MREA announced today that the 2013 Annual Conference will feature renowned North Carolina State Superintendent Mike Ward as the keynote. Ward, president of the Council of Chief State School Officers, will be speaking about “Why Good Enough is Not Good Enough Anymore” to help us connect our rural classrooms with the realities of competing in a global economy. The conference will be held from Nov. 14-16 at Cragun’s on the Lake in Brainerd.
The reality of our kindergartners is that when they graduate in 2027, they will be competing in a global economy and workforce. This relationship is highlighted in the current Minnesota House Omnibus Education bill (HF 630) section on developing the world’s best workforce (Article 2, Section 15) proposed by Representative Paul Marquart of Dilworth, Committee Chair, K12 Finance Committee. Ward served two terms as State Superintendent of Public Instruction of North Carolina. During Ward’s tenure, the state earned a reputation for rapid progress in the performance of its public schools. Dr. Ward is past President of the Council of Chief State School Officers, whose members include state superintendents and education commissioners from across the country. He is also a past member of the National Assessment Governing Board, which oversees the administration of the National Assessment of Education Progress. Mike is a past recipient of North Carolina’s Superintendent of the Year award and is currently on the faculty of the University of Southern Mississippi. Learn more about Mike Ward. The MREA 2013 Annual Conference will feature an exceptional slate of speakers and educational sessions focused on giving you the practical tools and inspiration you need – as a teacher, principal, superintendent, board member or administrator. View a sampling of the breakouts and other sessions. Register online today. Register by July 15 and bring a team of three for only $375.