The Leapfrog Institutes at the University of Minnesota intends to foster a sustainable culture of innovation in our schools. You are invited to participate in discussions on building positive futures for PreK-21 education in the communities served by the Leapfrog Institutes. MESPA is a Collaborating Institution in this incredibly important infusion of creativity and innovation in education.

[...]

Leapfrog Institutes can visit your school and share what Leapfrogging is all about, possibilities for how to address your district or school needs, and how imagination, creativity, and innovation can expand at ridiculously low expense. And these expansions don’t need to occur in the regular school day. They can be extracurricular, involving self-chosen teachers, students, parents, and other members of our education communities!

Click here to read the entire article.

"Depth and consistency of feedback is outstanding--like I've never experienced as a student!"

"Excellent course! I would recommend this course to any educator."

This 4-credit graduate course, taught by Dr. Jennifer York-Barr, is designed for people interested in the design, implementation, and evaluation of professional development for PK-12 personnel. It is grounded in research and focused on effective practices that promote continuous learning and development to increase student achievement.

Not only do students enrolled in U of M College of Education and Human Development graduate programs take EdPA 5374, but practicing educators from throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin do, too. It is required for the graduate-level certificate in professional development , but course participants are not required to enroll in the certificate program.

Armando Camacho, who recently became the president of Neighborhood House, a not-for-profit organization that helps people, families and organizations develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in diverse communities. Read more about Armando--a Neighborhood House alum himself--by clicking here.

Kim Riesgraf, who is the new assistant superintendent for the Osseo school district. Kim most recently served as director of student services in Maple Grove.

Autumn is a great time to start working on 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 fall 2008 admission! Although we have a rolling admission deadline, we need time to fully process your application so we recommend submitting your fall 2008 application by August 22.

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.

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.

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

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.

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)

• 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.