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
MOre sessions coming | Stay tuned!
Check back for more sessions!
Previous Sessions, Recordings, and Materials
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.
We Are Still HERE | August 13, 2024
MASA Informational Session: We Are Still Here presented by: Noemi Treviño, Migrant Education Program Consultant, Minnesota Department of Education Vanessa Sabine Chmiel, Instructional and Support Services Manager, Tri-Valley Opportunity Council August 13, 2024 | 10 - 11 am Central | Hosted via Zoom
MASA members are invited to the upcoming Informational Session titled, “We Are Still Here.” Participants will learn about Title I Part C: Education of Migratory Children and the resources, collaboration efforts, and ways to help remove barriers to highly mobile students and families who work in agriculture. Attendees will discuss expectations of migrant liaisons, federal reporting requirements, and how to advocate for migratory students.
About Our Presenters Noemi Treviño is the Migrant Education Program Consultant and grant reviewer for federal programs at the Minnesota Department of Education since 2000. She has 24 years of experience working with English learners and the Migrant Education Program in the Division of Equity and Opportunity. Being a product of the migrant lifestyle, she credits her family for her successes.
Vanessa Sabine Chmiel is a passionate woman who spends her life educating others. During her twenties, Vanessa obtained credentials from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and a Masters's Degree in Educational Technology. Vanessa then went on to educate young minds for seven years as a fourth-grade teacher. An exciting opportunity arose for Vanessa to impact the educational journey of migratory students. Since June of 2023, Vanessa has been the Instructional and Support Services Manager for Tri-Valley Opportunity Council. In this role, Vanessa can advocate for migratory students and families and help them achieve their academic goals.
Leading for Well-being: Measuring, Prioritizing and Improving Staff Culture | October 8, 2024
Leading for Well-being: Measuring, Prioritizing and Improving Staff Culture Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 9:00 – 10:00am Presented by: Alison Gillespie, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, White Bear Lake Area Schools Hallie Fox, Educators Thriving Tiffany Dittrich, President, White Bear Lake Area Educators
Given the critical links between educator well-being, school culture, and equitable student outcomes, what can school leaders do to foster improvements among their staff? In this session, participants explore how White Bear Lake Area Schools used an educator-generated measure of well-being and continuous improvement process to increase principal capacity and staff culture at priority school sites. District and union leaders have since collaborated to drive system-wide improvements to staff culture, well-being, and experiences. Walk away with new ideas and tangible strategies to lead for well-being at school and system levels.
About Our Presenters Alison Gillespie currently serves as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning within White Bear Lake Area Schools. Dr. Gillespie has held a variety of school leadership roles and is passionate about transforming schools and aligning district systems to ensure high achievement and humanizing, culturally affirming experiences are realized consistently for each student. She is knowledgeable in leadership team development, strategic planning and continuous improvement. She serves as an adjunct professor in K-12 principal licensure programs, facilitates professional development in culturally responsive school leadership and coaches principal interns. Dr. Gillespie holds national certifications in principal mentorship through the National Association of Elementary School Principals and Instructional Leadership from AVID and AASA.
Hallie Fox leads research and evaluation at Educators Thriving. She spent most of her career as a special education teacher and high school administrator in the Bronx and in Richmond, California, where she built holistic systems of support and designed data-driven practices to support all students. She holds a Bachelor's degree in political science from Middlebury College, a Master's in Educational Policy, Organization, and Leadership from Stanford University, and earned her PhD in education from GW. Hallie studies well-being, school climate, and educational equity. She is passionate about finding practical, research based solutions to help educators and their students thrive!
Tiffany Dittrich taught high school English/Language Arts for twenty-three years before being elected president of White Bear Lake Area Educators in 2018. Passionate in her belief that when educators are well, their students thrive, she works tirelessly to elevate educator voice as she advocates for her local’s nearly 600 members.
Building Thriving Communities Together | November 19, 2024
MASA Informational Session: Building Thriving Communities Together Tuesday, November 19, 2024 | 10:00 – 11:00 am
Presented by: Jim Ciemny, Licensed Mental Health Clinician and K-12 Principal Dr. Lauren Fulkerson, Pediatrician, Wellness Coach, and Mental Health Advocate Panos Efsta, founder and Chief Pioneer of Dawn Health
This session will explore how MN Schools and Dawn Health can collaborate to support student well-being and empower families through comprehensive mental health services. We will discuss the benefits of partnering to provide proactive interventions, addressing both mental and metabolic health needs within your school community. Together, we can create a thriving environment for students and their families.
The session will be recorded and posted on the Informational Sessions webpage. CEUs will not be issued. There is no cost to attend.
About Our Presenters Jim Ciemny is a licensed mental health clinician and K-12 principal with 30 years of experience in education and telemedicine. He provides mental health support in a large MN high school and serves as the VP of Care System Excellence at Dawn Health. Jim holds a Master’s in Social Work and an Educational Specialist degree in educational leadership.
Dr. Lauren Fulkerson is a pediatrician, wellness coach, and advocate for mental and metabolic health. She earned her medical degree from Vanderbilt University and completed her pediatrics residency at UCLA. Dr. Fulkerson is also actively involved with Brain Energy, a movement dedicated to transforming mental and metabolic health.
Panos Efsta, founder and Chief Pioneer of Dawn Health and EAi, previously served as AVP of Care Operations & Delivery at TimelyCare, overseeing global care delivery and provider network management. He holds a Master’s in Clinical Service Operations from Harvard Medical School, a Master’s in Finance from Liberty University, and an MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute.
Program Funding Decisions Using Academic Return on Investment (AROI) | December 4, 2024
Information Session: Program Funding Decisions Using Academic Return on Investment (AROI) Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | 9 – 10 am (CST) | Hosted on Zoom Presented by: Patricia Ross, Ph.D. and Dave MacCallum, Ph.D., MaCallum Ross Dr. Ann Ertl, Director of Innovation, Design & Learning, Hopkins Public Schools Dr. Abby Holm, Assistant Director of IDL: Data Science, Hopkins Public Schools
Session Description When budgets constrain funding for academic programs, it is critical to be able to measure the Academic Return on Investment (AROI) of these programs in a way that clearly supports funding decisions. This approach uses existing district data and staff expertise to compare AROI across a range of programs and, at the same time, provides district staff with the ability to use the model in the future. Patricia and Dave will share with you how this process allowed Hopkins Public Schools to reduce its program budget by $250,000 annually.
About our presenters MacCallum Ross is Patricia Ross, Ph.D. (Quantitative Methods in Education - Measurement and Evaluation) and Dave MacCallum, Ph.D. (consultant on local, national and international projects in the private, public and nonprofit sectors).
Dr. Ann Ertl is the Director of Innovation, Design & Learning and Dr. Abby Holm is the Assistant Director of IDL: Data Science, both at Hopkins Public Schools.