What is Learning Forward Minnesota?
Learning Forward Minnesota, formerly named the Minnesota Staff Development Council, was re-established in 1994 as an affiliate of the National Staff Development Council, now called Learning Forward, to provide networking opportunities and to promote positive staff development experiences in the state of Minnesota. Learning Forward Minnesota has been founded based on the following beliefs:
- We believe change is a driving force
- We believe that ongoing improvement is essential
- We believe that change provides opportunities for growth
- We believe the most meaningful changes in people occur when hearts, minds, spirits and feet are touched
- We believe example is a powerful teacher
- We believe expectations influence accomplishments
- We believe that shared power benefits all
- We believe diversity strengthens
- We believe cultural norms have a powerful influence
Who Can Benefit From Joining Learning Forward Minnesota?
- Consultants
- Directors and coordinators of staff development
- Educators and support staff
- Principals and assistant principals
- Professionals involved in staff development and training in any organization
- School to work transition ed.
- Service center directors and staff
- Superintendents and assistant superintendents
- Teachers
- Teacher Trainers
Additional Benefits Through Learning Forward Membership
- Professional publications
- National computer access through America Online
- The annual conference with over 250 professional development sessions
- Institutes led by outstanding educators on critical topics
- The NSDC Academies, providing mentorship programs and workshops for staff developers
- On-site technical assistance provided by experienced NSDC staff
- Long-range and school improvement planning assistance and training
Some Good Reasons For Joining Learning Forward Minnesota
- To learn about effective staff development practices
- To network with other professionals and build collegial relationships
- To be a part of a support system that can help you grow professionally
- To gain access to useful publications, newsletters and other resources
- To participate in conferences designed to present the latest and the best practices in education and instruction
- To stay on the cutting edge of research and application
- To strengthen your own presentation and facilitation skills
- To have a supportive and helpful forum for trying new techniques and expanding your creativity
- To keep informed on key local, state and national developments that could impact your professional position
Learning Forward Minnesota Board
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Linda Rees
OFFICERS
Past President
Jeff Ronneberg
Spring Lake Park Schools
President
Mia Waldera
St. Louis Park Public Schools
President-Elect
Chad Schmidt
Edina Public Schools
Secretary
Yvonne Sorenson
Minnesota River Valley Education District
Treasurer
Janet Kujat
Minneapolis Public Schools
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Scott Alger
Orono Public Schools
Kathy Griebel
East Metro Integration District
Deborah Luedtke
Minnesota Department of Education
Ann Malwitz
White Bear Lake Schools
Heather Mueller
Mankota Area Public Schools
Pat Reisenger
Educational Consultant
Elizabeth Simmer
St. Paul Public Schools
Cindy Stevenson
Intermediate District 287
Linnea Swenson Tellekson
St. Louis Park Public Schools
We are seeking names of potential Learning Forward Minnesota Board members. Please consider nominating a colleague or expressing your own interest by completing the application (see link below) and submit it to Yvonne Sorenson at . MSDC_EXEC_BD_NOMINATION_FILING_FORM_v2.doc