on to say, "...if you are not someone people want to follow, they are not getting on your bus. People follow the leader first and their vision second" (Gordon, 101). Reflecting back on my own life, I have had leaders in my life say "follow me", and I've thought to myself, "absolutely not!". Why is that? I don't trust you? I don't see your vision? You don't care if I'm there or not?

What does that tell us? A leader is someone that has earned the trust of the people they lead. They truly care for people. And they can clearly articulate their vision. To earn the trust of people, they truly need to feel you care for their well-being. So often I hear the phrase, "everyone is replaceable". Yes, this statement is true. However, why would I say that if I truly cared for you and valued you as an employee and individual. If people can feel you care for them, trust can be built. The feelings need to be genuine and real.

The last part of this chapter that really sunk in for me was the section on service. Gordon says, "A team feels a leader's commitment when the leader takes the time to serve them" (Gordon, 119). This is so true! I had a conversation with someone recently and the comment was, "He needs to become the president of the company so people can start serving him." I was appalled by this comment, even before reading this chapter. Getting a promotion shouldn't mean less work and less service, it should actually be more! It's the disease of me versus we. I'm curious to see how long this person either stays in power, or the company survives.

Think About:

1. Have you ever had a leader with the "disease of me"? How did that make you feel?

2. Can you name an example of a leader that really values relationships?

MRVED Update - October 13, 2021

MRVED Business

MRVED Meetings

October 20, 2021 - MRVED Common Inservice (Virtual)

October 27, 2021 - Superintendents' Council

October 29, 2021 - Principals' Council

November 12, 2021 - Title III Teachers (Virtual)

October 20, 2021 Common Day

Jon Gordon will be our keynote speaker starting at 9:00 a.m. A link to the live presentation will be sent to your school a week prior to the event. If you are watching the keynote in your own classroom, please contact your administration for the link and ensure that Zoom will work on your computer. You can ensure Zoom will work on your computer by joining a Test Meeting Room.

October 20, 2021 Networking Groups

Following Jon Gordon, there will be virtual networking groups within grade levels or content areas.  The networking groups will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will be hosted on the platform choice of the teacher hosting the meeting. To register for a networking group, please complete the Google Form:  Networking Group Registration.  Please complete this form by Friday, October 15, 2021.

The links for the networking groups will also be sent to your administration.  Once you receive the link for your networking group, please test your compatibility with the platform being used PRIOR to October 20th.  MRVED will not be able to assist in technical difficulties on that day. 

*Please note that we could NOT find facilitators for 1st Grade Math, 3rd Grade Math, 6th Grade Reading, and Elementary Social Studies.

MELT 2022 Call for Presentations

The MRVED is excited to announce the return of the MELT (MRVED Educators Learning Together) Conference on January 17, 2022 to be held in-person at LqPV High School. It has been 2 years since we were last able to get together as a MRVED and we are so excited to have this opportunity to learn and grow together. There are so many talented people in the MRVED and this is your opportunity to share those talents with others. We have learned so much since the 2020 MELT that I am hoping to have a record number of local teachers presenting this year. Presenters will receive a small stipend and be able to register for sessions early to ensure they get to attend the sessions they want to attend. Please consider presenting by filling out the form linked below.

2022 MELT Call for Presentation Proposals

**Please Note: You are not committing to presenting by filling out the form. You are providing your name and idea to be considered to present.**

Professional Learning

MREA (Minnesota Rural Education Association) will be holding their annual conference November 14-16 at Cragun's Resort in Brainerd, MN. They have also offered a virtual option for whole districts to participate. Check with your local district to see if they have purchased the virtual option.

Ron Berger & Dick Beardsley are the keynote speakers with many breakout sessions scheduled between as well as the legislative update from Sam Walseth.

The MREA conference is a great way to connect with other rural educators and learn about how to overcome some of the hurdles we face in outstate Minnesota. MREA does a fantastic job of advocating for our rural school districts.

