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EPIC 2025
PD For Teachers, By Teachers. A collaborative partnership of East Central, Hinckley-Finlayson, Mora, and Pine City Schools.
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Monday, January 20
 

7:30am CST

Breakfast and Registration
Monday January 20, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Lower Commons
Monday January 20, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Lower Commons
  Breakfast

8:30am CST

Why We Can’t Consequence our Way to Student Accountability
Monday January 20, 2025 8:30am - 9:50am CST
Auditorium
PLEASE NOTE: Only Water is Allowed in the Auditorium! 

When it comes to classroom management, how many “programs” have you experienced that are designed to reward or punish students for their behavior? How did they work? Consequences do not equal accountability and rarely result in sustainable behavior change. So as educators, how can we handle the frequent fliers and repeat offenders? By implementing a responsibility-centered culture, we create an environment that puts the emphasis on students carrying the weight of solving their own behavioral challenges. Refocusing the discipline approach from external control to internal control is a major paradigm shift – moving from “making someone behave” to “taking ownership of one’s behavior.” Learning to be in control of one’s emotions and actions, and having the ability to self-regulate, even in the most difficult situations, has benefits that extend well beyond the classroom and the school.
Speakers
LT

Larry Thompson

Larry Thompson is a popular speaker, author, and thought leader in the field of education and leadership training. Often called upon to deliver keynote presentations for state and national conferences, leaders immediately connect with Larry’s knowledge, humor, and passion. As the... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 8:30am - 9:50am CST
Auditorium
  Keynote

10:00am CST

1+1=1. Sentence Combing Made Easy
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
2207
We will look at how to use very simple equations such as 1+1=1 to teach students how to write simple, compound (2 or more independent clauses), complex (one independent and at least one dependent clause), and compound/complex sentences (at least 2 independent and at least one dependent clause) in meaningful assignments. We will also look at what MN DOE state standards will be covered by each of these. I gave this workshop at the National Council of Teachers of English, Minnesota Council of Teachers of English, MinnTESOL, Assembly of Teachers of English Grammar who also published it in 2017.
Speakers
JA

John Atella

Hinckley-Finlayson Schools
John Atella has experience teaching writing at the secondary and post-secondary levels in China, Japan, and the US. One of his many passions is teaching sentence combining (compound, complex, and compound complex sentences) in meaningful contexts. When not dreaming of new ways to... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
2207
  Basic Writing Skills

10:00am CST

Responsibility-Centered Discipline: Defiant, Manipulative & Attention-Seeking Students: How to Unlock Their Potential
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
Auditorium
Working with difficult, demanding, and disruptive students is not a new challenge for educators. However, there are current concerns being voiced regarding the changing nature and intensity of the behaviors of these students. Some educators are reporting increases in selfish, manipulative and hostile behaviors while others are noticing more students who are overly anxious and/or difficult to engage. Even well seasoned, award-winning master educators can sometimes have their "feathers ruffled" by certain students in certain situations.
Speakers
LT

Larry Thompson

Larry Thompson is a popular speaker, author, and thought leader in the field of education and leadership training. Often called upon to deliver keynote presentations for state and national conferences, leaders immediately connect with Larry’s knowledge, humor, and passion. As the... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
Auditorium
  Classroom Management

10:00am CST

Cross Curricular Art Opportunities for General Classroom Education Teachers
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
2222
Cross Curricular Art Opportunities is for both General Education Classroom Educators and welcomes Art Educators alike. In this workshop we will explore various ways to supplement and connect Art to already existing general education curriculums. The intention of this workshop is to help students connect and increase their creative thought process more frequently throughout their day in peculiar places of their schedule you and they might not expect.
Speakers
avatar for Matt Glowacki

Matt Glowacki

Hinckley-Finlayson Schools
I am the Elementary Art teacher at Hinckley Elementary and I teach K-6. I have been teaching Art for 7 years. I am looking to help general classroom teachers and Art teachers implement more creative opportunities in their already existing curriculums. Cross Curricular Art Opportunities... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
2222
  Curriculum Connections, Art - General Eduation

