The Leader

Join us in our discussions on building positive futures for PreK-21 education!

The Department of Educational Policy and Administration’s new Leapfrog Institutes mission is to build positive futures for human capital development through the infusion of creativity and innovation in education. We accomplish this mission through collaborative delivery of services with educators, industry and the communities we serve.

Leapfrog Institutes members are school districts and other organizations that aim to lead a paradigmatic jump into best case uses of existing and cutting-edge technologies in hardware, software, and intellectual formats. Learn more about leapfrogging online by clicking here.

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 09:42 AM | Permalink

May and June were busy months for the licensure program with nine students receiving endorsement for administrative licensure. Kudos to the following dedicated, hardworking souls!

Director of Community Education
Christopher Chalmers
Peggy Kennedy

Superintendent
Amy Hamborg

K-12 Principal
Jamie Carlson
Stacey Loos
Chuck Ochocki
Julie Ohman
Peter Olson-Skog
Michael Tweed

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 10:41 AM | Permalink

A pat on the back to all of our graduate students who have won awards this year--well done! Click here to see a list of award winners.

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 08:03 AM | Permalink

Teachers, we're pleased to share with you the enhanced Research Project Calculator . This tool offers middle and high school students a simple and comprehensive five-step model for navigating the research process. The skills involved in this process will prepare students not only to conduct academic research, but to make life decisions—whether defending a thesis related to the causes of civil war or selecting a new car.

The Research Project Calculator is a project funded jointly by MINITEX and MnLINK to develop Cool Tools for Minnesota secondary school students and their teachers. It is based on the original Assignment Calculator from the University of Minnesota Libraries.

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 09:59 AM | Permalink

The Leaders for Learning Institute will make the difference in your Professional Learning Communities, Mentorship, Q – Comp, Instructional Coaching

The Leaders for Learning Institute will provide a foundation upon which a solid, effective leadership coaching program can be built. The institute provides participants an opportunity to learn and network with others who use coaching to lead learning and impact student and staff learning.

Cognitive Coaching is a supervisory/peer-coaching model that capitalizes upon and enhances cognitive processes. Art Costa and Bob Garmston, the founders of Cognitive Coaching, define it as a set of strategies, a way of thinking and a way of working that invites self and others to shape and reshape their thinking and problem solving capacities. Cognitive Coaching training focuses on the maps and tools needed to mediate another's thinking. The metaphor of maps and tools is used to indicate the dynamic, individualized way in which coaching takes place.

Contact Jim Roussin if you'd like to know more.

Cognitive Coaching Foundation Training
Adath Jeshurun Congregation, 10500 Hillside Lane West, Minnetonka, MN
SESSION ONE - June 16, 17, 18 & 19 (8:30 AM to 4:00 PM)
SESSION TWO - August 14, October 30, January 9, 2009; March 12, 2009 (8:30 AM to 4:00 PM)

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 09:33 AM | Permalink

Join scholars, youth workers, educators and community leaders for an opportunity to discover and discuss ideas from the past that can inform and influence youth and community work today.

• Hear from international, national and local experts


• Learn about bright and dark moments of our past


• Gain understanding from youth and community members themselves


• Exchange ideas and experiences with others who share your passion


• Access the Minnesota History Center and University of Minnesota archives for your own research experience


• Enjoy historical films and multicultural entertainment


• Celebrate 150 years of Minnesota diversity and progress

We are certain you will see your work with a new perspective. If you are looking for practical ways to implement the lessons learned from history, join us!

For more information and to register, visit www.historyconference.org.

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 08:35 AM | Permalink

The International Conference and Forum for Educators will be held from July 5 through 9, 2008 at the five-star Westin Saint Francis Hotel in San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco has often been described as "a city without an equal." This academic happening has been designed to provide a conference experience without equal for educators from around the globe. The Conference will bring educators from all over the world together in a highly interactive, stimulating environment that by design will optimize learning, understanding, and communication.

Space is limited. Register soon!

Continue reading "International Conference and Forum for Educators" »

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 09:09 AM | Permalink

Private, college preparatory high schools in Seoul, South Korea and Beijing, China seek principals for the fall of 2008.

Nacel International Schools in St. Paul MN is seeking a full time principal for its school in Beijing and a half-time principal who is willing to teach some classes for its school in Seoul. Sound like your cup of tea? Click the link below to see the full posting for both of these positions.

Continue reading "Leadership Opportunities for the Adventurous" »

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 10:07 AM | Permalink

North Branch Police Office and Crime Prevention Specialist, Tim Olson, will teach a variety of skills and strategies in helping citizens learn how to keep themselves safe while enjoying the outdoors, as well as ways to keep their property safe from criminals. Time will be given for questions and answers. The class will be held on Thursday, May 15th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the North Branch High School.

