LEARNING COMMUNITY CONFERENCE
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Southwest Minnesota State University
LEADING & LEARNING
2023
EDUCATION LEARNING COMMUNITY CONFERENCE
WELCOME
The Learning Community Conference serves as an opportunity for educators to share their professional development, research, and continuous improvement effort for students, schools, and districts.
Welcome to the Conference!
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- 8:35 am Welcome
8:45 - 9:25 am
9:30 - 10:10 am
Session #1 (8 Concurrent Sessions)
Session #2 (8 Concurrent Sessions)
10:10 -10:25 am BREAK
10:30 - 11:10 am
11:15 - 11:55 am
12:00 - 12:55 pm
1:00 - 1:40 pm
1:45 - 2:25 pm
2:30 - 3:10 pm
Session #3 (8 Concurrent Sessions)
Session #4 (8 Concurrent Sessions)
Lunch CC Lower Ballroom
Session #5 (7 Concurrent Sessions)
Session #6 (7 Concurrent Sessions)
Session #7 (6 Concurrent Sessions)
Scan this QR Code and link to our LC Facebook Page!
2
7:30
8:15 am Registration/Breakfast Conference Center Lower Ballroom 8:15
West Central Learning Community
Facilitators:
Dr. Tanya Yerigan
Scott Jans
Conference Information
Lakes Area Learning Community
Facilitators:
Jen Hiltner
Brainerd Learning Community
Facilitators:
Dr. Dennis Lamb
Jackie Reinke
EDAL Learning Community
Facilitators:
Dr. Chad Anderson
Dr. Jeannie Mayer
Heather Anderson
Breakfast & Lunch Menus
• Continuing Education Unit Certificates are available for any educators attending the conference. The CEU Certificates are available at the end of the conference for signature. Please contact Tanya, Jen, or Denny to get them signed.
• If you would like to receive handouts from a particular session and were unable to do so, please email the presenter/s.
• The Barnes and Noble Bookstore is open from 10:00am-4:00pm on Saturday.
• Campus maps are located in the program.
BREAKFAST
• Mini Bagels w/Cream Cheese
• Mini Scones
• Assorted Muffins
• Fresh Fruit
• Yogurt Parfait w/Fresh Fruit & Granola
• Coffee
• Bottled Water
LUNCH
• Seasoned Beef or Chicken
• Mexican Rice
• Black Beans
• Shredded Cheese
• Shredded Lettuce
• Sour Cream
• Pico De Gallo
• Guacamole
• Tortilla Chips
• Assorted Dessert Bars
• Lemonade
INFORMATION 2023 PRESENTING LEARNING COMMUNITIES 3
ACADEMIC BUILDINGS
BA Bellows Academic
CC Conference Center
CH Charter Hall
FA Fine Arts
FH Founders Hall
IL Individualized Learning
PE Physical Education
RA Recreational Athletic
SC Student Center
SM Science & Math
SS Social Science
ST Science & Technology
CONFERENCE CENTER (CC)
SECOND FLOOR DETAIL
5
STUDENT CENTER (SC)
SECOND FLOOR DETAIL
6
SESSION I
8:45 - 9:25
SESSION PLANNER
SESSION II
9:30 - 10:10
SESSION III
10:30 - 11:10
SESSION IV
11:15 - 11:55
12:00 - 12:55
SESSION V
1:00 - 1:40
SESSION VI
1:45 - 2:25
SESSION VII
2:30 - 3:10
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SESSION CHOICE 1 CHOICE 2 CHOICE 3
Lunch
Center Lower Ballroom
Conference
8 Presentation Topics Session # Calming Bucket .......................................................... 36 Conscious Discipline ................................................. 16 Cooperative Learning 52 Cultural Diversity ....................................................... 41 Differentiated Literacy ............................................. 10 Extra-curricular Activities ....................................... 38 Family Involvement 47 Holistic Case Management ..................................... 31 IMPACT Hour ............................................................... 5 Inquiry-based Learning 1 Kindness 39 Looping ......................................................................... 29 Math .............................................................................. 9, 17, 27, 33, 51 Mindfulness 21 Movement ................................................................... 6, 23, 26, 44 Multiple Intelligences ............................................... 13 Multi-sensory ............................................................. 8 Newsletters 12 Positive Self-talk........................................................ 42 Principal Panel Discussion (EDAL) ........................ 45 Reading/Phonics 8,10,15,24,32,35,8,49 Restorative Program Room 46 Science .......................................................................... 50 Self-paced Learning .................................................. 14 Self-regulation 20 Sensory/Multi-sensory Interventions................. 8 Social/Emotional ....................................................... 4, 11, 19, 25 Soft Starts .................................................................... 34 Staff Connectedness/Morale 7, 22, 28, 30 Student-led Discussions ......................................... 40 Student Resilience..................................................... 3, 18 Trauma-sensitive Strategies 43 Writing 37 Zones of Regulation .................................................. 2 Presentation Topics DISCOVER. SMSU Let your curiosity lead to discovery. Find out what you can learn and who you can be. ENGAGE. Connect with a vibrant campus community that pulls you in and lets you know you belong. LEAD. Learn to lead, blending knowledge, passions, and skills that help you make a difference at SMSU — and beyond. 1501 STATE STREET • MARSHALL, MN 56258 507.537.6286 • 800.642.0684 ADMISSION@SMSU.EDU • SMSU.EDU
PRESENTATION SCHEDULE
BRAINERD, LAKES AREA, WEST CENTRAL, EDAL at a glance
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Morning Sessions
PRESENTATION SCHEDULE
BRAINERD, LAKES AREA, WEST CENTRAL, EDAL at a glance
10
Afternoon Sessions
PRESENTATION SCHEDULE
BRAINERD, LAKES AREA, WEST CENTRAL, EDAL in detail
SESSION I 8:45 - 9:25 A.M.
SESSION II 9:30 - 10:10 A.M.
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Presentation # Presenter Title Location Presentation # Presenter Title Location SC
PRESENTATION SCHEDULE
BRAINERD, LAKES AREA, WEST CENTRAL, EDAL in detail
SESSION III 10:30 - 11:10 A.M.
SESSION IV 11:15 - 11:55 A.M.
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Presentation # Presenter Title Location Presentation # Presenter Title Location
PRESENTATION SCHEDULE
BRAINERD, LAKES AREA, WEST CENTRAL, EDAL in detail
SESSION V 1:00 - 1:40 P.M.
SESSION VI 1:45 - 2:25 P.M.
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Presentation # Presenter Title Location Presentation # Presenter Title Location
PRESENTATION SCHEDULE
BRAINERD, LAKES AREA, WEST CENTRAL, EDAL in detail
SESSION VII 2:30 - 3:10 P.M.