10:00am CST

Donorchoose 101
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
2203
Learn how to write a project to enhance your classroom. We learn how to start a project, include key details in your project, and how to promote it. If you haven't started a project before and use my code I will provide you with $20 onto your project once it has been posted.
Speakers
BF
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
2203
  Curriculum Connections, General Interest

10:00am CST

Sourdough for All Subjects
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1211
Participants will master sourdough crafting and explore starter cultivation and fermentation. Uncover how this ancient tradition enriches all classroom subjects and grades, fostering hands-on learning. Educators will creatively integrate sourdough, enhancing classroom environments with engaging lessons. Some lucky attendees will also go home with their very own starter!
Speakers
AN

Ashley Nelson

East Central Schools
Ashley Nelson is a 2010 (BSc) and 2011 (M. Ed.) Graduate from the University of Minnesota. She taught Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) at Milaca High School from 2011 to 2017. She worked for National FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) in Washington DC from 2017... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1211
  Curriculum Connections, All Subjects

10:00am CST

Leadership Academy - Developing young leaders in your building
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
2223
Mora High School is in the implementation phase of District #332 Leadership Academy. We will explain how this program was developed, the purpose of this program, and what we hope Leadership Academy will look like for our students and staff.
Speakers
avatar for Lance Dalbey

Lance Dalbey

Mora Schools
I have helped develop a leadership program for ISD 728 (Elk River Schools) and has experience from both a classroom and coaching perspective.
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
2223
  Leadership, School Climate and Culture

10:00am CST

"Roth to Retirement: A Teacher's Journey to Age 65 (sooner)"
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
2213
We will be discussing what a Roth IRA, where to start one, and what to invest in.
Speakers
KN

Kevin Nolt

Mora Schools
I am a high school business teacher in Mora and have been teaching for 13 years. I currently, teach Accounting, Economics, Marketing, and Personal Finance 1/2. I have coached numerous sports at Mora and have been an instructional coach. Besides being involved in school activities... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
2213
  Professional Assistance, Retirement

10:00am CST

Your retirement system - TRA
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1233
In this session we will discuss the different aspects of MN TRA. How it is
calculated, withdrawal options, as well as how to supplement TRA for retirement.
Speakers
JK

Joe Kluenenberg

Horace Mann
I have worked with Horace Mann for the last 12 years focusing on the retirement and insurance needs of the education community.
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1233
  Professional Assistance, Retirement

10:00am CST

Breaking Things Down into Bite-sized Pieces
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
2205
How to engage hesitant learners and sophisticated learners at the same time---
Speakers
LY

Laura Yost Manthey

Pine County Community Culture Coach
Currently Pine County Community Culture Coach Secondary English teacher for 37 years. Retired from Minneapolis Public Schools. Experience teaching in the American Indian Community for over 25 years. Quaker Education experience: Scattergood Friends School and Friends School of Minnesota... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
2205
  Relicensure, Curriculum / Modifications / Accommodations

10:00am CST

Changing the Narrative
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1206
Talking about mental health and suicide can be an uncomfortable and uncertain topic that can bring up different feelings, beliefs, and attitudes for everyone. Changing the Narrative on Mental Health and Suicide, empowers conversations around language and providing support, in the hopes to change perceptions of mental health towards hope and resilience.
Speakers
BM

Brianne McClellan

East Central Suicide Prevention Regional Coordinator
Suicide Prevention Regional Coordinator for Pine, Isanti, Chisago, Kanabec, & Mille Lacs Counties
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1206
  Relicensure, Suicide Prevention

10:00am CST

Proficiency-based grading round table discussion
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1215
In this session, we will discuss how we approach proficiency in our classrooms and how it guides our curriculum and assessment. Each participant will get the chance to share thoughts and ideas regarding how to effectively teach proficiency based lessons and assess student progress in the world language classroom.
Speakers
KE

