Association News

*NEW* MASA Leadership Nominations Now Open
Nominations are open until January 7, 2019, for a number of seats on the MASA Board of Directors.

Fill out the online nomination forms at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WFMXV67

2019-20 MASA President-Elect

The President-Elect serves one year, followed by one year as President and one year as Past President. In the year of presidency, a student from the President's district will receive a $1,000 scholarship. 

All members located in the Greater MN districts (Regions 1-8) are eligible for nomination.

In addition, candidates must:

* be a MASA member, in the "active" category

* be a practicing administrator

* have five years of successful administrative experience in Minnesota

* be committed to MASA and its goals

* have time available to represent MASA for three years (2019 - 2022)

Accountabilities of this office include:

* participate in MASA Executive Committee and Board meetings

* assist the President in providing general leadership to the organization

* perform all duties of the President, in absence of the President

* recommend appointments of all standing committee members, including Chairs-Elect

President-Elect Nomination Process

Any “Active” (voting) MASA member may nominate, but the nominee must be from a Greater MN district within MASA’s Regions 1-8. The President-Elect will annually alternate between Greater Minnesota (Regions 1-8) and the Metro area (Region 9).

The following seats on the MASA Board of Directors are open for nominations:

• Region 1 - Superintendent Component Group Representative (19-22)
• Region 2 - Superintendent Component Group Representative (19-22)
• Region 3 - Superintendent Component Group Representative (19-22)
• Region 8 - Superintendent Component Group Representative (19-22)
• Region 9 - Superintendent Component Group Representative (19-22)
• Greater MN Technology Component Group Representative (19-22
• Greater MN Special Education Component Group Representative (19-22)
• Greater MN Central Office Component Group Representative (19-22)

Each representative will serve a three-year term representing their region and component group beginning July 1, 2019. MASA Board of Directors term limits are two consecutive terms.

A list of eligible members for each seat can be found at: https://www.mnasa.org/Page/714

Region Component Group Nomination Process:

Any “Active” (voting) MASA member may nominate themselves or a colleague. Both nominator and nominee must be a member of the MASA Region and/or Component Group to which the nomination pertains.

MASA officers and board members have the opportunity to influence education in Minnesota and serve their fellow colleagues.

We encourage you to nominate yourself or a colleague who you feel would be a strong leader for MASA. If you nominate a colleague, please contact your nominee to ask them whether or not they are interested in running for the position-and so that they know you have nominated them!

Nominations can be completed by filling out the online nomination forms!

You can find the forms and lists of eligible MASA members that may be nominated by going to www.mnasa.org/boardofdirectors and clicking “MASA Board Nomination Information” in the right hand column.

Nominations must be completed by January 7, 2019.

*NEW* MASA Award Nominations Now Open
Each year, MASA provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding members who are dedicated leaders and advocates for children and Minnesota education. We encourage you to consider nominating yourself or a colleague for recognition. Nominate someone who you feel reflects the qualities of a leader, who is committed to education and who is an exemplary representative of MASA.

All the award applications can be found at: www.mnasa.org/nominationforms - or by going to the “Recognition” tab at www.mnasa.org and selecting 2019 Award Nomination Forms.

All nomination materials are due to dchristians@mnasa.org by the end of the day January 7, 2019.

Kay E. Jacobs Award
The nominee of this award must be an active or associate female member of MASA and must have demonstrated the attributes of excellent leadership and involvement in MASA and other educational organizations (as modeled by Kay E. Jacobs, for whom this award is named). This award is presented at the Annual Spring Conference.

MASA Distinguished Service Award
The nominee of this award will have a positive history/association with Minnesota public education. The recipient will have contributed/participated in activities that improve Minnesota's public education system on a statewide basis and have a reputation as a person that willingly goes the extra mile. This award is presented at the MASA Spring Conference.

MASA Outstanding Central Office Leader Award (Metro and Greater MN)
The nominees of this award must be non-superintendent MASA members who are Central Office Administrators exhibiting a willingness to risk, possess strong communication skills, are progressive change agents and who have high expectations for self and others. Two awards will be presented annually, one from greater Minnesota and one from the metro area. This award is presented at the MASA Spring Conference.

