Professional Dialogue Sessions
Hosted by Dr. Michael Thomas
MASA Members are invited to join Dr. Michael Thomas, Superintendent of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, in a series of eight 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!
2025-26 Dates
Tuesday, September 23⋅8:00 – 9:00am
Tuesday, October 21⋅8:00 – 9:00am
Tuesday, November 25⋅8:00 – 9:00am
Tuesday, January 13, 2026⋅8:00 – 9:00am
Tuesday, February 17, 2026⋅8:00 – 9:00am
Tuesday, March 24, 2026⋅8:00 – 9:00am
Tuesday, April 21, 2026⋅8:00 – 9:00am
Tuesday, May 19, 2026⋅8:00 – 9:00am
Note: When you register for Session 1, MASA will automatically register you for all the sessions in 2025-26!
Cost
Due to the generous support of the MASA Foundation, these sessions are offered to MASA members at no cost.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Participants of all sessions will receive eight (8) clock hours of CEUs issued by the MN Board of School Administrators (BOSA). If you are unable to attend all of the sessions, the number of clock hours will be adjusted on your final issued CEU certificate based on the number of sessions that you attended.
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.