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WEST CENTRAL LEARNING COMMUNITY – 19 MEMBERS Presenter Name Session Topic Page Kia Bechtold IV Move Your Body 22 Alarie Bullerman VI Trauma Strategies 26 Jennifer Fernelius III Number Sense 19 Jodi Frazee II Conscious Discipline 18 Amy Freidrichs IV Teacher Self-care 23 Ashly Grussing III Visual Exercises 20 Amanda Hansen IV Looping 23 Marilin Hanson II Sound Walls 18 Sabrina Jamison VII Science Vocabulary 28 Emilie Kalvig V Letter/Number 24 Stacy Konsor V Soft Starts 24 Emily McCarthy VII Math Games 29 Trysten Olson II School Newsletter 17 Tracy Rademacher I Zones of Regulation 15 Brandon Sawyer IV Move Your Body 22 Mariah Schacherer V Kindness/Classroom 25 Megan Skogmo V Soft Starts 24 Katie Swanson II Self-paced Learning 18 EDAL LEARNING COMMUNITY – 12 MEMBERS Presenter Name Session Topic Page Anne Greenway I Staff Connectedness 16 Jonni Hertel VI Cultural Diversity 26 Brian Kokos III SEL 19 Eric Kossoris II 5 and 1 Model 17 Lisa Maki-Kuhn III Staff Comm 20 Brandon Mellett I IMPACT Hour 16 Amber Rochat I Multi-sensory 16 Lainey Sandberg III Staff Comm 20 Sarah Schumann VI Restorative Program 27 Mathias Sturtz III SEL 19 Susan Wick VII Coop Learning 29 Gina Williams I Multi-sensory 16 BRAINERD LEARNING COMMUNITY – 21 MEMBERS Presenter Name Session Topic Page Kori Anderson II Prove It! 17 Tanika Clements III Mindfulness 20 Dan Davidson IV Student Advising 23 Tammara DeJesus V Calming Bucket 24 Tonya Dill I Resiliency 15 Sara Ehalt V Daily Writing 25 Todd Frie V Extra-Curriculars 25 Kerry Holubar VII Explicit Phonics 28 Cory Kapphahn VI Student-led Disc. 26 Jeanne Kilian IV Social Awareness 22 April Kinney I Social Awareness 14 Kellie Klimek II Prove It! 17 Cortney Kroska III Self-regulation 19 Missy Koel III Self-regulation 19 Elizabeth Lefebvre IV Phonological Aware 23 Sam Olson III Student Resilience 19 Andrea Parrington V Guided Math 24 Makenzie Raiber II Diff. Literacy 17 Kayla Reed I Inquiry-based 15 Jackie Tautges IV Staff Morale 22 Liz Wallace I Inquiry-based 15 LAKES AREA LEARNING COMMUNITY – 12 MEMBERS Presenter Name Session Topic Page Ann Fleet IV Thinking Classroom 22 Jordyn Follis I Movement 16 Abigail Janorschke I Movement 16 Jessica Larson VII Reading Comp 28 Kayla Maas II Multiple Intelligence 18 Brittany McClellan VI Movement 27 Kevin Neal III Off-task Behavior 20 Sara Newell VI Movement 27 Joe Schmid VI Positive Self-talk 26 Kassandra Solien VII Family Involvement 28 Kimberly Zarling VI Movement 27 Tessa Zimmerman I Movement 16 Presenter Index Presentation # Presenter Title Location
Presentation # 1 Session # 1 Room # CC 202
Title: Understanding the Effect of Inquiry-Based Learning Experiences on Students’ Engagement and Academic Success in a K-2 Setting
Description: How does the use of inquiry-based activities during math affect students’ engagement and academic growth? Best practice tells us that children are naturally curious and when given the opportunity will gain a greater understanding of new concepts taught through exploration than if taught explicitly.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Liz Wallace & Kayla Reed
Grade level/Content: Early Childhood/Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: Pequot Lakes
Email: lwallace@isd186.org or kreed@isd186.org
LEARNING COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
Presentation # 3 Session # 1 Room # SC 212
Title: Resiliency - How and why to teach it!
Description: Intentionally sharing resiliency strategies with 8th graders: Are you curious to hear how they responded? If I accomplished anything? Do you wonder what you could do with just a few minutes in your classroom? Come discover how to implement sharing resiliency strategies in your classroom!
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Tonya Dill
Grade level/Content: Middle School
Certification Topic/s: Suicide Prevention
School District/Organization: Brainerd Public Schools
Email: tonya.dill@isd181.org
Presentation # 2 Session # 1 Room # CC 211
Title: Zones of Regulation
Description: Do your students struggle with identifying and managing their emotions? The focus of this presentation will be the implementation of the Zones of Regulation in a third-grade classroom and the effects it had on the researcher and her students.
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Tracy Rademacher
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Albany Area Schools
Email: trademacher@district745.org
Presentation # 4 Session # 1 Room # CC 213
Title: Can Teaching Social Awareness Skills Bring Peace to Free Choice Time?
Description: More and more students are coming to school with a noticeable deficit in social emotional skills. Find out what effect taking the time to teach children the skill of identifying emotions in their peers has on the students’ ability to positively navigate conflict during free choice time.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: April Kinney
Grade level/Content: Early Childhood
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Pequot Lakes ECFE
Email: akinney@isd186.org
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LEARNING COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
Presentation # 5 Session # 1 Room # CC 214
Title: IMPACT Hour: An Incubator for Self-Discovery / Career Clarity through Idea Exploration and Experiences
Description: “What is next for you after high school?” This question led to the creation of a pilot program that was implemented in a high school that gave every student a platform to learn about their personal interests, select an idea of exploration, and participate in an off-campus learning experience.
Learning Community: EDAL Specialist
Presenter/s: Brandon Mellett
Grade level/Content: High School
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: New Life Academy
Email: brandonpmellett@gmail.com
Presentation # 6 Session # 1 Room # SC 206
Title: How Does Movement Affect Off-task Student Behavior?
Description: As an educator, do you struggle with off-task student behaviors? Are your students sitting for long periods at a time? If this sounds like you, implementing more movement in your class is the solution! The more intentional movement students engage in, the less off-task behavior you will observe.
