MASA is pleased to announce the offering of periodic informational sessions with organizations and businesses that can provide valuable services to our members. These sessions will differ slightly from our MASA EdTalks offerings (formerly MASA Master Classes). The informational sessions are for you to learn about a specific organization's services, offerings, or programs.
Upcoming Sessions
Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) | May 29, 2024
Presented by Erin Doan, Assistant Transition Director, Implementation Office for DCYF Thursday, May 30 10 - 11 am Central | Hosted via Zoom | Register
Join us to learn about the State of Minnesota's transition to create a new Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Bringing together support for families, including core programs serving children from infants and toddlers to older youth, the Departments of Human Services, Education, Health, and Public Safety will transfer identified programs to DCYF between July 2024 and July 2025, including Early Learning Services.MASA members, you are invited to learn, ask questions, share feedback, and discuss what you see as opportunities for the communities the DCYF serves with this transition!
About Our Presenter Erin Doan is an Assistant Transition Director at the Implementation Office for DCYF, located within Minnesota Management and Budget. She brings more than 25 years of experience in teaching, educator preparation, administration, and policy, to the current work of engaging partners and improving outcomes for Minnesotans of all ages.
Library Speakers Consortium's BookBreak | March 2023
Informational Session: Library Speakers Consortium's BookBreak We recently learned about BookBreak, a creative initiative from the Library Speakers Consortiumto bring regular author events to elementary schools, which may be of interest to many of you. Each participating school would pay a small annual fee to access 2-3 interactive children's author events each month, live-streamed on a microsite custom-branded for each school. Pricing is based on the size of the school to make the program accessible for communities of all sizes across the state.
After meeting with Becky Brent, the Partnerships Manager, and listening to what she had to say, we invited Becky to share this information directly with our members. Increasing access to bestselling children's authors is a wonderful opportunity for students, and this is a way for you to consider doing that.
MASA will host two information sessions about the BookBreak program. The first will be held on Tuesday, March 14, from 9 - 10 am, and the second will be held Wednesday, March 22, from 10:30-11:30 am. You are welcome to invite other district/building leaders to join and bring any questions you might have. Please register for the event even if you cannot attend the session so additional information can be sent for your consideration.
Please also note: There is a special 50% off pricing for schools that join before April 30, so this may be worth exploring sooner rather than later if it is of potential interest to you or other leaders in your district.
Audio Enhancement (June 15, 2023)
MASA Informational Session: Audio Enhancement hosted by Emma Waschbusch, Regional Sales Director, and Melissa Almonrode, National Channel Manager, Audio Enhancement
Join us for the next informational session to learn about the Audio Enhancementproducts available to school districts that address the needs of classroom instruction, school health, safety and security, and school communication. All products are designed specifically for school needs!
Informational Session Details Date: June 15, 2023 Time: 10 - 11 am Location: Virtually via Zoom
STUDENT LOAN SOLUTIONS PROGRAM | HORACE MANN COMPANIES | OCTOBER 26, 2023
MASA Informational Session: Student Loan Solutions Program Hosted by Gary Havir, President & Agency Owner, Horace Mann Companies
Horace Mann, a long-time business partner and supporter of the MASA, is excited to bring their popular no-cost Student Loan Solutions webinar to our membership on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 11:00 a.m.
More than sixty percent of educators have student loan debt, and that debt weighs heavily on their decision to stay in the profession. During this session, Horace Mann will share the current state of student loan debt as well as information on any recent updates related to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Horace Mann will also explain how employers can implement unique strategies to help reduce the burden of student loan debt, improving the ability to recruit and retain employees. Horace Mann's Student Loan Solutions program is an easy-to-use suite of resources to help educators manage student loan debt and get guidance on federal loan forgiveness programs. Account holders can track their student loans, in one place, through direct links to loan servicers and receive assistance with the process of qualifying for loan forgiveness opportunities, all at no charge to the employee or the employer.
About the Presenter Gary Havir President and Agency Owner, Educators Insurance Resource Services, Inc. Representing the Horace Mann Companies 651-773-6566 | [email protected]
MASA Informational Session: Recruitment and Retention Trends in K-12: The Power of Flexible Pay Presented by Frontline Education in partnership with Wagestream
Join our MASA Information Session, "Recruitment and Retention Trends in K-12: The Power of Flexible Pay" presented by Frontline Education in partnership with Wagestream. Discover the impact of flexible pay on talent attraction and retention in your district. Learn what flexible pay is, why financial inclusion matters for your bottom line, and how it's transforming the K-12 landscape.