Kay Edberg

Spanish teacher, Mora Schools
Kay Edberg is a Spanish teacher at Mora High School. She has studied in Mexico and Spain and has traveled extensively around the Spanish speaking world. This year, she is working to implement more proficiency-based grading in her classroom.
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1215
  Relicensure, Curriculum / Modifications / Accommodations

10:00am CST

The “Let’s Grow” Experience
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1216
Let’s Grow offers free (grant funded) materials that encourage young people to try new things, grow in confidence and become independent with parent permission and educator encouragement. In this session, we will discuss rational, brainstorm how this could fit in big or small ways into our curriculum , and look at some of the free materials together.
Speakers
AS

Amanda Stenberg

German Teacher, Mora Schools
I’ve taught German at Mora HS for 20 years. I care about teaching the whole child, growth and connection.
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1216
  Relicensure, Children's Mental Health

10:00am CST

Using "Un-grading" and a Classroom Constitution to create Autonomy.
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1232
Classroom management techniques such as Classroom Constitutions, "Un-grading" using Can-do Statements and a SEL-style of positive affirmations will be covered in this session. Some of the examples will be in German, but the presentation will be in English. The end of the session I will demonstrate how I do my Friday Affirmations with the group.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Hodena

Lisa Hodena

German Teacher, Hinckley-Finlayson Schools
Lisa Hodena is an ITV German teacher since 2001 in HFHS. Her classroom style is ever evolving to make the ITV and language learning experience a relevant and autonomous experience for her students. When she is not dropping fun educational jargon in her bio, she loves to garden and... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1232
  Relicensure, Positive Behavior Intervention Systems

10:00am CST

"Behind the Guidance Curtain: What School Counselors Really Do!"
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1208
Ever wondered what goes on behind the closed door of a counselor’s office? This session will lift the veil on the magic (and hard work) that school counselors do every day to support students, staff, and the school as a whole. From being the ultimate problem solvers to the emotional first responders, school counselors wear many hats, and we're here to spill the secrets!

Join us for a fun and insightful workshop where we’ll explore the role of the counselor, bust some myths, and discuss how they can be the glue that holds the school community together. Spoiler: it's not just about helping students pick the right college – they’re the unsung superheroes working behind the scenes to create a thriving, supportive environment for everyone!
Speakers
CG

Cassie Gaede

Counselor, East Central Schools
EC School Counselor Cassie Gaede is a Passionate counselor dedicated to supporting students in their academic and personal growth. With a shared commitment to creating an inclusive and nurturing school environment, she goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels seen, heard... Read More →
ST
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1208
  School Supports

10:00am CST

What's New Google?
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1116 (Choir)
Google is constantly updating its Workspace for Education Apps and features. In this session Jeremy will share new tips and ideas for using Google Slides, Docs, Forms, Chrome, Sheets, Classroom, and Gemini AI. Bring your device to try out these great tips and tricks! (Bring your device to actively participate)
Speakers
avatar for Jeremy Mikla

Jeremy Mikla

Instructional Technology Specialist, ECMECC
Jeremy joined ECMECC in the summer of 2021 as the Instructional Technology Specialist. He is an experienced education leader with over two decades as a Social Studies teacher and Technology Integration Specialist. Jeremy firmly believes in equipping students with the knowledge and... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CST
1116 (Choir)
  Technology Integration, Optional Relicensure

11:00am CST

Parent Communication- A Key Component to Student Success
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2224
I have a presentation that I have done in the past. I will enhance and update it. I would love to be able to have a few parents join me as a panel to help with the success of the presentation. I can share a link to it if you want.
Speakers
avatar for Alaina Williams

Alaina Williams

Teacher, Hinckley-Finlayson Schools
Mrs. Williams has taught at Hinckley-Finlayson Schools since January 2000. She loves her students and believes success in the classroom is directly linked to building relationships with families.
KO

Kelsey Odendahl

Hinckley-Finlayson Schools
Mrs. Odendahl has been a positive force in education at Hinckley Finlayson since she arrived. Her excitement for learning, leading and life is contagious!
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2224
  Community and School