Learning Community: Lakes Area
Presenter/s: Tessa Zimmerman-Pelzer, Jordyn Follis, & Abigail Janorschke
Grade level/Content: Upper Elementary/Middle School
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Red Lake Schools
Email: tessazimmermanpelzer@gmail.com or jfollis@redlake.k12.mn.us or janorschke16@gmail.com
Presentation # 7 Session # 1 Room # SC 207
Title: Strength of the Phalanx: Increasing Staff Connectedness
Description: In August 2022, 8.5% of teachers polled at a rural high school felt connected to other adults in the building. This research studied staff connectedness by integrating community building activities and common professional development at monthly staff meetings. The study found a need for more dedicated time for collaboration.
Learning Community: EDAL Specialist
Presenter/s: Anne Greenway
Grade level/Content: Adult/Higher Education
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Worthington School District
Email: anne.greenway@isd518.net
Presentation # 8 Session # 1 Room # SC 249
Title: Multi-Sensory and Phonics Instruction
Description: We will be presenting the effects of multi-sensory word play with students’ ability to read high-frequency words. We implemented multi-sensory stations in our reading group time for students to practice these words. This research data will be shared with our fellow district employees that teach in the same grade level.
Learning Community: EDAL Specialist
Presenter/s: Gina Williams & Amber Rochat
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: Austin Public Schools
Email: gina.williams@austin.k12.mn.us or amber.rochat@austin.k12.mn.us
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Presentation # 9 Session # 2 Room # CC 202
Title: Prove It!
Description: Students often dislike math class due to a variety of reasons. One of the many reasons is the level of difficulty around solving math problems. Students were followed academically and emotionally for twelve weeks while implementing strategies to increase mathematical discourse and problem solving.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Kori Anderson & Kellie Klimek
Grade level/Content: Upper Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: Pillager Public Schools
Email: kanderson@isd116.org kklimek@isd116.org
Presentation # 10 Session # 2 Room # CC 211
Title: Differentiated Literacy Stations: Impact on Letter Recognition and Student Interest
Description: Differentiation is a vital learning tool in classrooms. Kindergarten students were selected to use differentiated literacy stations to view the impacts on letter recognition and student interest in literacy. Does giving students a choice change participation and increase letter recognition knowledge?
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Makenzie Raiber
Grade level/Content: Early Childhood
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: Onamia Public Schools
Email: mraiber13@gmail.com
Presentation # 11 Session # 2 Room # CC 212
Title: 5 and 1 Model: Partnering Academic Intervention with Social Emotional Supports
Description: The 5 and 1 Model is a framework that strives to address both academic and social emotional learning by establishing common routines, norms, and language used between the Reading Interventionist and School Social Worker.
Learning Community: EDAL Specialist
Presenter/s: Eric Kossoris
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: Austin Public Schools
Email: eric.kossoris@austin.k12.mn.us
Presentation # 12 Session # 2 Room # CC 213
Title: How Does the Implementation of a School-wide Newsletter Affect School Pride?
Description: Imagine parents cheering at a sporting event, students encouraging their teammates in competition, parents telling friends about their child’s success in class, or teachers bragging about their jobs. What do these scenarios have in common? In this session, learn about the impact of a schoolwide newsletter on school pride.
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Trysten Olson
Grade level/Content: K-12
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Round Lake - Brewster Public Schools
Email: trysten.olson@gmail.com
LEARNING COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS 17
LEARNING COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
Presentation # 13 Session # 2 Room # CC 214
Title: The Multiple Intelligence Theory as It Relates to Reading Comprehension
Description: In this presentation, the author shares the relationship between Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory and reading comprehension. By selecting reading passages that are connected to students’ multiple intelligence strengths, the author reviews the positive outcome of what individualized reading material can do to increase students’ reading comprehension.
Learning Community: Lakes Area
Presenter/s: Kayla Maas
Grade level/Content: Middle School (5-8)
Certification Topic/s: Reading Preparation
School District/Organization: Cass Lake-Bena Public Schools
Email: kmcclimek@gmail.com
Presentation # 14 Session # 2 Room # SC 206
Title: How Does Self-paced Learning Affect Academic Achievement?
Description: Do you have students who complete their work and become bored waiting to move on? Do you have students who need a little more time and one-on-one instruction in order to master the content? In this presentation, we will discuss the effects of self-paced learning on student academic achievement.
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Katie Swanson
Grade level/Content: High School
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: Sauk Centre Public Schools
Email: katie.swanson@isd743.org
Presentation # 15 Session # 2 Room # SC 207
Title: Implementing Sound Walls in Elementary Classrooms
Description: Are you teaching beginning readers or need a boost in your phonics instruction? Implementing a sound wall in your classroom may be your next visual aid to support those readers. Aligned with the science of reading, sound walls provide students with visual cues for articulating sounds.
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Marilin Hanson
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction, Reading Preparation
School District/Organization: LItchfield Public Schools
Email: mhanson@isd465.org
Presentation # 16 Session # 2 Room # SC 249
Title: STOP! What You Focus On, You Get More Of
Description: Are you looking for ways to improve the quality of student-teacher interactions, improve the social and emotional behavior of your students, and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity in the classroom? Come find out if implementing Conscious Discipline within your classroom increases positivity within your classroom family!
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Jodi Frazee
Grade level/Content: Early Childhood
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Marshall Public Schools
Email: jodi.frazee@smsu.edu
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Presentation # 17 Session # 3 Room # CC 202
Title: The Effects of Number Sense-based Math Instruction
Description: Are you tired of drill and kill math routines? Are your students’ memorizing facts but have no meaning behind them? I implemented number sense-based math instruction to see if my student’s familiarity with numbers and their connections to numbers would increase their overall proficiency in math.
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter: Jennifer Fernelius
Grade Level/Content: Upper Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: St. Cloud Public Schools
Email: jenrazz1@gmail.com
Presentation # 18 Session # 3 Room # CC 211
Title: Building Student Resilience in the Classroom
Description: In this study, student resilience levels were gauged at regular intervals within an academic semester. Various resiliency practices and exercises were implemented through an assortment of strategies, such as: relationship building, self-awareness practice, social-emotional learning, and writing exercises to increase student perseverance and mindfulness.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Sam Olson
Grade level/Content: High School
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Barnesville Public Schools
Email: samuel4olson@gmail.com
Presentation # 19 Session # 3 Room # CC 212
Title: Building Teacher Efficacy toward Social-Emotional Learning
Description: As Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a significant point of focus within education this action research project looked at the effects of systematic changes to Tier 1 SEL instructional plans and formats within a K-7 building and the impact it had on teacher efficacy in regard to SEL instruction.
