For more information, contact:

Chris Williams
651-292-4816 (work)
651-245-5539 (cell)

Doug Dooher
651-292-4820 (work)
651-245-6141 (cell)

ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 17, 2015 – Education Minnesota’s new television ad, “ExcitED,” features educators from throughout Minnesota welcoming students back to school. In northwest Minnesota and eastern North Dakota, a version of the ad features members from Education Minnesota and North Dakota United, that state’s union of educators and public employees.

The ads debut today, Aug. 17. They will appear online and on broadcast and cable television through Sept. 7.

“ExcitED” is the latest ad in Education Minnesota’s “-ed Moments” campaign, which highlights the innovation and passion of educators in Minnesota. Viewers will be able to see the new ad, and find back-to-school tips for parents and students, at www.edmoments.com.

Here are a few of those back-to-school tips:

• Get to know your child’s teachers and support staff at the beginning of the year.
  • Let them know that you want feedback on your child’s progress during the school year, as well as how you want to receive it – email, text message, phone or even in person.
  • Meet with other school staff members who interact with your child every day.
• Set a regular place and time for your child to work on homework.
  • Establish a distraction free “learning zone” (away from the TV, tablet or other distractions).
  • While you’re at it, set a bedtime, too. Research shows that the quality and quantity of sleep has a profound impact on learning.
• Establish high expectations.
  • Offer encouragement and praise for the effort your child puts into projects.
• Read as much as possible.
  • Research proves that reading to small children and reading with older children leads to better academic performance.
• Prepare for your parent-teacher conference.
  • Remember that conferences can begin as early as October, so it is not too soon to begin preparing.

Find more back-to-school tips at www.edmoments.com.

About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota represents 70,000 professionals working together for excellence in education for all students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.