11:00am CST

Learning from the Stoics of Ancient Times
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
1211
This session will provide you an opportunity to learn timeless lessons to apply to your personal live, the lives of your students, and colleagues. We will take time to read and reflect on short messages from the stoics and find out how these timeless messages can help us in our daily lives. You should be able to incorporate these concepts in your personal and professional live.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Voce

Dan Voce

Mora Schools
Dan Voce - This is my 34th year in education working as a teacher, coach, and administrator. I have worked in the following school districts in EC MN: Rush City, Pine City, Princeton, and currently in Mora. I am passionate about helping and serving others.
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
1211
  Leadership

11:00am CST

Your retirement system - TRA
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
1233
In this session we will discuss the different aspects of MN TRA. How it is
calculated, withdrawal options, as well as how to supplement TRA for retirement.
Speakers
JK

Joe Kluenenberg

Horace Mann
I have worked with Horace Mann for the last 12 years focusing on the retirement and insurance needs of the education community.
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
1233
  Professional Assistance, Retirement

11:00am CST

Becoming Confident with Sound Walls
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
1208
This session will support teachers on how to get started with having a sound wall in their classroom and using it for explicit instruction. Strategies for explicit instruction based on the Science of Reading practices will be shared for classroom use.
Speakers
avatar for Deanna Jahnz

Deanna Jahnz

Peer Coach, Pine City Schools
I am currently a peer coach at Pine City Elementary with a focus on literacy instruction. I have been a LETRS facilitator for three years and really enjoy supporting teachers in their learning of facilitating literacy. I have also worked with CAREI over the past few years to create... Read More →
Becoming Confident with Sound Walls pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
1208
  Relicensure, Reading Preparation

11:00am CST

Equity in Action Starts with You!
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2205
Dive into real-world scenarios to explore how equity and diversity shape educational experiences. Using case studies, this session invites participants to reflect on their own frames of reference and consider their impact on students, families, and school communities. Participants will engage in meaningful dialogue about challenges related to issues of diversity and leave with new insights and actionable ideas to promote inclusion and equity in their teaching practice.
Speakers
avatar for Jackie Stevens

Jackie Stevens

English Teacher; Staff Development Coordinator, Mora Schools
Dr. Jackie Stevens is an English teacher at Mora High School. She also serves as an instructional coach and the district staff development coordinator. She is the knowledge bowl coach, student council co-advisor, and prom co-advisor. Her interests include professional development... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2205
  Relicensure, Cultural Competency

11:00am CST

Hexagonal Thinking
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2213
Hexagonal thinking is a simple method that yields big critical thinking results. Students take a set of hexagons with varied terms, concepts, themes, real-world connections, etc. that relate to your current unit of study, and then link them together into an interconnected web. In pairs, groups, or even alone, they must use their critical thinking skills to decide which hexagons link best to which others.
Speakers
KN

Kevin Nolt

Mora Schools
I am a high school business teacher in Mora and have been teaching for 13 years. I currently, teach Accounting, Economics, Marketing, and Personal Finance 1/2. I have coached numerous sports at Mora and have been an instructional coach. Besides being involved in school activities... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2213
  Relicensure, Curriculum / Modifications / Accommodations

11:00am CST

High Frequency Vocabulary Instruction
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2207
We will look at how to incorporate high frequency and academic vocabulary in our instruction.
Speakers
JA

John Atella

Hinckley-Finlayson Schools
John Atella has experience teaching writing at the secondary and post-secondary levels in China, Japan, and the US. One of his many passions is teaching sentence combining (compound, complex, and compound complex sentences) in meaningful contexts. When not dreaming of new ways to... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2207
  Relicensure, English Language Learners

11:00am CST

PBIS - Relicensure
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2223
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports will help create safe, consistent, reliable research based tools for effective and efficient supports for students and staff.
Speakers
AB

Anna Black-Asmus

Mora Schools
A trainer for the state of Minnesota for 12-13 years - have worked as a paraprofessional, a teacher in general education& special education and as a Special Education Coordinator. Multiple lens approach. Hopefully provide some handy tips to use immediately.
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2223
  Relicensure, Positive Behavior Intervention Systems