Learning Community: EDAL Specialist
Presenter/s: Brian Kokos & Mathias Sturtz
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Blue Earth Public Schools
Email: bkokos@beas.blueearth.k12.mn.us or mathias.sturtz@gmail.com or white@menahga.k12.mn.us
Presentation # 20 Session # 3 Room # CC 213
Title: Emotions Gone Haywire: Teaching Self-regulation through Social Emotional Learning
Description: Students face many challenges and obstacles throughout the day but struggle to respond positively and appropriately. Teaching Social Emotional lessons provide students with the knowledge of how to use different coping strategies. Our goal is to see if teaching SEL lessons will help students self-regulate in the classroom.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Cortney Kroska & Missy Koel
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Pillager Public Schools
Email: ckroska@isd116.org or mkoel@isd116.org
LEARNING COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS 19
LEARNING COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
Presentation # 21 Session # 3 Room # CC 214
Title: Implementing Mindfulness
Description: Social emotional learning is becoming a priority in the elementary school setting with many benefits to student well-being and academic success. The purpose of this research project is discovering the impact of mindfulness techniques in an elementary classroom setting.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Tanika Clements
Grade level/Content: Early Childhood/Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Brainerd Public Schools
Email: tanika.clements@isd181.org
Presentation # 23 Session # 3 Room # SC 207
Title: Reducing Off-task Behavior with Classroom Activity Breaks
Description: Off-task behavior can greatly reduce teachers’ effectiveness to instruct students and manage a classroom. I studied the value of timely placed physical movement during a 45-minute class period to reduce off-task behavior. A variety of activities were used and the results may surprise.
Learning Community: Lakes Area
Presenter/s: Kevin Neal
Grade level/Content: Middle School
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Cass Lake-Bena Schools
Email: kneal@isd115.net
Presentation # 22 Session # 3 Room # SC 206
Title: Recognizing Staff to Improve Communication and Morale in Schools
Description: Post-COVID has increased students’ needs and therefore has increased staff workload. We know communication is vital to staff and recognizing staff in positive ways can increase morale amongst school staff. Through an increase in both communication and recognition of staff, the morale of the school increases.
Learning Community: EDAL Specialist
Presenter/s: Lainey Sandberg & Lisa Maki-Kuhn
Grade level/Content: K-12
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Brainerd Public Schools Cass Lake-Bena Schools
Email: lainey.sandberg@yahoo.com or lmakikuhn@isd115.net
Presentation # 24 Session # 3 Room # SC 249
Title: Impact of Visual Exercises on Reading Accuracy
Description: Have you ever taught a student who struggles to read accurately? Your student may be struggling because his/ her visual movement skills are not fully developed. Come to this presentation to discover ways you can build students’ visual motor skills and how these exercises impact reading accuracy.
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Ashly Grussing
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary (1-3)
Certification Topic/s: Reading Preparation
School District/Organization: Round Lake-Brewster Schools
Email: ashly.grussing@isd2907.org
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Presentation # 25 Session # 4 Room # CC 202
Title: Social Awareness in Middle School Students
Description: This presentation explores the results of attempting to increase social awareness and reducing socially unexpected behaviors for students on the Autism spectrum within the middle school setting. Students received direct skills instruction and practiced skills through partnered activities. Results focused on the transferring of skills within the mainstream setting.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Jeanne Kilian
Grade level/Content: Middle School
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Brainerd Public Schools
Email: jeanne.kilian@isd181.org
Presentation # 26 Session # 4 Room # CC 211
Title: Move Your Body - Not Your Mouth
Description: Has your class ever wasted time talking or blurting, leaving themselves with work to finish? It might be because they have energy to burn! Find out how we incorporated physical activity into our mornings to help students improve behavior while becoming a better version of themselves.
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Kia Bechtold & Brandon Sawyer
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Sauk Rapids-Rice Schools
Email: kia.bechtold@isd47.org or brandon.sawyer@isd47.org
Presentation # 27 Session # 4 Room # CC 212
Title: Thinking Classroom in Mathematics
Description: I examined what effect a Thinking Classroom has on student attitudes about their mathematics ability. The first three practices of a Thinking Classroom were implemented and contrasted with students working independently. Student attitudes about their mathematics ability improved and students who excel at traditional math did not prefer this model.
Learning Community: Lakes Area
Presenter/s: Ann Fleet
Grade level/Content: High School
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: Cass Lake-Bena Schools
Email: ann2357@gmail.com
Presentation # 28 Session # 4 Room # CC 213
Title: Boosting Staff Morale
Description: An effectively engaged and positively reinforced staff is an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to the overall function of a school. This research focused on teachers and staff in a K-6 building. The researcher implemented team building activities to influence staff morale and engagement.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Jackie Tautges
Grade level/Content: Lower/Upper Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Pierz Public Schools
Email: jtautges@pierzschools.org
LEARNING COMMUNITY
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PRESENTATIONS
LEARNING COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
Presentation # 29 Session # 4 Room # CC 214
Title: Does Looping have an Effect on Early Elementary Student Behavior?
Description: Have you ever thought, I wish I could have more time with these students? For students to have meaningful learning occur, they need to have a positive and supportive relationship with a nurturing and caring adult. Looping classrooms is a place for these relationships to continue to grow.
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Amanda Hansen
Grade level/Content: Early Childhood
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Marshall Public Schools
Email: hansenamanda@live.com
Presentation # 30 Session # 4 Room # SC 206
Title: Effects of Teacher Self-care on Students
Description: How does teacher self-care impact students in their classroom? In this presentation, you will get a glimpse into my journey as I prioritized taking care of myself. You will learn how my choices impacted my students and classroom.
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Amy Freidrichs
Grade level/Content: Upper Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Willmar Public Schools
Email: freidrichsa@willmar.k12.mn.us
Presentation # 31 Session # 4 Room # SC 207
Title: Implementing a Holistic Case Management Advising (HCMA) Model in a Two-year College
Description: Central Lakes College adopted a new case management academic advising model. This research measures the academic success and persistence rates for the target audience of new entering students who self-identified as having a high school GPA below 3.0. As a result of this research, there were positive retention outcomes.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Dan Davidson
Grade level/Content: Adult/Higher Education
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Central Lakes College
Email: dan.davidson@clcmn.edu
Presentation # 32 Session # 4 Room # SC 249
Title: Phonological Awareness and Decoding: What Kids Need to Become Readers
Description: How do we teach kids to really READ? This research study was designed to determine how the implementation of explicit phonological and phonics instruction in small groups affects reading fluency and reading confidence of First Grade students.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Elizabeth Lefebvre
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: Pierz Public Schools
Email: elefebvre@pierzschools.org
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Presentation # 33 Session # 5 Room # CC 202
Title: Implementing Guided Math and Math Stations to Improve Academic Achievement and Interest in Math
Description: Math should be fun and engaging! Implementing guided math allows educators to differentiate lessons and learning opportunities. Simultaneously, implementing math stations promotes independence and will enable educators to provide hands-on, engaging activities for students to practice their math skills.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Andrea Parrington
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: Brainerd Public Schools
Email: andrea.parrington@isd181.org
Presentation # 35 Session # 5 Room # CC 212
Title: Top to Bottom vs. Bottom to Top: Does Letter and Number Formation Affect Students Academic Performance?
