MASA Members are invited to join Dr. Michael Thomas, Superintendent of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools,in a series of three professional dialogue sessions exploring topics of interest to our currently practicing school administrators. While the topics may be general in nature, the group will specifically address issues of race and culture pertinent to the conversation.
Please note that at this time, participation in this series is open to only MASA members.
February 6, 2024 | 8 - 9 am | Zoom "The Sustainability of the Superintendency" Join us in the first of this year's professional dialogue series as we talk about the commUNITY of the superintendency. How we show up and do this work together sustains us all and takes us to different places than we would get alone. Help us shape the conversation together.
April 2, 2024 | 8 - 9 am | Zoom "Metrics that Matter" Join us as we talk about the alignment of efforts within our organizations to ensure every member experiences a sense of belonging and inclusion. Equimetrics is one tool that can show us where we need to focus our work - how do you organize your work so you have the ability to execute and ensure equitable practices are implemented for every student and family across your system?
May 7, 2024 | 8 - 9 am | Zoom "Planning for SY25" Join us as we work to identify our learning and conversations for the coming school year. What do you need to continue the work of excellence and equity within your organization or your leadership team? How can we support one another in the work?
Note: Sessions will not be recorded. Please plan to attend virtually on the day of the session!
CEUs are not provided.
Cost Due to the generous support of the MASA Foundation, these sessions are offered to MASA members at no cost.
About our Presenter
Dr. Michael J. Thomas is the Superintendent of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. His experience spans multiple industries including education, community-based mental health, hospitals and corrections.
He has over twenty-five years of experience in education. Dr. Thomas believes that education is the gateway to success in life and adopts a holistic approach to supporting students’ academic, social and emotional needs. He has served as an elementary and secondary principal and has been a leader with Minneapolis Public Schools serving as an Associate Superintendent, Chief of Schools, and Chief of Academics, Leadership and Learning. Dr. Thomas has also served as Superintendent of Schools in Colorado Springs.
His passion is for all students, which is grounded in equity. He was very successful closing learning gaps between students of color and white students, and he significantly increased the learning of students receiving special education support. Dr. Thomas is well known for his mantra, "We are ALL here, ALL of the time, for ALL students!"
Dr. Thomas’ leadership style is collaborative and engaging; he does not shy away from tough conversations and instills not only high accountability for work, but the support necessary to succeed. He believes in empowering people to embrace their virtuosities and be the leaders our students and community needs.
Dr. Thomas and his family reside in Prior Lake. He began serving Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools in July, 2022.
Previous Sessions & Materials
February 6, 2024 | 8 - 9 am | Zoom "The Sustainability of the Superintendency"
April 2, 2024 | 8 - 9 am | Zoom "Metrics that Matter"