11:00am CST

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) in School Settings: A Suicide Prevention Training
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
1232
Limit of 35 for this session

Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help (QPR, 2024)
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Ellstrom

Sarah Ellstrom

Mora Schools
Sarah Ellstrom is a School Counselor for Mora Public Schools, and passionate about empowering others support individuals in crisis.
avatar for Jackelyn Bekius

Jackelyn Bekius

Mora Schools
Jackelyn Bekius is a School Counselor for Mora Public Schools, and is passionate about empowering others support individuals in crisis.
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
1232
  Relicensure, Suicide Prevention

11:00am CST

Slow Reveal Graphs
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2222
Learn about the new Anchor Standard #1: Data Science in the 2022 Math Standards and using Slow Reveal Graphs (Jenna Laib); an instructional routine to promote sense-making about data. Participants will leave the session with resources and a lesson you could implement in your classroom tomorrow! (Note - the anchor standard starts at Kindergarten and goes to grade 11).
Speakers
avatar for Joanne Blake

Joanne Blake

Elementary Teacher, Unique Learner Coordinator, Pine City Schools
Joanne has been in education for over 30 years. During this time she has been a special education teacher, an ADSIS Teacher, a reading teacher, a classroom teacher and a teacher of the gifted and talented. She is currently one of the math instructional coaches at Pine City Elementary... Read More →
DA

Deb Adams

Pine City Schools
Deb Adams has been in education for 30 years. She has taught second and fourth grade and has also been an ADSIS instructor. She is currently one of the math instructional coaches at Pine City Elementary School.
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2222
  Relicensure, Curriculum / Modifications / Accommodations

11:00am CST

Cybersecurity for Teachers & Students
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2203
Everyone is online today, using the internet for education, social media, and more. While technology helps us connect and collaborate, some people want to steal your information or cause trouble. In this session, we'll cover simple steps to keep your information and identity safe. Cybersecurity is a crucial skill in the digital world, especially for you and your students.
Speakers
avatar for Bill Groskreutz

Bill Groskreutz

Director of Technology, Math Teacher, East Central Schools
I have been the Director of Technology for East Central Schools since 2012. I also coach Track (since 2007, head coach starting in 2008) and Cross Country (head coach starting in 2008). My licensure is in Math.
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2203
  Technology Integration, Cybersecurity

11:00am CST

Pear Deck-ify Your Lessons—Formative Assessments Made Easy!
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2204
Interested in receiving feedback from EVERY student in your class without having to grade assessments or cold call during lessons? In this beginner level session, you will learn the what, how, and WHY of Pear Deck (a rockstar formative assessment tool). Dedicated work time will be provided to amp up a lesson or two by adding in formative assessment slides that provide almost immediate feedback from students.
Speakers
KV

Katelyn Vickers Hager

English Language Arts, Mora Schools
7-12 ELA Teacher. Passionate about developing standards-based lessons that provide clear data on student comprehension.
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2204
  Technology Integration, Optional Relicensure

11:00am CST

Strategies for Effective AI Prompts in Education
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
1116 (Choir)
Discover and Practice Effective AI Prompting Strategies; Discuss AI Prompting Best Practices; Explore Advanced AI Prompting Technique (Bring your device to actively participate)
Speakers
avatar for Jeremy Mikla

Jeremy Mikla

Instructional Technology Specialist, ECMECC
Jeremy joined ECMECC in the summer of 2021 as the Instructional Technology Specialist. He is an experienced education leader with over two decades as a Social Studies teacher and Technology Integration Specialist. Jeremy firmly believes in equipping students with the knowledge and... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
1116 (Choir)
  Technology Integration, Optional Relicensure

11:00am CST

Chaos to Calm: Minimalist Strategies for Teachers
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2215
Tired of the chaos in your classroom? I’ll dive into how minimalist principles can help you simplify your teaching, reduce overwhelm, and create systems that work for you - and your students. We’ll explore strategies to prioritize what really matters, streamline classroom organization, and cut down on mental load, all while maximizing student engagement and success. Less stress, more impact - let’s rethink teaching with less to do and more to give.
Speakers
avatar for Jess Larsen

