MREA seeks to recognize an innovative program that got results in Greater Minnesota schools this past school year with its annual Profile of Excellence Award. Nominations are due June 14View the submission requirements.

MREA will recognize the 2013 recipient at its Annual Awards Banquet in November at Cragun’s on the Lake in Brainerd.

The annual Profiles of Excellence Program aims to recognize compelling practices at any level of education from early childhood through elementary, high school, post-secondary or adult education.

Entries are judged by a panel of the Board of Directors, and winning programs will be formally announced in September. All nominations will be evaluated based on benefits to student, ease of adaptability, innovation and collaboration.

Here’s a a look at last year’s award recipients:

Profile of Excellence Award – Project REAL 
Little Falls Community Schools put iPads in the hands of 1,450 students last year, marking the largest known one-time roll-out for full-time student use in the state of Minnesota. Much of the project’s success stems from the district’s focus on providing teachers high quality professional development as they worked to incorporate the devices into instruction in the most meaningful ways.

Distinguished Service Award – Rynell Schock
A respected educational leader in Central Minnesota, Rynell Schock has been dedicated to improving literacy instruction in local classrooms through research-based best practices and high quality professional development. As an education specialist at National Joint Power Alliance, Rynell provides leadership in instruction, assessment, curriculum, and student achievement, impacting over 250 teachers. She has developed a series of new programs, including Summer Institute, Marzano Leadership Academy, mentorship program for beginning and non-tenured teachers and professional Leadership Communities.

View all recent recipients.