MREA announced today the breakout sessions for the 2016 Annual Conference, “Making Teaching Matter.” More than 30 sessions will feature experts from inside and outside the classroom, providing insight and ideas on everything from reimagining classrooms to teacher recruitment to modifying curriculum. Making Teaching Matter also offers plenty of networking and development opportunities for a diverse audience of teachers, administrators, school board members and … Read More
Conference Registration Opens Today
Registration for the 2016 MREA Annual Conference: Making Teaching Matter opens today. Last year’s conference sold out so we encourage you to take advantage of the early bird discount and secure your spot. Save $180 when you register your team of three by Aug. 5. Names can be updated later. Register online. This year’s conference focuses on how teachers are redefining education and creating … Read More
Early Bird Workshops Announced for 2016 Conference
Five early bird sessions will be offered at the 2016 MREA Annual Conference to feature timely education and dialogues on everything from shifting conversations about teaching and learning to managing stress before it interferes with learning. “Making Teaching Matter” kicks off Nov. 13 with 90-minute workshops that give participants a deeper understanding of the topic as well as dialogue and engagement with … Read More
Two Major Bills Await Governor’s Action
Gov. Mark Dayton prepares for a 1 pm news conference on Wednesday after signing 20 bills, vetoing two and leaving two with no action, including a tax bill containing significant opportunities for Greater Minnesota schools. When the legislature adjourned session on May 22, the Governor received extra time to review legislation that’s passed in the final three days of that session. … Read More
MREA Provides Feedback on Tested Experience
MREA identifies six key changes to draft of the Tested Experience Framework released for feedback in late May by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system (MnSCU). Upon thorough review, MREA recommends the MnSCU Leadership Council table the draft and engage the K-12 community to develop a more comprehensive framework. Upon sharing the draft in late May, MnSCU hosted webinars the following … Read More
2016 Session Closes with Help for Rural Communities
The Minnesota Legislature worked until the last allowable minute of the 2016 session. Two major pieces of legislation crossed the legislative finish line and are on their way to Governor Dayton’s desk for his signature into law. A $258 million tax cut bill and a $182 million supplemental budget bill made it just under the Sunday midnight deadline for passing bills. … Read More
TRA Sustainability Elusive in Final Days of Session
The Teacher’s Retirement Association (TRA) is seeking legislative action this session to close a $1.5 billion funding gap created by increased member longevity according to recent pension system experience studies. As of today, a comprehensive fix is proving elusive, and a bill moving forward in the House would essentially punt on a long-term solution. The current proposal of reducing cost … Read More
PBS Digital Innovator to Speak at MREA Conference
Kayla Delzer, recently named the North Dakota Lead Digital Innovator by PBS LearningMedia, will be the closing speaker for MREA’s 2016 Annual Conference. A technology champion and teacher in West Fargo, North Dakota, Delzer is in her eighth year of teaching second grade. MREA’s annual conference will focus on the theme, “Making Teaching Matter.” It will be hosted November 13-15 at Cragun’s Resort near Brainerd. … Read More
Who’s an Educator of Excellence in Greater Minnesota?
Great educators do more than lead a classroom. They practice, innovate, and collaborate. MREA announced today the inaugural year of the MREA Educators of Excellence Award program. Four educators will be honored annually to promote excellence in education that achieves the highest outcomes for Greater Minnesota students. Designed to recognize educators from all across Minnesota, the program will honor one educator from each MREA membership … Read More
Presentations on Why Teacher Matters Sought for Conference
Why does teaching matter? How do you make a difference? MREA welcomes educators and education affiliates to submit proposals to share their best practices, solutions, and research. Proposals to present breakout sessions at MREA’s 2016 Annual Conference are due Friday, May 27 . MREA seeks teaching profession and rural education presentations that: Explore redesigning teaching to meet expectations for today’s teaching professionals Enhance … Read More