Minnesota Educator August-September 2020

The pandemic has thrown us into a tailspin and tossed our routines for back to school like a garden salad. More than one educator I know has said, sounding scared and tired, they just want life to go “back to normal.”

Education Minnesota will hold our annual MEA conference virtually this October due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the state’s official guidance for what education will look like this fall out, educators are now continuing to advocate for themselves and students.

Education Minnesota surveyed its members via email July 16-20 about their feelings and thoughts about the best way to resume public education during the COVID-19 crisis. More than 20,500 members responded.

In the wake of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Education Minnesota has recommitted to its work of being a part of fighting back racism in our communities and in systems, like public education and labor unions.

The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board and the Legislature made changes to some timelines around teacher licensure and renewal due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Education Minnesota’s professional development offerings are now becoming available on the platform, LearnUpon.

The COVID-19 crisis has disproportionately impacted Black and brown workers and families.

Education Minnesota’s Unity Campaign is focusing on electing pro-public education candidates this fall and fighting for what our schools and all of our students, no matter what they look like or where they come from, need to achieve their dreams.

Education Minnesota screening teams have recommended the following candidates for election, as of July 30. More endorsements will be available at www.educationminnesota.org before Election Day, which also includes information on our endorsement and local screening processes.

Education Minnesota can help your local union create a campaign plan to win your levy or school board election this fall and in the future.

The Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning has multiple grants with a deadline approaching. For details about the grants and how to apply, go to www.edmnfoundation.org. There’s a grant waiting for you!

Nominations are open until Sept. 27 for the next Education Minnesota Education Support Professional of the Year.