Pre-register by calling North Branch Area Community Education at 651.674.1025 or register online at www.nbaceonline.org Cost is $2/person or $3/couple. Scholarships available if fees are a problem.

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 01:36 PM | Permalink

The University of Minnesota has been preparing aspiring administrators for licensure since 1997. What does that mean for you? It means that you can feel confident that you are getting a top-notch education from a school with a history of quality programming. When you say, “I studied for licensure at the University of Minnesota,” it will get you noticed.

Director of special education
In addition to the core courses required for all administrative licenses, there are two focused courses--Leadership for Special Education Services and Special Education Finance: Program Models Policy and Law--that specifically address the content and context of the director’s position. These courses, along with field experience projects that have been specially designed to address leadership and management applications for the director of special education, help ensure that you will be ready to perform the complex duties of this critical position in Minnesota public school districts.

Director of community education
Minnesota is the only state to require an administrative license for directors of community education. Why? Because the state values the importance of this essential component of its educational system and recognizes the complexities of leadership inherent in the policies, programs and practices found within community education. In addition to the core leadership concepts required of all Minnesota administrative licenses, there are topics and applications specific to the context of community ed. which are covered in Leadership in Community Education Finance & Law and Community Education Leadership. These courses, as well as the field experience, are designed to help you prepare to do well on your first day as a director of community education.

If you are interested in becoming a director of special education or director of community education, please contact Ann Werner, Ph.D. to discover how we can help you achieve that goal.

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 02:40 PM | Permalink

Your pursuit of administrative licensure doesn’t have to include a lengthy drive and expensive gasoline!

If a drive to Rochester is more convenient than a drive up to the Twin Cities, this cohort is for you. Beginning fall semester 2008 the University of Minnesota will offer a licensure cohort at the Rochester campus. If at least 15 students enroll, all the courses required for the principal license—as well as the majority of courses required for the superintendent, director of special education, and director of community education licenses—will be offered at the Rochester site. The deadline for applying to this cohort is July 30, 2008. For more information contact Ann Werner, Ph.D., 612-626-8647.

Click here for an application.

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 10:41 AM | Permalink

Mix and match courses to earn multiple educational leadership credentials for the same cost as one… Only at the University of Minnesota!

It’s true! In the time it takes you to meet the State of Minnesota’s 60 semester credit requirement for administrative licensure, you can earn multiple licenses, certificates, and degrees.

Click here to see an example of how this could work for you. In the sample column our student will earn a master's in education leadership (M.Ed), PK-12 principal and school superintendent licenses, a certificate in PK-12 administration, a certificate in professional development, and an education specialist (Ed.S.) degree—all within the requisite 60 credits specified in MN Rule 3512 for earning either a K-12 principal, director of special education, or superintendent’s license. (The director of community education is also available but fewer credits are required by the State.)

Continue reading "Only at the U!" »

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 10:21 AM | Permalink

Apply Now for Admission to the Certificate in PK-12 Administration

Summer is a great time to start working the credentials you'll need to become a K-12 principal, superintendent, director of community ed, or director of special ed. And it's not too late to apply for summer 2008 admission! Although we have a rolling admission deadline, we need time to fully process your application so we recommend submitting your summer 2008 application by June 1.

A unique feature of our program is that you can complete multiple credentials concurrently. If you'd like to find out how you can maximize your education, contact Ann Werner or Gloria Kumagai.

Need an application? Click here.

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 10:19 AM | Permalink

What prompted you to pursue administrative licensure? When asked why they pursued their administrative license, many aspiring and practicing educational administrators report that they were encouraged to do so by their superintendent, principal, director of community education, or director of special education.

You probably know someone with the potential to become an excellent administrative and learning leader. We encourage you to identify these individuals and counsel them into the University of Minnesota’s licensure program for educational administrators. Click on "Continue reading 'Help Shape the Next Generation of Educational Leaders'" for downloadable message cards that you can sign and give to those whom you would like to field mentor. What a powerful way to assure the next generation of children will benefit from strong school leadership!!

Continue reading "Help Shape the Next Generation of Educational Leaders" »

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 02:56 PM | Permalink

Do you procrastinate and register for classes at the last minute? If you do, you run the risk that some classes may close or others may be cancelled because of low enrollment. Registration for both summer and fall 2008 is currently underway so don't delay! Click here and register today!

If you want help choosing your classes, Gloria Kumagai or Ann Werner will be happy to offer some guidance. Plus, Karen Potter is eager to answer your questions regarding the technicalities of registration.

You can even register for classes if you aren't admitted to a program at the University. Simply complete and submit an Application for Non-Degree Seeking Students. Please note, however, that if you take classes as a non-degree seeking student, you will not qualify for financial aid nor will you be able to pay your tuition in installments.

Posted by Licensing and Leadership Devel Prog at 11:24 AM | Permalink