Description: When writing the number one, do you start at the top of the number and pull your pencil down or start at the bottom and push your pencil up? In this presentation, we will look at how students write their letters and numbers. Can this be an indicator of academic performance?
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Emilie Kalvig
Grade level/Content: High School
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: Delano Public Schools
Email: emilie.kalvig@delanoschools.org
Presentation # 34 Session # 5 Room # CC 211
Title: Impacts of Soft Starts on Behavior
Description: Have you wondered how your students begin their day affects their behavior and performance? Learn about the benefits of a soft start versus a traditional morning routine, how to implement a soft start in your classroom, and what materials and ideas you would need to make this routine successful.
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Stacy Konsor & Megan Skogmo
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: Sauk Rapids-Rice Schools
Email: stacy.konsor@isd47.org or megan.skogmo@isd47.org
Presentation # 36 Session # 5 Room # CC 213
Title: Calming Bucket
Description: The Calming Bucket provides ways students manage dysregulation with a step-by-step process that calms, identifies emotions, maintains attention through choice, and active problem-solving. The approach, language, and order to regulate a student, minimize the flight-or-flight response and activate critical thinking will be shared.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Tammara DeJesus
Grade level/Content: Early Childhood
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Alexandria Public Schools
Email: tammara.dejesus@gmail.com
LEARNING COMMUNITY
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PRESENTATIONS
LEARNING COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
Presentation # 37 Session # 5 Room # SC 214
Title: Daily Writing
Description: In a world of digital media, some teenagers struggle to write, talk, and socialize in class. In this session, you will learn how using quick, daily writing provides the opportunity to connect and build relationships within the classroom while improving mindset and communication skills.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Sara Ehalt
Grade level/Content: Middle School (5-8)
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: Brainerd Public Schools
Email: sara.ehalt@isd181.org
Presentation # 38 Session # 5 Room # SC 206
Title: The Effects of Extracurricular Activities on GPA, Motivation in School, and Mindset/Mental Health
Description: Searching for a link between extracurricular activities and grade point average, motivation in school, and mental health is a deep passion of mine. By surveying 8 school districts in north central Minnesota and having 900 students in grades 7-12 participate, I have discovered some insight into the topic.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Todd Frie
Grade level/Content: Middle School/High School
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Menahga Public Schools
Email: tfrie@menahga.k12.mn.us
Presentation # 39 Session # 5 Room # SC 207
Title: Kindness in the Classroom
Description: Do you ever feel like giving someone a gift but question how it will be received? Do you question how others perceive you? The solution is simple. In this session, you will learn about how implementing intentional acts of kindness among students in the classroom affects peer relationships. Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Mariah Schacherer
Grade level/Content: Upper Elementary/Middle School
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Canby Public Schools
Email: msschacherer@gmail.com
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Presentation # 40 Session # 6 Room # CC 202
Title: Student-led Discussion: Impact on Comprehension and Relationships
Description: This presentation shares how implementing effective student-led discussions can improve reading comprehension and social-emotional relationships. These discussions improve interactions between students, enhance the sense of community in the classroom, and encourage students to participate using their voice in classroom discussions.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Cory Kapphahn
Grade level/Content: Upper Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: Menahga Public Schools
Email: ckapphahn@menahga.k12.mn.us
Presentation # 41 Session # 6 Room # CC 211
Title: Empowering Students through Cultural Diversity and Awareness
Description: Come learn with me the benefits of Indigenous students seeing themselves in their school, classroom and curriculum. Why it’s not only important for Indigenous students in order to foster positive identity and teach strength and resiliency but for non- native students to build a greater awareness and compassion.
Learning Community: EDAL
Presenter/s: Jonni Hertel
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Cultural Competency
School District/Organization: Rapid City Public Schools
Email: Jonni.Hertel@k12.sd.us
Presentation # 42 Session # 6 Room # CC 212
Title: Positive Self-Talk and Academic Success
Description: The power of positive self-talk plays an important role in the academic success of all American students. It has the potential to increase a student’s belief in their own ability to succeed. This belief can lead to an increase in class participation, content engagement, and assessment outcomes.
Learning Community: Lakes Area
Presenter/s: Joe Schmid
Grade level/Content: Middle School
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Onamia Public Schools
Email: jschmid@onamia.k12.mn.us
Presentation # 43 Session # 6 Room # SC 213
Title: What Impact Does Implementation of Trauma Sensitive Strategies Have on Early Elementary Student Social-emotional Learning?
Description: Have you ever thought about how many students in your classroom have experienced trauma? It is more than you think. Trauma changes the way a brain develops and can have a serious impact on children. In this session you will hear about how to create a trauma sensitive classroom using different techniques and its impact on social emotional learning.
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Alarie Bullerman
Grade level/Content: Early Childhood
Certification Topic/s: Key Warning Signs of Early-onset Mental Illness in Children and Adolescence
School District/Organization: Marshall Public Schools
Email: alariebullerman@gmail.com
LEARNING COMMUNITY
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PRESENTATIONS
LEARNING COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
Presentation # 44 Session # 6 Room # CC 214
Title: Movement and the Mind
Description: Movement’s effect on student stamina in a small group setting. The research presented focuses on the key components of student attendance, time on task, and progression of reading stages. The results showed, increased movement has a positive impact on time off-task.
Learning Community: Lakes Area
Presenter/s: Kimberly Zarling, Sara Newell, & Brittany McClellan
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
School District/Organization: Red Lake and Northland Public Schools
Email: kimberlykzarling@gmail.com or saramnewell@gmail.com or brittany.harrris@gmail.com
Presentation # 46 Session # 6 Room # SC 207
Title: Impact of Restorative Program Room and Out of School Suspension Rate
Description: In recent years, the use of restorative practices has increased within schools. Explore the journey of one middle school’s creation of a Restorative Program Room and how it impacted the rate of out of school suspensions when they saw an increase in vaping and other negative behaviors among students.
Learning Community: EDAL Specialist
Presenter/s: Sarah Schumann
Grade level/Content: Middle School
Certification Topic/s: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies, Cultural Competency
School District/Organization: Worthington Public Schools
Email: Sarah.Schumann@isd518.net
Presentation # 45 Session # 6 Room # SC 206
Title: Principal Panel Discussion
Description: Thinking about becoming an administrator in Minnesota? Come and learn more about this exciting opportunity by visiting with current/recent SMSU grads who completed our very own EDAL program!
