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Professional Dialogue Sessions

Find all the sessions here!

MASA Members are invited to join Dr. Michael Thomas, Superintendent of Hopkins Public 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!

2026-27 Dates

  • Tuesday, September 22⋅8:00 – 9:00am
  • Tuesday, October 20⋅8:00 – 9:00am
  • Tuesday, November 24⋅8:00 – 9:00am
  • Tuesday, January 19⋅8:00 – 9:00am
  • Tuesday, February 23⋅8:00 – 9:00am
  • Tuesday, March 23⋅8:00 – 9:00am
  • Tuesday, April 20⋅8:00 – 9:00am
  • Tuesday, May 18⋅8:00 – 9:00am

Note: When you register for Session 1, MASA will automatically register you for all the sessions in 2026-27!

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. Members must attend at least three (3) sessions to be eligible for CEUs.

About our Presenter

Dr. Michael J. Thomas is the Superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools. His experience spans multiple industries including education, community-based mental health, hospitals and corrections.

He has more than 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 began serving Hopkins Public Schools in July 2026.