Jess Larsen

Mora Schools
Jess Larsen is a high school math teacher with 13 years of experience teaching everything from Intermediate Algebra to Statistics. When she’s not working on implementing Building Thinking Classrooms, you can find her playing board games, skiing, reading, or attempting to keep her... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CST
2215
  Wellness, Staff Well-Being

12:00pm CST

Lunch
Monday January 20, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm CST
Lower Commons
Monday January 20, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm CST
Lower Commons
  Lunch

1:00pm CST

Math in Small Bites: Helping Students Discover the Learning
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2215
Ready to make math feel like a series of "aha!" moments? In this session, middle and high school math teachers will discover how to break down math topics into small, digestible steps that spark student exploration and curiosity. Using the technique of "thin slicing," we’ll show you how to guide students toward uncovering math concepts on their own, all while keeping the bigger picture in mind. Walk away with fresh strategies to help your students dive deeper, think critically, and love the process of discovering math—one small step at a time!
Speakers
avatar for Jess Larsen

Jess Larsen

Mora Schools
Jess Larsen is a high school math teacher with 13 years of experience teaching everything from Intermediate Algebra to Statistics. When she’s not working on implementing Building Thinking Classrooms, you can find her playing board games, skiing, reading, or attempting to keep her... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2215
  Curriculum Connections, Math Strategies

1:00pm CST

Maximum Life Fulfillment
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2204
My goal for this session is to save your life. Health + Wealth + Time = Maximum Life Fulfillment. We will dig into Healthspan vs Lifespan. Nobody should die with leftover Chuck E. Cheese tokens.
Speakers
BN
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2204
  Professional Assistance, Maximum Life Fulfillment

1:00pm CST

Student loan solutions workshop
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
1233
In this workshop we will discuss the different student loan forgiveness options and ways to remove, reduce, and redirect student loan payments
Speakers
JK

Joe Kluenenberg

Horace Mann
I have worked with Horace Mann for the last 12 years focusing on the retirement and insurance needs of the education community.
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
1233
  Professional Assistance

1:00pm CST

Anxiety in Overdrive: Helping Students Regain Control
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
1232
A student is at home sick...again. Meanwhile, another student shuts down and refuses to participate in classroom discussions, a 3rd student spends half of the day in tears, and a 4th student asks to go to the nurse because their stomach hurts every day during math time. While none of these students are outwardly expressing worries, all of these students could be experiencing anxiety. Researchers examining trends in childhood diagnoses from 2016-2020 reported a 29% increase in childhood anxiety (Lebrun-Harris et. al, 2022 LINK). But we don't need research to tell us what we see in our classrooms every day. So what can you do about it?

Please join Jackelyn and Tatum as we discuss common signs and symptoms of childhood anxiety, provide an overview of some basic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skills that have been proven to help combat anxiety, examine trends in anxiety diagnoses and treatment practices, explore strategies to reduce anxiety in your classroom, and provide easy to implement strategies to support anxious students.
Speakers
avatar for Tatum Reitter

Tatum Reitter

Mora Schools
Elementary School Counselor at Mora Elementary School and passionate about SEL, helping students to learn how to regulate their emotions, and helping them become the best human they can possibly be!
avatar for Jackelyn Bekius

Jackelyn Bekius

Mora Schools
Jackelyn Bekius is a School Counselor for Mora Public Schools, and is passionate about empowering others support individuals in crisis.
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
1232
  Relicensure, Children's Mental Health

1:00pm CST

Exploring Forced Assimilation: Comparing Historical Events through Literature
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2224
In this session, we’ll look at a unit used to compare Native American boarding schools in the U.S. with Nazi concentration camps to explore themes of forced assimilation, cultural destruction, and dehumanization. We’ll look at how these historical events are represented in literature through "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" and "A Council of Dolls," along with supplementary nonfiction articles. The session will help connect history with literature and show how the overall unit will end with a comparative essay, encouraging students to analyze these events and their portrayal in fiction.
Speakers
BH