MREA Annual Conference Information and Registration

Book Study

The Power of Positive Leadership - Chapters 3 & 4

I'm on my 2nd reading of The Power of Positive Leadership and I have picked up so much more than when I read it the 1st time! I highly, highly suggest you purchase this book if you haven't and follow along with my bi-weekly reflections.

At the end of chapter 2, Jon shares the framework for positive leaders. See the image to the left. Chapters 3 & 4 are all about mission and vision. Every organization has a mission and vision. Some have it plastered on the walls of their buildings and letterheads. Others can recite the mission by heart. Whereas, some people have no clue what the mission and/or vision is of their organization.

Jon uses the analogy of the Energy Bus, which is another one of his bestsellers. The analogy is that you can give your team the bus (the framework - or structure), but unless you have a driver of the bus, it doesn't move. Leaders are the bus drivers...you're either a positive leader, or a negative leader. The bus either moves or it sits still and spins the tires.

One of my favorite quotes comes on page 16, "Culture is not just one thing, it's everything. Culture drives expectations and beliefs. Expectations and beliefs drive behaviors. Behaviors drive habits. And habits create the future" (Gordon, 16). Culture is truly everything and is the motor the will move the bus. Like culture, you can feel if that motor is fine tuned or not. Listen to Jon Gordon address the Gopher Football team (https://twitter.com/Coach_Fleck/status/1430531056676057091?s=20). Did you catch what he said about feeling the culture in the room? Remember, you still need that leader to press the gas to get the motor to fire. It's up to the driver to ensure their motor is fine-tuned.

Driving a culture is hard! Sometimes we forget about it's importance because we become to laser-focused on results. Jon likens this to a tree. The fruit of the tree is the results, the things you can quantify. I can count the number of apples a tree produces and then make a goal to increase the number next year. But if I don't take care of the root system of the tree (the culture) among many other things, my quantifiables won't increase. If ultimately, you forget about the root system, your tree with wither and die. Spend time on the roots to see the fruits.

Chapter 4 is all about vision. In a nutshell, share your vision, share your vision, share your vision! Every leader has a vision for what they want to see, but if others can't see that vision with you, or you don't show them your vision, they are following you blindly. Blindly following someone makes people feel really uncomfortable. Jon gives lots of great examples of people that have created and shared their visions. One of my favorite quotes from this chapter is, "Martin Luther King Jr. said, "I have a dream." He didn't say, "I have a strategic plan that I think might work." (Gordon, 32). Think about that!

My challenge for you this week is to think about the culture of your organization, your classroom, your home? Is it a positive culture as described by Jon Gordon? Who is the bus driver in each of these situations? Can your riders see where they are going? Or is the front window full of mud? If it has mud on it, how do we clean it so everyone can see where we are going?

MELT Networking Facilitator Sign Up

The MRVED is looking for facilitators of networking groups for the 2017 MELT in January.  As a facilitator you are not expected to be the expert in the room, but rather move the discussion along.  The goal of a networking group is to share resources and ideas with people who have the same interest.  They are meant to include a give & take.  Bring something to share and take something away that someone else shared.  The only networking groups that will be offered are those that have a willing facilitator.  If a networking group does not have a facilitator, it will not be held.  If you would like to sign up, please click the link below and add your name to the list next to the group you would like to facilitate.  The networking sign up will close at 3:00p.m. on Friday November 18.  If you have any questions or cannot access the form, please contact Brandon (braymo@mrved.net).

