Mission: To foster collaboration, provide resources and celebrate achievement.
Vision: Helping Minnesotans be their best.
NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES
Congratulations to Sophie Birkholz from Kennedy Community School, winner of the 2019 Logo Contest!
2019 Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award Honorees AnnouncedCongratulations to the three honorees: Benjamin B. Ferencz Fellowships in Human Rights and Law (World Without Genocide), Minnesota Family, Career and Community Leaders (MN FCCLA), and Urban Learning Center After School Program (Hospitality House).
More details.
2019 Minnesota Promising Practices Award Honorees Announced
Congratulations to the seven honorees: Avalon School, St. Paul; Community of Peace Academy, St. Paul; Hennepin Gateway to College, Eden Prairie; Henry Sibley High School, Mendota Heights; Lakes International Language Academy, Forest Lake; Red Lake Early Childhood Center, Red Lake; Red Lake Elementary Complex, Red Lake.
More details.
2019 WEM Outstanding Educator Awards Program Honorees Announced
- Brandice Gordon (Academic Challenge Coach) is a middle school teacher at Kenwood Trail Middle School in Lakeville. She also coaches Science Olympiad. Brandice has been teaching and coaching for 22 years. View Press Release.
- Caroline Little (Teacher Achievement) is a high school French teacher at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights. Caroline has been teaching for 18 years. View Press Release.
- Matt Lundeen is a middle school teacher at Redwood Valley Middle School in Redwood Falls. He also coaches football at Redwood Valley High School. Matt has been teaching and coaching for 20 years. View Press Release.
- Melanie Olson is an elementary teacher at Parkside Elementary School in Buffalo. Melanie has been teaching for 14 years. View Press Release.
- Melissa Sonnek (Ethics in Education) serves as principal at Edgerton Elementary School in Maplewood. Melissa has 19 years of education experience. View Press Release.
- Tim Quealy (Ethics in Education) is a high school language arts teacher at Avalon School in St. Paul. Tim has been teaching for 9 years. View Press Release.
WEM Regional Honorees Announced
Academic Coach
- Craig Larson is an elementary teacher at Falcon Ridge Elementary in New Prague. He also coaches Math Masters. Craig has been teaching and coaching for 6 years.
Athletic Coach
- Kris DeMaris is an elementary physical education teacher at Madelia Elementary School. She also coaches cross country, golf and basketball. Kris has been coaching and teaching for 25 years.
Ethics in Education
- Nafeesah Muhammad is a high school teacher at North High School in Minneapolis. Nafeesah has been teaching for 4 years.
- Michael Durchslag is a high school teacher at P.E.A.S.E. Academy in Minneapolis. Michael has been teaching for 23 years.
Teacher Achievement
- Monica Steinmetz is an elementary teacher at St. Francis of Assisi Grade School in Rochester. Monica has been teaching for 29 years.
- Billie Pace-Graczyk is a middle school teacher at Sandburg Middle School in Golden Valley. Billie has been teaching for 5 years.
Nominate Your Students as Academic All-Stars!
It is time to nominate your students as Academic-All Stars! All Minnesota K-12 teachers, principals and academic challenge coordinators are invited to designate students as "Academic All-Stars," to be eligible to attend the 2019 Gathering of Champions.”
Place a nomination.
2019 Minnesota School of Character Announced
Congratulations to Community of Peace Academy for being recertified as a Minnesota School of Character by Character.org in collaboration with Synergy & Leadership Exchange. Nationally, 87 schools and three districts received the honor for 2019.
Minnesota Schools of Character Video
Wondering what a school with high expectations for learning and character development looks like? Check out the new
Minnesota Schools of Character video featuring two-time Minnesota and National School of Character honoree, Community of Peace Academy from Saint Paul, Minnesota. A special thanks to the C. Charles Jackson Foundation for the grant which funded the work.
The Exchange Newsletter
Download the 2019-2020 Reach for the Stars catalogue
