MREA’s Greater Minnesota get-together kicks off next month at Cragun’s Resort near Brainerd. Breakout sessions at the 2021 Annual Conference will celebrate the strength and impact of Greater Minnesota education and share practices and programs to become Rural Strong.

MREA Annual Conference 
Nov. 14-16
Cragun’s Resort, Brainerd

The conference will offer more than 35 sessions total and provide plenty of networking and development opportunities for teachers, administrators, school board members and other education professionals.

“Rural Strong” Breakout Sessions

Six breakout sessions will focus on the theme of Rural Strong:

  • Celebrate Assets of Your District (Robert Ickler and Craig Schlicting, Triton Schools)

Walk through the process of completing a district needs assessment and cost benefit analysis relating to the local industry base to strategically engage in collaborating relationships with those industries.

  • Revitalizing Community Pride in Education (Pat Overom and Jeff Schiltz, ICS)

Reconnect communities to schools to bridge the cap between student education and the surrounding community.

  • Benefits of Living in Rural Minnesota (Kelly Asche and Julie Tesch, Center for Rural Policy & Development)

CRPD’s most recent research highlights how rural Minnesota wages can go as far, if not farther, than the seven-county metro area in meeting the cost of living. Another win for Greater MN!

  • Sometimes Dreams Come True (Noel Schmidt, Rock Ridge Schools)

Can two rival school districts come together on a building project? Learn how Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert districts formed a partnership and constructed a new high school and two new elementary schools.

  • Talking Finances with the Public (Matthew Hammer and Shelby McQuay, Ehlers)

Explore financial information inquiries and learn to tailor communication strategies to help your district be more effective. 

  • Panel: Perspectives from Rural Teacher Leaders (2021 Educators of Excellence)

Award-winning educators from throughout Greater Minnesota will share perspectives about challenges, benefits, surprises, and recommendations regarding education in Greater Minnesota. 

View all 2021 Breakout Sessions

Register Your Team Today

A team of 3 people from the same member district or organization can attend the entire conference for only $825. Reserve your 3 spots with “TBD” if attendees are not yet known.

Participants can still be added to registered teams and receive the team discounted pricing. Contact Diane at the MREA Office at (833)-MNVOICE for assistance.

Learn more and register.

Supporters

Special thanks to these MREA Associate Members for their premium membership that helps make the conference possible:

Baird

Captivate Media

ICS

InGensa, Inc

Northland Financial

Sourcewell

JLG

Kraus-Anderson