MASA Polaris Award
The nominee of this award must be a current active or associate member of MASA and an exemplary school leader with twenty or more years of administrative experience. This award is presented at the MASA Fall Conference. We are grateful to Ehlers, Inc. for their ongoing support of the Polaris Award.

Regional Administrators of Excellence Award - return to your Regional Chair

The Regional Leadership Chair should submit their region’s selection to the MASA office by February 1, 2019.

This award honors an administrator annually from each of the nine MASA regions. The nominee must have provided service to MASA through their active participation in a MASA district, regional and state organization and/or leadership functions and activities, demonstrated active involvement in educational and community affairs, be regarded as a role model by MASA colleagues and be a practicing administrator and a member of MASA.

Richard Green Scholars Award - Due March 1, 2019
This award honors the scholarly work and professional development of Minnesota school leaders through the award of an annual recognition for the research, writing and presentation of one paper reflecting the practice of excellent school leadership. This award is announced at the MASA Spring Conference and presented at the Fall Conference. MASA thanks Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc. for their ongoing sponsorship of the Richard Green Scholars Program.

All the award applications can be found at: www.mnasa.org/nominationforms - or by going to the “Recognition” tab at www.mnasa.org and selecting 2019 Award Nomination Forms.

All nomination materials are due to dchristians@mnasa.org by the end of the day January 7, 2019.

Join Today!
*NEW* MASA's 2019 Political Action Committee MCPE
The 2019 Minnesota Legislative Session convenes on Tuesday, January 8, and MASA will be at the capitol representing you and Minnesota’s students.  MASA’s political action committee — Management Concerned for Public Education (MCPE) — provides resources so that MASA’s legislative advocates can gain access to our elected officials at fundraising events.  The information below provides details regarding MCPE.

I am asking that you consider joining MCPE for 2019.  A donation of $50 will assist in providing resources so that the MASA legislative message can be heard by our elected officials. I greatly appreciate your consideration!

Join MCPE online at: https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1733026

- or send your personal check to

MCPE
c/o MASA
1884 Como Avenue
St. Paul, MN  55108 

• enhances leadership development for MASA members
• encourages and supports individuals interested in education careers
• supports the role and image of education leaders
• conducts research and provides information to policymakers and the public.

The MASA Foundation meets its goals through the generous donations of individuals and organizations interested in supporting the Foundation mission.  These generous donations allow the Foundation to:

• award professional learning grants to individual MASA members, providing opportunities that may not be otherwise be available to them
• support MASA's PAT (Professional Assistance Team), a completely confidential resource allowing MASA members to contact an experienced administrator for advice and counsel
• offer a strong mentoring program for all MASA members new to their role.

Won’t you help MASA support the professional growth of string leaders for Minnesota’s school systems? As you plan your year-end giving, consider a tax-deductible donation to the MASA Foundation!

Donate Online Today!

For more information, see https://www.mnasa.org/domain/78

Or contact us at members@mnasa.org or 651-645-6272

On behalf of your colleagues, a sincere thank you for your support from:

The 2018-19 Foundation Board of Trustees

Chris Richardson, President
Jamie Skjeveland, Treasurer
Gary Amoroso, Executive Director
Krin Abraham
Eric Bartleson
Rob Brown
Don Bungum
Rob Cavanna
John Christiansen
Diane Cordes
Marty Duncan
Rachel Gorton
Peter Haapala
Jen Hegna
Deb Henton
Mike Hoheisel
Dale Jensen
Antoinette Johns
Brad Johnson
James Johnson
Lynne Kovash
Charlie Kyte
Janet Mohr
Fred Nolan
Allen Ralston
Diane Rauschenfels
Harold Remme
Charles Rick
Jamie Skjeveland
Kelly Smith
John Thein
Rachel Udstuen
Steve Unowsky
Michelle Van Den Top
Jim Wagner
Ed Waltman
Shawn Yates

2018 Election Summary
Here is a 2018 election summary written by Valerie Dosland from Ewald Consulting. As a reminder Valerie is a lobbyist that works with us at the legislature. She has worked with MASA for 14 years. We are very fortunate to have Valerie working on behalf of our members and public school students in Minnesota. This is information that the MASA Legislative Committee will consider when they meet November 15.

