Minnesota Educator: February-March 2020
Minnesota educators continue to choose union
Minnesota educators have recommitted themselves to the union in big ways in the year-and-a-half since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the Janus vs. AFSCME case.
Ready to fight for full funding
Education Minnesota President, Denise Specht’s message: Recently, a MinnPost reporter published the worst kept secret when she quoted my tweet about our union’s plans for the spring of 2021.
Discounts available for members
Did you know that as an Education Minnesota member you can save on local entertainment and activities? Some discounts include:
Sen. Tina Smith listens, learns from Richfield students
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith visited Richfield High School in early January to meet with educators and students.
Mentorship program builds sharing culture in St. Francis
While the St. Francis School District’s mentorship program has gone through a few changes, the core focus has remained—creating a real connection with new employees and offering leadership opportunities to established educators.
Sebeka band students team up with rock stars
Dave Kerkvliet has been teaching band for 24 years, but has been a musician and fan of rock bands for his entire life. Recently he was able to connect those two passions in a very big way.
Attend precinct caucuses Feb. 25, vote in primary March 3
Minnesota’s major political parties—Democratic-Farmer-Labor and Republican—will hold precinct caucuses at 7 p.m. Feb. 25
REA program in third year of equity-focused advocacy
Education Minnesota’s Racial Equity Advocate program is now in its third year of training members to serve as an ally and resource in developing an anti-racism growth mindset in local unions and school districts
Minnesota educators receive National Board Certification
This December, 11 Education Minnesota members became the state’s newest National Board Certified Teachers.
Session to focus on policy issues
The 2020 Minnesota legislative session begins Feb. 11, and while it’s not a budgeting year, there will be plenty of policy bills and some funding debates.
ESP member leads House Education Policy Committee
Cheryl Youakim is a paraprofessional in St. Louis Park and member of Education Minnesota-Support Personnel Assisting and Reaching Kids (SPARK) local union.
ESP Bill of Rights a key part of 2020 legislative agenda
Everyone who works in public education deserves the same things. Respect for their contribution to the care and education of our students.
How to stay informed, get involved this legislative session
Now more than ever, educators need to have their voices heard so that our priorities of strong public schools and support for students remain priorities for our legislators. Educators are the most effective advocates for public schools.
Delegate selection underway for 2020 Rep. Convention
Plans are underway for the 2020 Education Minnesota Representative Convention, taking place April 24-25 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington.
Apply for funding to attend the AFT Convention
The American Federation of Teachers will hold its biennial convention July 27-30 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
Opportunities: Feb 2020
Opportunities for educators: Feb-March 2020.
Education Minnesota Foundation spring professional development grant deadlines approaching
Applications for the second round of professional development grants, as well as science educator grants and second-year classroom grants, from the Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning are due April 3.
Foundation program works to build collaboration with districts
The Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning has a unique opportunity for districts and local unions to come together through its Collaboration Lab.