Session Details Date: November 2, 2023 Time: 11 am - 12 pm Location: Zoom
MASA Information Session: Addressing the Youth Vaping Epidemic presented by Pat McKone, Senior Director, Public Policy and Advocacy, American Lung Association and Janelle Waldock, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, VP of Community Health and Health Equity
This session will include background information on e-cigarettes and vaping devices, how they work, health risks, and trends in use across Minnesota. Information on how schools and communities are working together to address the issue, along with classroom resources, alternatives to suspension, and resources for youth wanting to stop vaping, will also be presented.
Session Details Date: November 10, 2023 Time: 9 - 10 am Location: Zoom
With the rise of gun violence at schools in the United States, the community expects that Superintendents and Districts keep their children safe. The reality is daunting and there are no proven solutions. Guardian School Security Systems is an intelligent solution to detect guns and weapons, including concealed weapons, when they enter a school’s perimeter. The intelligent system works within your school safety plan to alert first responders, school personnel, and lock doors when a threat is detected.
Session Details Date: November 30, 2023 Time: 8 - 9 am Location: Zoom
CEUs will not be issued.
CONTRACTED TRANSPORTATION SERVICES | DECEMBER 7, 2023 | PALMER BUS SERVICE
Presented by Jenna Fromm, CEO and Co-Owner, Palmer Bus Service MASA Business Partner - Friend Level
Presented by Palmer Bus Service, attendees will receive clarification about the responsibilities of transportation contractors, discuss best practices for communication with transportation contractors, and gain info on how to develop expectations for potential contractors.
Who should attend? MASA Members, HR Directors, Business Managers, Special Education Directors - anyone with a role in student transportation!
All information sessions are recorded and posted to the Informational Session webpage. CEUs are not provided.
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSING AND STANDARDS BOARD (PELSB) | DECEMBER 11, 2023
Yelena Bailey, Executive Director of PELSB, and Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent Representative on the PELSB Board, will discuss legislative changes to tiered licensure and provide time for questions.
All information sessions are recorded and posted to the Informational Session webpage. CEUs are not provided.
Maintaining and hiring educators who are skilled at their work, embrace the needs of their children and feel supported in their role within the organization is key to student success. In this session, PartnerED will share research on the well-being needs of educators and offer strategies for support. Full info!
FRAMEWORKS FOR MAXIMIZING EDUCATIONAL AND FINANCIAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT | JAN. 23, 2024
Information Session: Frameworks for Maximizing Educational and Financial Return on Investment Presented by Trane Tuesday, January 23 1 – 2 pm | Zoom
Attendees will learn how to gain an educational return on existing district investments to promote workforce development and career readiness for your students and how to identify frameworks for building alignment with your board, administration, faculty, and community stakeholders. Full info here!
Implementing Technology Programs to Make an Impact | Jan. 30, 2024
Information Session: Implementing Technology Programs to Make an Impact Presented by Edmentum Tuesday, January 30 9 - 10 am | Zoom
Amid declining math and reading scores and widening achievement gaps, districts are adopting evidence-based literacy programs under the MN Read Act. This session will explore effective technology and research-backed strategies for closing these gaps, featuring successful district models and nationwide insights on enhancing classroom instruction and meeting individual student needs. Full info here!
FILLING SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH GAPS | FEB. 2, 2024
Informational Session: Filling School-Based Mental Health Gaps Presented by Effective School Solutions Friday, February 2 10 - 11 am CST | Zoom
Effective School Solutions partners with school districts to help build their capacity to meet their students’ mental health needs with fully staffed school-based mental and behavioral health programs. This session will include an overview of the programs and services that are offered to districts to help them create a continuum of mental health care that can support all students, including those who may otherwise need to seek higher levels of care in out-of-district placements. Full info!
THE MN READ ACT: WHAT EVERY SCHOOL LEADER NEEDS TO KNOW | FEB. 5, 2024
MASA/MDE Informational Session The MN READ Act: What Every School Leader Needs to Know Presented by Kim Gibbons, CAREI, and Bobbie Burnham, MDE Monday, February 5 10 - 11 am CST | Zoom
Session Slides Session Recording: https://youtu.be/iqnAR7t8xec Attendees will be given information on the READ Act requirements around evidence-based curriculum, assessment, and professional learning. Come learn about resources to support improving literacy outcomes and your role in the successful implementation of these comprehensive reform efforts! Full info!
UNDERSTANDING YOUR PEOPLE DATA | FEB. 6, 2024
Informational Session: Understanding Your People Data Presented by CESO Tuesday, February 6 12 noon - 1 pm CST | Zoom
Taking care of your employees starts with understanding the data about them. In this informational session, you will learn what "people data" means, why it is important, and how to leverage it into actionable next steps that align with your talent management strategy. Full info!
Please note, registration for this session includes the February 27 CESO session!