Bailey Harris

Hinckley-Finlayson Schools
8th, 9th, and 10th grade ELA teacher at HFHS.
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2224
  Relicensure, Curriculum / Modifications / Accommodations

1:00pm CST

Learning to be a good relative in Indian Country
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2205
Learning to be a good relative is all about love, respect and humility. Adding to that being a teacher with specific curriculum demands and an interest in human development, I turned to designing an engaging and friendly, very visual curriculum for my Native American students as a meaningful way of connecting with The American Indian Community in Minneapolis, Minnesota. New to Pine County, I now serve four school districts in the role of community culture coach. So I am back to square one on my life path---staying grounded in the work, turning to design and engagement in a friendly curriculum I call home.

"Learning to be a good relative in Indian Country" is part storytelling, part best practice, part describing the wonderful world of learning to be a good person while being a teacher and an advocate of American Indian youth.
Speakers
LY

Laura Yost Manthey

Pine County Community Culture Coach
Currently Pine County Community Culture Coach Secondary English teacher for 37 years. Retired from Minneapolis Public Schools. Experience teaching in the American Indian Community for over 25 years. Quaker Education experience: Scattergood Friends School and Friends School of Minnesota... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2205
  Relicensure, American Indian Heritage and Contributions

1:00pm CST

Resources for a culturally inclusive classroom
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
1208
Come to this session to gain resources on how you can assess your own cultural bias and what having a culturally inclusive classroom can look like. Be ready to self reflect and look specifically at our own schools.
Speakers
JM

Jennifer McCauley

Career and Technical Education, Mora Schools
Jennifer has been an Agriculture Teacher for 12 years at Mora and loves animals and the outdoors. She has a passion for learning and professional development. The past few years she has been in an AGED IDEAs group (Inclusion, Diversity and equity in Agriculture Education) and wants... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
1208
  Relicensure, Cultural Competency

1:00pm CST

TAG+C a Writing Strategy
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2203
Ever ask a student to write a paragraph and get two words in response? Have no fear, TAG+C is here! A writing strategy created by an EL teacher in Woodbury to help middle school aged new-comers to the country, just learning English, write solid complete paragraphs. This is a great strategy to help ALL students learn to write a proper paragraph or constructed response on their own. (Grades 4-12)
Speakers
FC
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2203
  Relicensure, English Language Learners

1:00pm CST

Uggg math, to YYYYEEEESSS MATH!
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2222
I will cover multiple Assistive Technology (AT) resources specifically for math to support students from grades K-12, but the majority of the emphasis will be on higher level math options. There will also be time to explore all of the resources for you to determine what you might be able to integrate into your math world to support all students, not just students with disabilities, and perhaps even integrate it into your math classes.
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Denzine

Elizabeth Denzine

Special Education: Specific Learning Disabilities, Mora Schools
Hello All, I'm a math lover, former Elementary Grade level teacher turned Elementary SPED, SLD teacher. I am passionate about utilizing technology effectively and authentically in the classroom to support student success and growth. I am also passionate about exploring Assistive... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2222
  Relicensure, Curriculum / Modifications / Accommodations

1:00pm CST

Understanding Accommodations and modifications: Why, Who, How
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2223
There are a lot of educators (SPED educators as well) who don't understand the difference between accommodations and modifications because most of the educating staff uses the generic term “modification.” So when they hear “accommodation,” they are like, "Huh? What’s the diff?"
It is important that everyone understands WHY we push students on IEPs into the general education setting before they are fully caught up to their peers and why this requires accommodations and modifications. We will define and explain each, give examples, practice scenarios, and provide a safe, non-judgmental space to ask questions and interact.
Speakers
avatar for Deb Bursell

Deb Bursell

Mora Schools
Deb was a para-educator in Mora for 15 years. She went back to school to get her license in SPED. She has been teaching in Mora for 6 years.
avatar for Michaela Carle