With the elections over, now is a good time to reach out to your state representative, congratulate them on their election and offer to connect with them now and throughout session. House Information has provided an election directory which includes information on how to connect with your representative in the interim.

Check out Governor-Elect Tim Walz's education priorities.

Jay Haugen is the 2019 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year
MASA has named Jay Haugen, Superintendent of Farmington Area Public Schools as the 2019 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year.

Be sure to check out some of the Superintendent Haugen’s achievements in the full news release!

Congratulations, Jay!

MASA Fall Newsletter Online!

You can view the MASA newsletter website at www.mnasanews.org.

On the homepage you can view the most recent articles on various topics - or you can click “Latest Edition” using the menu bar at the top of the page to see only the articles that have been published for the fall newsletter.

MASA Member Survey Results Online!
The results of the Strategic Vision Member Survey can be found online!

Use your MASA member login to access the results - please contact Jeanna Vohnoutka in our office if you need the username and password.

Check out the latest episodes online now!

Episode 1: Immigration
Episode 2: Message about Public Education
Episode 3: Possible Vision of an Innovative High School
Episode 4: High School Proposal
Episode 5: School Shootings
Episode 6: Interview with Superintendent Matt Grose
Episode 7: Interview with Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski
Episode 8: Principal Rob Reetz - Project-based learning, 21st century leadership
Episode 9: Superintendent Deb Henton, North Branch Area Public Schools
Episode 10: MDE Commissioner Brenda Cassellius
Episode 11: Janey Blanchard, Superintendent, Chisholm Public Schools
Episode 12: John Landgaard, Superintendent, Worthington Public Schools
Episode 13: Jason Berg, Executive Director of Education Services, Farmington Area Public Schools
Episode 14: Denise Pontrelli, Superintendent, Stillwater Area Public Schools
Episode 15: Chris Mills, Superintendent of Stephen-Argyle Schools - Advocate for Small Schools
Episode 16: John Thein, Retired Superintendent of Roseville Area Schools - Advice for future leaders and retirees
Episode 17: Dr. Neal Nickerson, Co-founder of the Education Administration programs at the University of Minnesota
*NEW* Episode 18: Danielle Theis - Dealing with Student Victims of Trauma
*NEW*  Episode 19: Jen Hegna, Director of Technology of Byron Public Schools - Design Thinking

MASA is grateful to our online convener and podcaster, Dr. Jane Sigford, who has volunteered her services for this initiative. Jane is a MASA retiree and loves nothing more than challenging us (and herself) to think, create, and share ideas.

Register Today!
MASA and Springsted Incorporated present...
School Finance Elections: A Comprehensive Planning Model for Success
Monday, April 8, 2019
9:15 am - 4 pm
at the MASA Building in St. Paul
Register online

Based on past workshops, registering a district team is highly recommended to ensure a common understanding.

This is a workshop based on the book of the same title co-authored by our presenter, Dr. Don Lifto. The workshop's content represents a marriage of research and successful practice, emphasizing systems and strategies rather than specific campaign tactics, allowing school administrators to elevate their thinking to a more comprehensive and long-range vision of election planning. Don has worked with dozens of school districts running operating, bond, and technology elections throughout the US, and is a well-known and respected presenter and author on the topic of finance elections.

MASA Jobsite Listings!
It’s hiring season and the MASA Jobsite is ready to help you find great staff for your district.

Visit the MASA Jobsite at jobsitemnasa.org.

To search for candidates by job type, job category or region of the state log-in on the Jobsite with your district's account - and then click "search for candidates" at the top of the page!

If you need assistance, please contact Jeanna at 651-789-4062 or by e-mail at quinn@mnasa.org.