MELT NETWORKING SIGN UP LINK

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings
November 20, 2015  Principals' Council (11:30 a.m. start)
November 25, 2015  Superintendents' Council

December 1, 2015  Industrial Technology
December 3, 2015  English Language Arts
December 4, 2015  Title III Teachers
December 7, 2015  District Assessment Coordinators (DAC)
December 8, 2015  World Languages
December 11, 2015  Social Studies

MELT Networking Facilitators - Last Chance

The MRVED is looking for facilitators of networking groups.  As a facilitator you are not expected to be the expert in the room, but rather move the discussion along.  The goal of a networking group is to share resources and ideas with people who have the same interest.  They are meant to include a give & take. Bring something to share and take something away that someone else shared.  The only networking groups that will be offered are those that have a willing facilitator.  If a networking group does not have a facilitator, it will not be held.  If you would like to sign up, please click the link below and add your name to the list next to the group you would like to facilitate.  The networking sign up will close at 3:00p.m. on Friday November 20.  If you have any questions or cannot access the form, please contact Brandon (braymo@mrved.net).


MELT NETWORKING FACILITATOR SIGN UP LINK



Best Practice Meeting Updates
Title I
The Title I teachers came to the MRVED on November 3rd.  The Title I teachers get a treat every year as Brandon and Karen both run the meeting.  In the morning the group spent some time with Karen discussing Mindset.  The conversations were awesome!  After Mindset, the group read and discussed an article on learning styles.  Lunch was amazing as usual.  In the afternoon the group networked and shared a wealth of resources.   Brandon then talked about how to search Google effectively and efficiently and the day was over.  A very productive day for all.

Phy Ed & Health
The Phy Ed and Health teachers gathered at the MRVED in early November for their annual best practice meeting.  The morning was centered around a great conversation on grading practices in the classroom.  It has been really neat to see how each content area approaches this topic.  The activity has expanded the thinking of many.  Then the group aligned their curriculum with the standards using a Google Doc.  In the afternoon, the group networked and finished the day with aligning the health standards.  It was a very productive day with some great conversation.

FACS
The MRVED meeting with the FACS teachers was combined with the Southwest West Central Service Cooperatives meeting this year.  The two meetings were scheduled so close together that it was in the best interest of the teachers to combine.  The teachers had the opportunity to hear from their state specialist as well as an introduction to the Frameworks for FACS Education.  In the afternoon we heard from Neal, who works at the U of M as a researcher in the field of food defense.  Yes, food defense!  Basically defending our food supply from any terrorist attacks, both foreign and domestic.  It was another awesome day with a great group of ladies!

Agriculture
Brandon and the Ag teachers ventured to Hutchinson on a beautiful Friday afternoon.  The morning was spent on the Ridgewater campus, touring and meeting with faculty in the manufacturing department.  In the afternoon, we toured MITGI on the Hutchinson Technology Campus.  After a short meeting with the President of MITGI as well as the HR and Safety Director, we had the opportunity to tour the building.  MITGI is a precision carbide cutting tool manufacturer.  Not only was the process amazing to watch, but the atmosphere at MITGI and the way the business is ran is awesome.  Overall it was a great day of learning about what higher ed is looking for as well as employers in the industry.

MELT Networking Facilitator Sign Up

MELT Networking Facilitator Sign Up

The MRVED is looking for facilitators of networking groups.  As a facilitator you are not expected to be the expert in the room, but rather move the discussion along.  The goal of a networking group is to share resources and ideas with people who have the same interest.  They are meant to include a give & take.  Bring something to share and take something away that someone else shared.  The only networking groups that will be offered are those that have a willing facilitator.  If a networking group does not have a facilitator, it will not be held.  If you would like to sign up, please click the link below and add your name to the list next to the group you would like to facilitate.  The networking sign up will close at 3:00p.m. on Friday November 20.  If you have any questions or cannot access the form, please contact Brandon (braymo@mrved.net).


MELT NETWORKING FACILITATOR SIGN UP LINK

15-16 MDE Math Leaders Networking Meetings

MN Math Leaders Networking Meetings
MN Math Leaders Networking Meetings are sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and MN Math Leaders, an affiliate of the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM). The overarching theme for this year is Leading and Coaching to Support Math Pedagogy and Content. This work will be framed through the use of “Math Talks.” The resources we will be using are:

• Making Number Talks Matter: Developing Mathematical Practices and Deepening Understanding, Grades 4-10 by Cathy Humphreys and Ruth Parker
• How Children Learn Number Concepts: A Guide to the Critical Learning Phases by Kathy Richardson

Though you are not required to purchase these books, they are highly recommended and will be referred to in the networking meetings.