Michaela Carle

Mora Schools
Michaela's journey in education began during her college years at St. Cloud University. She graduated in 2018 with her SPED license, Michaela honed her skills in the Sauk Rapids School District and the St. Cloud School District before bringing her expertise to Mora High School.
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2223
  Relicensure, Curriculum / Modifications / Accommodations

1:00pm CST

Gmail Tips to Get to Inbox Zero
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2207
This session will focus on using the tools available in Gmail to help manage your inbox with the goal of getting to (or closer to) Inbox Zero. We will learn about labels, filtering, priority inboxes, and more.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Thompson

Amanda Thompson

Teacher, East Central Schools
I am a math teacher at East Central Schools.
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
2207
  Technology Integration, Optional Relicensure

1:00pm CST

Today’s AI in Education - Responsible and Ethical use of AI in Education
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
1116 (Choir)
This session addresses many of the responsible and ethical uses of AI by educators and students. Bring your device, we will have some hands-on activities, and attendees will leave with several resources to explore after the session. (Bring your device to actively participate)

Discuss responsible and ethical uses and limitations of AI in Education
Explore AI Resources and Applications
Speakers
avatar for Jeremy Mikla

Jeremy Mikla

Instructional Technology Specialist, ECMECC
Jeremy joined ECMECC in the summer of 2021 as the Instructional Technology Specialist. He is an experienced education leader with over two decades as a Social Studies teacher and Technology Integration Specialist. Jeremy firmly believes in equipping students with the knowledge and... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
1116 (Choir)
  Technology Integration, Optional Relicensure

1:00pm CST

Vex Robotics and Coding
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
1211
This session will introduce the Vex Robotics coding sets. It is a variation of the Lego robotics and has levels for every grade.
Speakers
avatar for Pete Balmer

Pete Balmer

Teacher, Mora Schools
This is my 21st year teaching and 9th teaching computer at Mora Elementary. I have introduced coding and other small forms of robotics: Legos, Ozobots and now Vex. Along with teaching I coach boys and girls tennis along with boys basketball. I have three boys and in my free time... Read More →
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
1211
  Technology Integration, Optional Relicensure

1:00pm CST

Yoga for self-care
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
Gym
This brief class focuses on strengthening, stretching, and relaxation through gentle movement and breath work. Class includes breathing exercises to calm the mind, gentle seated poses that can be incorporated throughout your workday and simple standing poses to stretch and strengthen your body and mind after a long day.
Speakers
EW

Erin White

Independent yoga instructor
Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CST
Gym
  Wellness, Yoga

1:50pm CST

Snack Break
Monday January 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:10pm CST
Lower Commons
Monday January 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:10pm CST
Lower Commons
  Snack

2:10pm CST

Administration Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1000 Board Room
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1000 Board Room
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

ADSIS/Title 1 Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2216
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2216
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

ALC Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1300
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1300
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Art Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1318
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1318
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

English/Language Arts Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2204
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2204
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

FACS Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1316
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1316
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Grade 1 Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1208
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1208
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Grade 2 Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2207
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2207
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Grade 3 Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2203
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2203
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Grade 4 Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2224
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2224
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Grade 5 Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2223
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2223
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Grade 6 Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2214
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2214
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Health Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2220
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2220
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Industrial Tech Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1311
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1311
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Instructional Coach Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2205
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2205
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Kindergarten Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1207
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1207
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Math Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2215
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2215
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Music Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1116 (Choir)
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1116 (Choir)
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Phy Ed Elem Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1204
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1204
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Phy Ed HS Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1205
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1205
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

PreK/EC Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1206
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1206
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Science Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1211
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1211
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Social Studies Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2222
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2222
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

SPED Elem Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1232
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1232
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

SPED HS Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1233
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1233
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Speech Language Pathologists Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2213
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
2213
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

STEM Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1310
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1310
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

Support Services (Counselors, Nurses, Psych, Social Worker) Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1108
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1108
  Collaboration Time

2:10pm CST

World Language Collaboration
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1216
Time to collaborate with your cross district, job-alike peers and colleagues
Collaboration Time Agenda 2025 (1) pdf
Monday January 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm CST
1216
  Collaboration Time
 
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