Looking for a job in education? Visit https://jobsitemnasa.org/

Member Memos

Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement Professional Learning Opportunities
We are excited to share some news with you! We are offering a variety of professional learning opportunities this school year to help meet our vision of building Minnesota educators' data-based decision-making capacity. We currently have scheduled the following sessions geared toward building and/or district teams:

• Data boot camps to provide protocols for examining universal screening and/or progress monitoring data
• Training for building-level problem solving teams on using a systematic problem solving approach to guide their work
•  Networked Improvement Communities to help find solutions to common problems of practice and evaluate the impact
• Two guided book studies
  • Learning to Improve: How America's Schools Can Get Better at Getting Better (Bryk, Gomez, Grunow, LeMahiew, 2015)
  • Effective Universal Instruction: An Action-Oriented Approach to Improving Tier I (Gibbons, Brown, Niebling, 2018)

Additional details have been included in the attachment. These offerings are available to CAREI Assembly Members at a 20% discount. In addition to the attachment in this email, more details are provided for you at this link: https://www.cehd.umn.edu/carei/pd.html

If you would like more information on becoming a CAREI member, please contact Amber Humm Patnode (ahummpat@umn.edu). Check out a copy of our agenda for our first meeting. We hope to see you at one or more of these opportunities!

Sample Some of the MASA ExpertEase Videos!
Sample Some of the MASA ExpertEase Videos! As part of our strategic plan to deliver a multi-tiered system of professional development that meets the individualized learning goals of all members, MASA has partnered with Infinitec to create a library of professional development videos that are available to MASA members 24/7. Members can view these videos for their personal professional development and also to engage their teams in discussions surrounding critical topics. We now have forty-five videos online and we feature a wide variety of topics, including those that MASA members can use to complete their PD requirements for teacher relicensure at no cost. Each month, we will be offering several sample videos that will be directly linked from the MASA website (no sign-in required). See below for a few sample videos. We hope you enjoy these videos; please let us know what you think! Find the entire library on the MASA website!

School Crisis Communication
by Nancy Lageson, Gina Wieler and Randy Johnson, Minnesota School Safety Center

Good communication plans are imperative in a crisis. This video provides communication strategies & techniques as they relate to response in school emergencies.

Our schools are becoming increasingly diverse. This presentation addresses why it matters what district leaders say and do when communicating across cultures. It identifies cultural differences of styles in expression and communication and ways to increase success in communicating with students & families who use different languages & communication idioms than you.

Checklist of High-Leverage Practices for K-12 Special Education
This checklist, presented at the CAREI District Assembly meeting in January 2018, is a tool for special education and leadership teams to use in evaluating their systems for serving students receiving special education services. The checklist has clearly defined criteria in the areas of (a) collaboration, (b) assessment, (c) social/emotional/behavior practices, and (d) instruction and will help teams identify goals, coaching needs, and systems for measuring success.

Professional Learning

Looking for a book study for your leadership team?
MASA's "What We Are Reading" Blog is a great resource. Thanks to our book blogger, Steve Malone, Superintendent of Becker Public Schools for being our Reader Leader! Check out a sample today.

Be sure to check out the newest post from Superintendent Malone on The Trust Edge by David Horsager.

*NEW* Getting Relationships Right
December 4-5, 2018
8 am-4:30 pm
Radisson Red Hotel Minneapolis 
More information and registration
Use the code MPA25 to saves $25 per registration (Minnesota participants only)

Many of you expressed an interest in hearing more from Dr. Kent Pekel on the topic of Developmental Relationships.  The Search Institute is offering a workshop December 4-5 at the Radisson Red in Minneapolis and the Search Institute is offering a discount for Minnesota participants.

Leadership and teams of at least two or more people from schools, youth programs, and other organizations that serve young people. While teams can be comprised of people who play many different roles, at least one member of the team should be a leader who has responsibility for the professional development of staff or other important aspects of organizational improvement.  

The workshop prepares teams  to return to their schools and programs to lead professional development sessions and organizational improvement efforts that help staff build developmental relationships with all of the young people that the organization serves. To help them achieve that objective, leaders leave the workshop with:

• Instructions for facilitating interactive professional development activities that engage staff in thinking and talking about ways to strengthen relationships in their organizations.
• PowerPoint slides accompanied by suggested scripts that they can use to provide staff with compelling information on the power of relationships to improve youth outcomes and the five elements of a developmental relationship.
• The Getting Relationships Right Workbook, which includes six practical tools that leaders can use to help staff become more intentional and inclusive in their approach to relationships.
• The Developmental Relationships Youth Activities Book, a resource that leaders can share with frontline staff to help them build relationships with and among students by implementing more than two dozen engaging activities that also strengthen social-emotional skills.  