Target Audience: Administrators and teacher leaders who are passionate about leading change in mathematics education for all students. The Networking Meetings are open to anyone who is in a department or team, school, or district leadership position. These meetings are designed for leaders to give and receive support.

The goals of these networking sessions include:

• Build capacity for leadership by sharing ideas and collaborating with other MN Math Leaders;
• Receive updates about mathematics education policy and assessment;
• Learn about resources available to support your work.

Dates: (All Networking Meetings will be held at MDE. The room number is on the registration form.)

• October 22, 2015 - Topic: What are Math Talks and Why are They so Important? Terry Wyberg
• December 17, 2015 - Topic: Guiding Principles for Enacting Math Talks in the Classroom
• February 18, 2016 - Topic: Math Talks: Intentional Connections to Standards and Benchmarks
• May 19, 2016 - Topic: Moving Forward: Managing Bumps in the Road

Time: 8:30-11:30

Networking time includes:

• Opportunities to share and celebrate what is working well
• Structures to work in role-a-like and/or grade band groups
• Time for participants to provide their expertise
• Hot topics

Networking meeting agenda:

• Opening and Overview
• Community Building
• Leading and Coaching to Support Math Pedagogy and Content
• Hot Topics
• Closing and Feedback

Fee: No Charge

Registration is required. Visit the MDE calendar to register for each session (http://goo.gl/JUaKFR)

Questions? Please contact: Terry Alvarado 651-582-8749.

Math Leader Networking Meeting

February 12, 2015 MATH LEADERS MEETING

Mathematics Leaders Networking Meetings -- TOPIC: Assessments and Interventions

8:30-11:30am at MN Department of Education Conference Center A, Room 14

As part of this meeting Nicole Bridge from Minneapolis Public Schools, will present “I’m not a Math Person:" Identity and Its Impact on Math Success

We will also have an opportunity for participants to network around 3 essential questions in Formative Assessment

• Where are we going? Do teachers and students know the standards?
• How are we doing? How do we assess student understanding and give feedback?
• What’s the next step? Enrichment? Intervention? A new concept 

The MN Math Leaders networking meetings are designed for leaders to give and receive support. The Networking time includes:

• opportunities to share and celebrate what is working well
• structures to work in role-a-like and/or grade band groups regarding previously selected topics
• time for participants to provide their expertise
• "hot topics" identified by the participants at the beginning of each meeting

There will also be open time following each meeting for continued work in self-identified groups.

The goals of these networking meetings include:

• Share ideas and collaborate with other MN Math Leaders
• Receive updates about mathematics education policy
• Learn about resources available to support your work

This event is open to anyone who is in a department, school, or district leadership position. Administrators and teacher leaders who are passionate about leading change in mathematics education for all students are encouraged to attend!

It is recommended that participants purchase the book, "NCTM Principles to Actions", available at www.nctm.org as an ebook for $4.99 ($3.99 for NCTM members). One of the topics for each of the networking meetings will use readings and resources from this book.

Register for February 12 Meeting

MELT Networking Facilitators Wanted

The MRVED is looking for facilitators of networking groups.  As a facilitator you are not expected to be the expert in the room, but rather move the discussion along.  The goal of a networking group is to share resources and ideas with people who have the same interest.  They are meant to include a give & take.  Bring something to share and take something away that someone else shared.  The only networking groups that will be offered are those that have a willing facilitator.  If a networking group does not have a facilitator, it will not be held.  If you would like to sign up, please click the link below and add your name to the list next to the group you would like to facilitate.  The networking sign up will close at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday November 18.  If you have any questions, please contact Brandon (braymo@mrved.net).