Clean Energy Project Funding – The Inflation Reduction Act | Feb. 20, 2024
Informational Session: Clean Energy Project Funding – The Inflation Reduction Act Presented by: Jesse Nelson, CPA, Partner, Baker Tilly Ryan Fetters, Director, Baker Tilly Jeff Bertrang, Public Sector Advisory Team, Baker Tilly Tuesday, February 20 | 9 - 10 am CST | Zoom | Full info
The Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) is federal legislation that was adopted in August 2022 and includes billions of dollars to assist school districts fund clean energy projects. Eligible projects include geothermal, solar, thermal energy storage tanks, and more. In this webinar we will cover an overview of IRA, direct pay tax credit system, key tax code items, and how to evaluate a potential project for your school district.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR PEOPLE | FEB. 27, 2024
Informational Session: Taking Care of Your People Presented by CESO Tuesday, February 27 12 noon - 1 pm CST | Zoom
Taking Care of Your People refers to the actions, systems and processes that are used to engage, retain, and support an organization’s employees. In this session, you will learn how to analyze the ways you are taking care of your people and make an action plan for next steps. Full info!
ENHANCING TEAM DYNAMICS AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT | MARCH 5, 2024
Informational Session: Enhancing Team Dynamics and Leadership Development Presented by: Dr. Teri Staloch, Director of Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, PartnerEd Consultants Julie Critz, Director of Superintendent Relations, PartnerEd Consultants Tuesday, March 5 8 - 9 am CST | Zoom | Full info
Session Slides Session Recording: https://youtu.be/vr1WByX_l1Y We know the importance of high-performing teams, yet we also know that when we are under pressure and trying to meet the demands of our work, we focus on the tasks at hand and set aside the foundation of leadership development. Intentional strategies must be employed to foster strong team dynamics for efficiency and productivity. Regardless of make-up, role or purpose, it is important that leadership teams understand the importance of clarity, culture and competence as they work on behalf of students, staff and their community. We will share research about factors that contribute to team dynamics and introduce an assessment tool called Squadify that we use as part of our executive coaching professional services.
Who should attend: Any administrator who leads a team and is interested in doing it better including Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Executive Directors, Directors, and Principals.
RETHINKING ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN IN YOUR DISTRICT OFFICE | MARCH 19, 2024
Informational Session: Rethinking Organizational Design in Your District Office Presented by Laura Eiden, Vice President, Employee Experience, CESO Tuesday, March 19 12 - 1 pm CST | Zoom
Session Description: More often than not, district leaders inherit the organizational structure of their district office. In this session, participants will learn how to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the roles that make up their organizational design and make an intentional plan for moving forward. By combining employee feedback, performance evaluation, and creativity, participants will feel equipped to "rethink possible" in their district office.
Who Should Come: District Office Leaders, Central Office Teams, people who offer HR and finance support and leadership
READY OR NOT, HERE THEY COME! | APRIL 2, 2024
Informational Session: Ready or Not, Here They Come! Presented by: Cris Young, Deputy Director of Migrant Education Services for Tri-Valley Opportunity Council Noemi Treviño, Migrant Education Program Specialist, Minnesota Department of Education Tuesday, April 2 1 - 2 pm Central | Zoom
Participants will learn the basic framework of the Migrant Education Program along with federal reporting requirements as well as learn about available resources and how best to serve migratory students.
CKLA AND THE CURRICULUM RECONSIDERATION PROCESS FOR THE READ ACT | APRIL 12, 2024
MASA Informational Session: Information Session: CKLA and the Curriculum Reconsideration Process for the READ Act hosted by CAREI staff, Director Kim Gibbons and Assistant Director of Literacy Julia Peyton, will join Assistant MDE Commissioner of Education Bobbie Burnham
Feel free to contact [email protected] with any additional questions or topics you'd like to discuss.
Join us for the next informational session where CAREI staff, Director Kim Gibbons and Assistant Director of Literacy Julia Peyton, will join Assistant MDE Commissioner of Education Bobbie Burnham will provide detailed information regarding the Reconsideration decision not to include CKLA in the approved curriculum list for reimbursement under the READ Act.
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES (DCYF) | MAY 29, 2024
Informational Session: MN Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Presented by Erin Doan, Assistant Transition Director, Implementation Office for DCYF Thursday, May 30 10 - 11 am Central | Hosted via Zoom
Join us to learn about the State of Minnesota's transition to create a new Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Bringing together support for families, including core programs serving children from infants and toddlers to older youth, the Departments of Human Services, Education, Health, and Public Safety will transfer identified programs to DCYF between July 2024 and July 2025, including Early Learning Services.MASA members, you are invited to learn, ask questions, share feedback, and discuss what you see as opportunities for the communities the DCYF serves with this transition! CEUs will not be issued.
About Our Presenter Erin Doan is an Assistant Transition Director at the Implementation Office for DCYF, located within Minnesota Management and Budget. She brings more than 25 years of experience in teaching, educator preparation, administration, and policy, to the current work of engaging partners and improving outcomes for Minnesotans of all ages.