Learning Community: Lakes Area
Presenter/s: Jen Hiltner, Melanie Stier, and Others
Grade level/Content: K-12 Principal Licensure Program
Certification Topic/s: NA
School District/Organization: Minnesota Public Schools
Email: jen.hiltner@smsu.edu or melanie.stier@smsu.edu
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Presentation # 47 Session # 7 Room # CC 211
Title: How Does Family Involvement Impact Student Success?
Description: Humans thrive on relationships; this includes our students. This researcher measured how student success is dependent upon how safe and valued they feel in the classroom. Teachers need to continue to find ways to aid student success by frequent communication with families, and showing interest in students’ personal lives.
Learning Community: Lakes Area
Presenter/s: Kassandra Solien
Grade level/Content: Early Childhood
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: NA
Email: kasolien@gmail.com
Presentation # 48 Session # 7 Room # CC 212
Title: Explicit Phonics Instruction: Is it the Best Way to Teach Struggling Readers?
Description: In this presentation you will see how one teacher used explicit phonics instruction with her struggling readers and what the impact of that was over a 12-week period. You will see the difference in teaching guided reading through the Literacy Footprints format versus the SPIRE phonics instruction.
Learning Community: Brainerd
Presenter/s: Kerry Holubar
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Reading Preparation
School District/Organization: Pequot Lakes Public Schools
Email: kholubar@isd186.org
Presentation # 49 Session # 7 Room # CC 213
Title: Implementing Strategies to Improve Independent Reading Comprehension
Description: Improving students’ comprehension while independently reading texts is a focus for many teachers. This researcher measured the impact of a specific reading strategy on students’ ability to accurately comprehend a text. The data collected led the researcher to conclude that the strategy had an impact on students’ reading comprehension.
Learning Community: Lakes Area
Presenter/s: Jessica Larson
Grade level/Content: Middle School
Certification Topic/s: Reading Preparation
School District/Organization: Clearbrook-Gonvick School
Email: jessica.p.larson@gmail.com
Presentation # 50 Session # 7 Room # CC 214
Title: Impact of Teaching Science Terminology Using Literacy Skills
Description: Do your secondary students struggle to read? Intentionally teaching literacy skills in other content areas can increase students’ understanding and confidence. In this session, you will learn about practical literacy activities you can easily implement into daily lessons geared towards improving word decoding, reading comprehension, and proper word application.
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Sabrina Jamison
Grade level/Content: Middle School
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: New London Spicer Schools
Email: jamisons@isd345.org
LEARNING COMMUNITY
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PRESENTATIONS
LEARNING COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
Presentation
# 51 Session # 7 Room # SC 206
Title: Learning Math through Games
Description: Do you struggle to get your students engaged in math? If so, game based learning is a great way to engage students in learning. During this session you will see hands-on and digital games that can be implemented into your lessons to boost engagement in elementary math.
Learning Community: West Central
Presenter/s: Emily McCarthy
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: New London Spicer Schools
Email: mccarthye@isd345.org
MEET THE FACILITATORS
BRAINERD LEARNING COMMUNITY
Dr. Dennis Lamb is in his 41st year in education and his 21st year with SMSU. His teaching background is in elementary education, having taught 5th and 6th grade for eight years and served as elementary principal for four years before transitioning his career to higher education. He taught in two private colleges in Iowa before joining SMSU in 2002, where he directed an offcampus elementary education degree program at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. He now facilitates learning communities in the north central part of the state. A career highlight occurred in 2013-14 when he was granted a sabbatical and was a visiting professor at Udon Thani Rajabhat University in Thailand for five months. He currently resides in Baxter, MN with his wife, Joni, and has two daughters and one granddaughter.
Presentation # 52 Session # 7 Room # SC 207
Title: Kagan Cooperative Learning and the Effects on Engagement and Achievement
Description: Do you have students that withdraw and don’t participate? Do you ever wonder how to get more kids involved during a lesson? In this presentation you will learn about the impacts Kagan strategies had on the students in my first-grade classroom.
Learning Community: EDAL Specialist
Presenter/s: Susan Wick
Grade level/Content: Lower Elementary (1-3)
Certification Topic/s: Accommodations, Modifications, and Adaptions of Curriculum, Materials, and Instruction
School District/Organization: Sioux Falls Public Schools
Email: susan.wick@k12.sd.us
Jackie Reinke attended Southwest Minnesota State for her undergraduate degree in elementary education with a pre-primary specialty. Jackie was part of the Brainerd Learning Community through SMSU and completed her Master’s degree in 2013. She teaches kindergarten in Nisswa, MN and is currently in her 19th year of teaching. Jackie lives in Breezy Point, MN with her family.
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MEET THE FACILITATORS
WEST CENTRAL LEARNING COMMUNITY
Dr. Tanya Yerigan is a career-long educator with a background in education, business, and social work. With 25 years of K-12 and higher education experience, she is a well-rounded professor that has worked with educators from several states.
Tanya’s favorite part of working with practicing educators is watching them become full blown researchers. As an avid researcher and author, Dr. Yerigan’s current areas of interest include toxic stress, childhood trauma, educator misconduct, and critical thinking through reflective practice. Fall 2022 marked her 24th year with SMSU. Tanya also serves as the Education Department’s Graduate Director.
LAKES AREA LEARNING COMMUNITY
Jenna Bernhagen attended University of Minnesota Morris for her undergraduate degree in elementary education which included an emphasis in pre-primary education. Jenna was a part of the Willmar Learning Community through SMSU and completed her Master’s degree in 2018. She is currently an Instructional Coach in Willmar, MN at Roosevelt Elementary School and is in her 13th year teaching. Jenna lives in Willmar.
Jennifer Hiltner is an English Language Arts educator at Albany Area High School. Jennifer has been teaching for 16 years, served as a member of the building leadership team, and worked on various other committees within the Albany Area District. After graduating from the SMSU Master’s program, Jennifer continued her education to obtain her administrative licensure through SMSU. She has co-facilitated the Learning Community Programs in Marshall and Bemidji areas. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys reading books, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with her two children and husband.
EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION & LEADERSHIP LEARNING COMMUNITY
Dr. Chad Anderson has served schools at many levels during his career. He is currently a Superintendent of Schools and has also been a Principal, Athletic Director, Dean of Students, Teacher, and Coach. He is also currently serving as an adjunct professor at SMSU in the Administrative Licensure program. Each position has bolstered his overall knowledge and understanding of the K-12 Educational System which is instrumental in fostering the knowledge and growth of prospective school leaders. Dr. Anderson is passionate about his involvement in local organizations because each committee works towards strengthening schools in Minnesota. Dr. Anderson is also very active in his community. Dr. Anderson is a servant leader who involves all members of his leadership team in the process to make his school a happy, healthy, and safe place where all students can reach their fullest potential. His philosophy is that together all members of a school and community can make a lasting impact on students during their educational journey.
Heather Anderson is a professor in the educational administration licensure program. She has been a professor at SMSU for four years, but she is not new to SMSU by any means. She earned her B.S. in Communication, Arts/Literature Secondary Education, K-12 Reading Licensure, M.S. in Educational Leadership, and ED.S in Educational leadership and administration all from SMSU. Heather is currently a high school principal and a former English/Language Arts teacher. She was a Minnesota Teacher of the Year nominee and her unique classroom was featured on WCCO’s Finding Minnesota segment.
Jeannie Mayer is a wife and mother of seven and lives in beautiful lakes country, MN. Her collegial journey started at Mayville State University and has continued through SMSU, MSUM, and Bethel University. Mrs. Mayer has served as classroom teacher, teacher on special assignment, principal, and is currently the Superintendent of Verndale Public School. Mrs. Mayer has felt privileged to have been part of SMSU’s EDAL program, for the last 4 ½ years. “It continues to be an honor and privilege to be part of an amazing group of dedicated educators, who are looking for their next path in education.”
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FIRST YEAR LEARNING COMMUNITIES
3,400
GRADUATES
Over 3,400 students in our Learning Communities have completed their Masters Degree with SMSU since 1998.
LEARNING COMMUNITIES
We’ve held 129 different Learning Communities in the region since 1998.
FACULTY
Wadena Learning Community
Each lead facilitator is a full-time professor with SMSU and has experience ranging from 15-25 years in our Learning Communities.
LOCATIONS
We have held Learning Communities in 36 different communities in Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota.
ACCOLADES
The Southwest Minnesota State University Education Program has been ranked No. 1 nationally, for affordability in the Plains States, and in Minnesota – by TeachingDegreeSearch.com.
30 WWW.SMSU.EDU/GRADUATESTUDIES • 800.642.0684 LEARNING
COMMUNITIES
Fergus Falls Learning Community
Granite Falls Learning Community
Sioux Falls Learning Community
Dr. Jay Meiners Kim Nelson
Dr. Tanya Yerigan Scott Jans
Melanie Stier
Dr. John Engstrom
Laura Roelike
MEET THE FACILITATORS
Dr. Dennis Lamb
MEET THE FACILITATORS
Your Name:
YOU MUST SHARE FOUR NAMES TO QUALIFY FOR THE SWAG! Remember, they can’t already have their master’s degree.
BEST OF ALL… If your colleague joins an LC because YOU referred them, you receive 10 SMSU graduate credits for FREE.
For more information or to submit your form & collect your swag, stop at the Graduate Education table located in the student center.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK Scan the QR codes below and join our Learning Communities on Facebook. Stay up to date on all the latest news from SMSU Learning Communities! SMSU Graduate Education SMSU LC Dr. Tanya Yerigan SMSU LC Dr. Dennis Lamb NAME DISTRICT EMAIL PHONE
Refer a Friend & Earn Some Swag! Help your colleagues enjoy the same great learning experience.
*Scholarship Benefits:
√ For every student you refer, you earn a 10-semester credit graduate package
√ You receive great post-master’s professional development from learning community faculty
√ Your colleagues benefit from SMSU’s transformational graduate learning communities
*This offer has no cash-out value, it is non-transferable, is redeemable for AE grad credits only, is valid one semester after the referred students begins, must be used at SMSU, and expires after two years. The referred student will designate who referred them. For purposes of this scholarship, a “student” is someone who enrolls in our master’s program.
32 GRADUATE LOYALTY
You invested in us. Now let us invest in you. Southwest Minnesota State University, A member of Minnesota State Help us invite your colleagues to become part of the SMSU Learning Community Family. 1501 State Street • School of Graduate Studies 507-537-6819 • GraduateStudies@SMSU.edu
SCHOLARSHIP
GRADUATE CREDITS FREE TO YOU! Great News! There is no cap on the number of 10-credit packages you can earn!
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DO YOU HAVE STUDENTS WHO NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT SMSU?
Have them build a CustomViewbook based on their academic and student life interests. There’s no app to download, it’s mobile-ready!
LEAD BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Teaching Resilience
The ability for a person to “bounce back” when bad things happen. That is the most basic definition of resilience. This is a topic of interest in the fields of psychology, healthcare, and education. Research has shown that individuals who possess resilience are more likely to be successful. The great news is resilience can be measured and it can be taught.
Classroom Culture
The culture of a classroom sounds easy to create and establish, but it can also be a daunting task to maintain. From safety concerns, academic pressures behavior problems, communication- related issues, SEL stressors, educators are facing a myriad of topics that have an influence on student success.
Culture of Poverty
The Culture of Poverty is everywhere. This package of courses promotes a proactive approach to finding solutions and resources to assist those children/ families needing attention at the local level.
Mental Wellness
This package focuses on the physical, social, and psychological childhood stressors and seeking solutions to assist those in greatest need. Upon completion of this package, participants will receive certification in Adult MHFA and Youth MHFA.
Considering a micro-credential? Have questions or just need a little more information? CONTACT US NOW! Dr. Tanya Yerigan | Graduate Education Director & Professor | Tanya.Yerigan@smsu.edu
MICRO-CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
• Is poverty a relevant concern in your school district/community?
• Do you have students/families struggling to make ends meet?
• Do you feel frustrated/helpless in addressing concerns of low-income families/students?
The culture of poverty is everywhere. Educators today are faced with dealing with a cadre of issues that focus on the lack of resources and assistance with students and families struggling in this environment. From safety concerns, academic pressures, behavior problems, communication-related issues, they are all taking their toll. These courses are designed to assist educators with identifying a need or concern in their school/community and empowering them to be proactive in assisting those identified as needing help.
Register for the following classes to receive your micro-credential:
AE 523: The Culture of Poverty-An Introduction , 1 Credit
AE 524: The Culture of Poverty-Foundational Explore, 3 Credits
AE 525: The Culture of Poverty-Intermediate Application, 3 Credits
AE 526: The Culture of Poverty-Action-Based Investigation, 3 Credits
CULTURE OF POVERTY CLASSROOM CULTURE
The culture of a classroom sounds easy to create and establish, but it can also be a daunting task to maintain. From safety concerns, academic pressures, behavior problems, communication-related issues, SEL stressors, educators are facing a myrid of topics that have an influence on student success. Here are some basic questions to ask yourself:
• How is your classroom culture impacted by your students’ ability to be successful?