MELT Networking Group Facilitator Sign Up

MELT Networking Session Facilitator

The MRVED is looking for facilitators of networking groups.  As a facilitator you are not expected to be the expert in the room, but rather move the discussion along.  The goal of a networking group is to share resources and ideas with people who have the same interest.  They are meant to include a give & take.  Bring something to share and take something away that someone else shared.  The only networking groups that will be offered are those that have a willing facilitator.  If a networking group does not have a facilitator, it will not be held.  If you would like to sign up, please click the link below and add your name to the list next to the group you would like to facilitate.  The networking sign up will close at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday November 18.  If you have any questions, please contact Brandon (braymo@mrved.net).

MELT Networking Group Facilitator Sign Up

MRVED Business

LAST DAY:
MELT Networking Facilitators

Today (Friday, November 22) is the LAST DAY to signup to be a facilitator of a networking group at the MELT in January!  The signup sheet will close at 3:30 p.m. today! As a facilitator you are not expected to be the expert in the room, but rather move the discussion along.  The goal of a networking group is to share resources and ideas with people who have the same interest.  They are meant to include a give & take.  Bring something to share and take something away that someone else shared.

The only networking groups that will be offered are those that have a willing facilitator.  If a networking group does not have a facilitator, they will not be held.  If you would like to sign up, please click the link below and add your name to the list next to the group you would like to facilitate.  If you have any questions, please contact Brandon.

Networking Facilitator Signup

So Far the only groups that will have a networking session will be:

• Kindergarten (Math Emphasis)
• 3rd Grade
• HS/JH Science
• HS/JH Social Studies
• Industrial Technology
• Agriculture
• Art
• ECFE/ECSE
• Counselors
• ESL
• New Teachers
• Principals
• Band
• Choral
• World Language
• FACS

MRVED UPCOMING MEETINGS

November 26, 2013 - Superintendents' Council

December 3, 2013 - Language Arts

December 4, 2013 - MRVED Board (7:00 p.m.)

December 5, 2013 - Health

December 6, 2013 - World Languages

December 9, 2013 - District Assessment Coordinators (DACs)

MRVED Business

Meeting Updates
FACS Meeting
The Family and Consumer Science teachers took a field trip for their best practice meeting this Fall.  The group spent the morning at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall meeting with the department chairs of education and culinology.  The group had the opportunity to hear from higher education as to what they are seeing in students as well as trends in their area.  The teachers also toured the departments.  After a great lunch at SMSU, the FACS teachers made their way over to Schwans Research and Development. This was a treat!  The group had the opportunity to throw on a hairnet and see how a product is born and all the steps that are involved in bringing a product to market.  Overall it was a great active day for everyone!

FACS group touring a kitchen at SMSU with department chair Michael Cheng.

MELT Update

The MRVED still needs YOU!  We know there are great things going on in all of our schools.  Please consider sharing some of those great things at the MELT in January.  If you are interested in presenting, or are not sure if your topic would be interesting, please contact Brandon (braymo@mrved.net).  Remember, you do not have to present alone, teams of teachers are encouraged to present together.

The MRVED is also looking for facilitators of networking groups.  As a facilitator you are not expected to be the expert in the room, but rather move the discussion along.  The goal of a networking group is to share resources and ideas with people who have the same interest.  They are meant to include a give & take.  Bring something to share and take something away that someone else shared.  The only networking groups that will be offered are those that have a willing facilitator.  If a networking group does not have a facilitator, they will not be held.  If you would like to sign up, please click the link below and add your name to the list next to the group you would like to facilitate.  If you have any questions, please contact Brandon.

Networking Facilitator Signup

MRVED BEST PRACTICE MEETINGS:
November 12, 2013 - District Technology Coordinators
November 14, 2013 - Guidance Counselors
November 15, 2013 - Social Workers
November 21, 2013 - Industrial Technology (K & M tour)
November 26, 2013 - Superintendents' Council (NEW DATE)