Racial Equity Advocates cohort program
MEA FIRE: REA cohort program
The Minnesota Educator Academy’s member-driven program for Facing Inequities and Racism in Education aims to disrupt systemic racism and racial inequities in Minnesota’s education system.
The FIRE program includes the Racial Equity Advocate cohort program and a series of professional development modules for educators to grow an anti-racism mindset and opportunities to engage with Education Minnesota’s members to interrupt and dismantle institutional racism.
Hear what members are saying about the REA program
Are you someone who seeks…
- A community of like-minded anti-racist educators?
- The ability to hold space for an interracial group?
- Equity as a means to build power?
- To understand that education – and unionism – is built on systems of white supremacy?
- Spaces that center race and intersectionality by challenging systems of oppression?
- To invite vulnerability within complex, deep, and meaningful discussions?
- Empathy, grace, heart work, rest and compassion?
- To advocate for the rights and protection of students and educators (teachers, ESPs, paras, EAs, etc.)?
- To support and advocate for educators of color?
If you said yes, then we encourage you to apply to join our cohort of Racial Equity Advocates.
Applications for the 2024-25 school year are now closed.
Applications are open from the beginning of August through late September. Applicants will be notified by mid-October.
Program details:
- Meetings will be in-person at Education Minnesota headquarters in St. Paul unless otherwise noted.
- CEU hours will be available for members who are able to attend our cohort meetings.
- Mileage will be reimbursed.
- Meals will be provided.
- Lodging (for members who live 35-plus miles away) will be provided.
Calendar
| Event | Time/date | Location |
| Cohort kick-off | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 | 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul (headquarters) |
| January meeting | 5-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17 9 a.m.-12 p.m.. Saturday, Jan. 18 | 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul (headquarters) |
| March meeting | 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 7 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, March 8 | 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul (headquarters) |
| May celebration | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 10 | TBA |
| REA reunion spaces* | Dates TBA | 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul (headquarters) |
| Office hours | Summer 2025 | Virtual or in-person |
| Online journaling | Once per month | MEA Online |
| Various trainings** | TBA | TBA |
* Reunion spaces and office hours are optional.
** The opportunity to attend conferences at the state or national level will likely be an option; depending on the level of interest, this might be limited to one opportunity per member.
If you have additional questions, please email FIRE coordinator Jonathan Kim at jonathan.kim@edmn.org.