Minnesota: The Power of Leading Symposium
November 29, 2018 8:30-1:00 pm
Mound Westonka H.S. | Performing Arts Center
5905 Sunnyfield Rd E Minnetrista, MN 55364 Lunch Included
This is a free event

RSVP by Monday, November 19.
hmhco.force.com/VFRSVP - enter RSVP code: MINNETRISTA1129

Join industry thought leaders Dr. Bill Daggett, Dr. Adam Drummond, and Treve Brinkman from the International Center for Leadership in Education and Math Solutions as they address current topics important to Minnesota educators. The future of education, ways to enhance instructional leadership, and building strategies for teachers to effectively teach mathematical processes are just some of the pertinent subjects which will be presented. We hope you can join us for this special event co-hosted with Westonka Public Schools.

*NEW* Culturally Responsive Lesson Planning Makerspace
December 6, 2018
4:15-5:45 pm
Equity Alliance MN | 6063 Hudson Road Set. 218, Woodbury, MN 55125
Register Online

Come join Jennifer Terry and Deanna Wuotila of Culturally Responsive Minds for this innovative workshop focused on culturally and linguistically responsive lesson plan design!

This makerspace is a great opportunity to learn with colleagues and to expand understandings of culturally and linguistically responsive teaching!

• Review the basics of culturally and linguistically responsive teaching.
• Explore what culturally responsive lesson plans look like and do not look like.
• Explain more of the "WHY" and the "HOW" regarding culturally and linguistically responsive teaching.
• Practice culturally and linguistically responsive lesson design.

2018-19 MASSP School Law Seminars
Registration Form

Dates:

• January 30, 2019 - Minneapolis, Minneapolis Marriott City Center

MASSP Attorney/Lobbyist Roger Aronson is conducting one-day seminars throughout the state presenting the most up to date information on school law. Roger is one of the most highly regarded experts in school law in the State of Minnesota. Find out what is new in school law, have your legal questions answered and gain valuable insight.

*NEW* Culturally Responsive Board Leadership
Workshop Series
January 29, 2019
February 19, 2019
March 19, 2019
5-8 pm
Equity Alliance MN | 6063 Hudson Road Set. 218, Woodbury, MN 55125
Informational Flyer

To register, please contact Paula O’Loughlin at 651-379-2628 or paula.oloughlin@equityalliancemn.org.

Equity Alliance MN is proud to offer three workshops on culturally responsive leadership for school board members. Each workshop focuses on ways to build internal capacity for culturally responsive leadership and collective capacity for school board governance using an equity lens.

Essential Questions Include…

• Workshop 101: What questions can I begin to ask that lead to developing equity in my district?
• Workshop 202: Acting as a single entity, what can we do as a board to affect systemic change?
• Workshop 303: How do we handle pushback when doing equity work?

Racial Justice Leadership Institute
February 25, 2019
8 am-5 pm
Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, MN 55113,
Conference Center B

The fifth annual Racial Justice Leadership Institute will be held February 25, 2019. Applications are due November 15, 2018. This institute is designed to empower educational leadership teams (both K-12 and higher education) to sharpen their critical consciousness and their ability to drive real, sustainable, systemic change in their organization.

A flyer, program overview, and electronic application form are attached. These are also available online at our web site: http://overcomingracism.org/programs/leadership-institute/li2019/

MESPA: 21st Century School Office
June 10, 2019
Duluth
Registration online

Want to go home on time? Maintaining a work-life balance is so important, but as a principal or school secretary, that may seem next to impossible. If you're buried in office work, emails, "do-you-have-a-minute" and juggling schedules on top of what you really want to be focusing on, we can help! Join us for this one-of-a-kind professional development that has been created for school office teams by school office teams to help you make your school office more efficient, manage crisis response, set standards and expectations, and bond together! You'll have work time to discuss your current office challenges and successes, and create a plan together to implement new strategies to make it even better!