The teachers that made the greatest impact on Mr. Chris Dobis are the ones that went the extra mile to build a relationship with him – and know him for more than a student. Now, as an educator himself, he strives to have a casual, student-driven classroom where students lead the way and have choices in their learning. Mr. Dobis has had … Read More
Teacher Caters to Unique Learning Styles
Mrs. Brenda Whitehead reaches students by appealing to their unique learning style, rather than pushing her own. She regularly incorporates untraditional learning tools like white boards, graphing calculators, smartboards and individual devices into her classroom experience. She recognizes the potential technology offers as a learning tool. She recognizes the struggles students face and encourages all students to reach their potential. “In … Read More
Members Provide Input on 2017 Legislative Issues
More than 120 MREA school board members, administrators and teachers participated in MREA’s Fall Member Meetings over the last month to provide input on issues likely to arise in the 2017 legislative year. The four major issues discussed were: Early Learning Rising early learning needs and attention Quality Teachers Increasing difficulty attracting and retaining quality teachers Funding Student Needs Meeting student needs across the state … Read More
Educator of the Year Models Creativity, Community Connection
Mrs. Jackie Chwialkowski has developed extended learning programs that reach beyond the school walls at Stephen-Argyle Central. These programs involve making blankets for homeless shelters, sending care boxes to military personnel overseas and a horticulture curriculum where students grow and sell garden plants. Throughout her 39-year teaching career, Mrs. Chwialkowski has made an effort to individualize her teaching efforts by … Read More
Educator of Excellence Ignites Learning Outdoors
Rain and straw bale gardens. A school vineyard. A DNR-approved school forest. Those are just a few of the interactive learning environments that Rockford Middle School students have the opportunity to explore thanks to the leadership and innovation of a teacher. Mr. Jamie Madson believes learning doesn’t just happen inside the four walls of a traditional classroom and has made … Read More
Conference to Showcase Successful Teacher Recruitment and Retention
If your school is struggling to meet challenges posed by a growing teacher shortage, plan to attend MREA’s 2016 Annual Conference: Making Teaching Matter. Breakout session presenters will showcase successful ways to adapt teacher recruitment efforts and to keep your teachers engaged and committed for the long term. Making Teaching Matter will offer nearly 40 sessions in total and provide ample networking and development opportunities for … Read More
MREA Announces 2016 Educators of Excellence
MREA announced today the 2016 Educators of Excellence for Greater Minnesota. MREA will recognize the 2016 honorees at its Annual Awards Banquet on Nov. 14 at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd. The awards banquet will be held in conjunction with MREA’s Annual Conference on Making Teaching Matter. It also will include honoring the 2016 Profiles of Excellence. Learn more and register. 2016 … Read More
Report Encourages Rural Education to Capitalize on Assets
The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) recently released a report on the challenges and issues facing rural schools. This was a follow up to a 2004 study by NASBE and asked: what has changed in ten years, and what are new challenges facing state level policy makers? The report identified key issues facing rural education: High percentage … Read More
Explore Professional Growth at Annual Conference
More than 10 breakout sessions at MREA’s 2016 Annual Conference: Making Teaching Matter will explore different strategies for educators’ continuing professional and personal growth. Making Teaching Matter will offer more than 35 sessions total and provide plenty of networking and development opportunities for teachers, administrators, school board members and other education professionals. Learn more and register. “Professional Development and Support” Sessions These sessions will focus … Read More
Conference Sessions Explore Reimagining Teaching
Breakout sessions at MREA’s 2016 Annual Conference: Making Teaching Matter will explore different aspects of reimagining the teaching profession. Making Teaching Matter will offer more than 35 sessions total and provide plenty of networking and development opportunities for teachers, administrators, school board members and other education professionals. Register online. “Reimagining the Profession” Sessions Seven breakout sessions will focus on the theme of reimagining the … Read More