• How do you establish/enhance a productive classroom environment that influences student success?
• What is currently having the greatest effect on your students’ ability to succeed in your classroom?
• What additional strategies can you implement to support and enhance the performance of your students? These courses are designed to assist educators with identifying a new set of skills that will empower them to be proactive in creating a more positive classroom culture.
Register for the following classes to receive your micro-credential:
AE 538: Classroom Culture Strategies: An Introduction to the 4 C Model, 1 Credit
AE 539: The Classroom Culture: Foundational Explore: Candor & Choices, 3 Credits
AE 540: The Classroom Culture: Foundational Explore: Caring & Constancy, 3 Credits
AE 541: The Classroom Culture: Action-based Investigation, 3 Credits
TEACHING RESILIENCE
The ability for a person to”bounce back”when bad things happen. That is the most basic definition of resilience. This is a topic of interest in the fields of psychology, healthcare, and education. Research has shown that individuals who possess resilience are more likely to be successful. The great news is resilience can be measured and it can be taught. This resilience package is designed to assist educators with their own professional development while equipping them with the skills and knowledge to implement resilience education, while critically analyzing their work and environment. These unique graduate courses are intensive and based on a fast-paced, fast-tracked spiraling curriculum. They are integrated into one cohesive and well-planned course of study. The semester will culminate with a presentation that will highlight student findings.
Register for the following classes to receive your micro-credential:
AE 544 Teaching Resilience: Foundational Exploration, 4 Credits
AE 545 Teaching Resilience: Intermediate Application, 3 Credits
AE 546 Teaching Resilience: Action-Based Investigation, 3 Credits
34 MICRO-CREDENTIAL GRADUATEEDUCATION
Earn a
LANE CHANGE
MENTAL WELLNESS
Mental wellness is likely the largest concern within schools today. Even before Covid, educators were overwhelmed with the issues kids are facing. Since the pandemic, these issues have only been compounded. This mental wellness package is designed to assist educators with their own professional development while empowering them to critically analyze their work and environment. These unique graduate courses are intensive and based on a fast-paced, fast-tracked spiraling curriculum. They are integrated into one cohesive and well-planned course of study. Students will be learning about mental health issues that are faced by students and adults, skills of identifying issues, and resources within their immediate area. Dr. Yerigan is a certified MHFA (Mental Health First Aid Instructor) granting her the ability to certify students for three years. These certifications include Adult Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid. The semester will culminate with a presentation that will highlight your findings.
Register for the following classes to receive your micro-credential:
AE 520 Content Development & Integration, 3 Credits
AE 528 Evaluating Course & Research Resources, 1 Credit
AE 529 Adult Mental Wellness: Issues, Interventions, & Resources, 3 Credits
AE 530 Youth Mental Wellness: Issues, Interventions, & Resources, 3 Credits
How to Register
• Earn a micro-credential
• Fulfill your professional development requirements
• Apply them for a lane change
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Have questions or just need a little more information? CONTACT US NOW! Dr. Tanya Yerigan | Graduate Education Director & Professor | Tanya.Yerigan@smsu.edu
IN 10 CREDITS YOU CAN: *$150/credit, take one or take them all. *For continuing education purposes,10 semester credits are equal to 15 quarter credits. *Adult Education (AE) designated courses cannot be applied to a degree. Current SMSU Students: 1. Go to www.SMSU.edu 2. On the top left, go to the menu and click on the E-Services icon 3. Enter your StarID and Password and click Login 4. Click the Courses & Registration Tab on the left side of the screen 5. Click on search for a course 6. Under Subject select Adult Education 7. Click the + on the side of all the course to add it to your cart Non-SMSU Student Registration: Scan the QR code and complete the form to start
NOTES
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NOTES
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MICRO-CREDENTIALS
Make your professional development count!
Did you know micro-credentials are BUILDING BLOCKS for career advancement?
Did you know micro-credentials REFRESH your professional practice?
Did you know micro-credentials are STEPPING STONES on the leadership pathway?
Did you know micro-credentials are RESEARCH-DRIVEN and geared toward immediate and positive professional impact?
Did you know micro-credentials are COMPLEMENTARY & SUPPLEMENTARY to district-led professionals?
Did you know micro-credentials are packages of 10 GRADUATE CREDITS that quickly qualify you for a lane change?
Did you know micro-credentials are a TIME-EFFICIENT way to enhance teaching knowledge and skills?
Did you know micro-credentials offer MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY in pursuit of professional goals?
Did you know micro-credentials are immediately APPLICABLE to your classroom?
Did you know micro-credentials are CLASSROOM-FOCUSED to make the biggest difference for students?
Did you know micro-credentials CUSTOMIZE & PERSONALIZE professional development?
Did you know micro-credentials are WORKGROUP-DESIGNED where you learn with and from your educator peers?
Have questions, or just need a little more information? CONTACT US NOW!
Dr. Tanya Yerigan Graduate Education Director & Professor
EDUCATOR
1501 State Street • Marshall, MN 56258 www.SMSU.edu/GraduateStudies
Tanya.Yerigan@smsu.edu
Summer 2023 Packages Mental Wellness • Culture of Poverty • Teaching Resilience • Classroom Culture
IN SCHOOLS
Leaders are Everywhere
EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION & LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE (EDAL)
The EDAL Program is a 33-36 credit program, contingent upon whether you choose to pursue the Educational Specialist degree or the certificate. Once these credits are completed, you will have earned your Educational Administration & Leadership Certificate and/or the Education Specialist Degree!
EDAL OUTCOMES
• Additional Skills
• Increased Knowledge in Leadership
• Supports your professional growth
• Strengthens your capacity to be a great leader!
To learn more about this amazing program and opportunity, please scan the QR code and complete the information requested.
You are worth the investment and your school needs your leadership!
Contact Dr. Jay Meiners, EDAL Coordinator with any questions at LC@ SMSU.EDU
39 1501 State Street • Marshall, MN 56258 www.SMSU.edu/GraduateStudies
Master’s Degree in Education
The mission of the Professional Education Program at SMSU is to create a community of practice where each learner is an active participant in the development of learning, teaching, and leadership processes. This is accomplished by engagement in inquiry, critical reflection, and the study of educational theory, research, and practice in pursuit of excellence
1501 State Street • Marshall, MN 56258 WWW.SMSU.EDU/GRADUATESTUDIES
