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Mathematics- Engaging K-12 Educators in Effective Practice

Sourcewell is thrilled to host Sara VanDerWerf, a champion of mathematics for all learners. Sara has spent her professional life sharing her passion and deep understanding of mathematics with students and adults. Join Sara and fellow K-12 math educators from our region in developing your understanding that mathematics is, at its core, the study of patterns. You will leave with fresh eyes and fresh ideas around the teaching and learning of mathematics.

Nov. 15, 2023

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8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

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Sourcewell

Nonprofit Boards for the Real World

This event is offered in partnership with the Initiative Foundation.


Since nonprofits are not privately owned (like typical businesses), they are overseen by a boards of directors who represent the best interests of the community. When effective, boards are amazing resources for their organizations though finding, training, and managing a board can be one of the trickiest jobs of a nonprofit executive director. Boards need ongoing information, direction, and care to help them work effectively. Join this training and conversation tailored for nonprofit staff and board members to learn best practices in board governance and how board members can best support their organization.


Sourcewell strives to bring the highest-quality resources, information, and training opportunities to our members. We’re honored to team up with the Initiative Foundation to bring this opportunity to our central Minnesota region.   

Nov. 16, 2023

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1-4:30 p.m.

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Initiative Foundation

Open Meeting Law and Data Practices

This is a specialized training on both practical and legal considerations of open meeting law and data practices. Participants will gain an understanding of these very complicated laws,  learn how to access appropriate tools, and leave with practical knowledge for working within the laws’ parameters.

April 4, 2024

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9 a.m.-12 p.m.

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Crosslake Fire Hall Training Room (south side of building)

Paraeducator Online Training

Join this on-demand training opportunity to access a wide variety of online courses designed to provide paraprofessionals the targeted training needed to succeed as a Title I paraprofessional, including strategies that can be applied immediately.


The training includes access to over 150 courses and can be used for professional development or certification. Access to the content will be available for one year from your registration date. If you are using this training for certification, you must complete PARA Assessment 1 and PARA Assessment 2. The assessments must be proctored. Please be aware that this is an on-demand training and any preparations for the assessments are up to the individual to complete online.


Sourcewell will not be hosting proctoring sessions at this time, please see this FAQ document for more information.

On demand

Practical Leadership - Building Engaged Teams

This event hosted is by the Lakes Country Service Cooperative in Fergus Falls, in partnership with the Association of Minnesota Counties and Sourcewell.


In today's complex and uncertain work environments, high-functioning teams are essential. To achieve effective teamwork and collaboration, it's important to cultivate these skills and give them regular attention. Our workshop focuses on developing shared leadership among team members and provides concrete tools for improving collaboration.


If you're a team leader looking to enhance your team's performance, this workshop is designed specifically for you. You'll receive practical tools and ideas that you can implement right away.


Sourcewell strives to bring the highest-quality resources, information, and training opportunities to our members. We're honored to team up with the Lakes Country Service Cooperative to bring this opportunity to our central Minnesota region.

Nov. 2, 2023

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8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

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Located at Lakes Country Service Cooperative

Principal Nourishment

Sourcewell is partnering with Agile Ideas Leadership (AIL) to bring this 5-session series to school leaders. Topics will include developing instructional leadership, fostering a positive and supportive work environment, providing instructional feedback, engaging in challenging conversations, and aligning your building teams.

Multiple days

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8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

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Sourcewell

Psychological Safety in the Classroom

What makes a school experience excellent? In this speaker series we will excavate the hidden parts of a school experience that can make or break a student (and their families/caregivers') school journey and in some cases, what makes a student safe or not while they attend school. Lisa Worden will unpack what it means to have psychological safety in a school building, as well as why it is imperative that we take the time to understand it and create it every day for every student. Students cannot learn if they do not feel safe, not taking the time to create a safe and inclusive culture undermines any additional learning efforts.

Jan. 11, 2024

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8:30-11:30 a.m.

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Sourcewell

Recognizing and Addressing Harmful Language

Language is ever evolving and changing. Sometimes knowing which terms or descriptions to use can be difficult and sometimes we don’t even know we are using outdated or harmful language. This webinar is focused on promoting positive language around topics such as race, gender, and common school-based labels and language.

On demand

School Communications

Superintendents, school leaders, and all staff members engaged in communications work in central Minnesota schools are cordially invited to join in a series of school communications professional development sessions specifically tailored for schools in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties. Sourcewell is committed to bringing you best practices in and practical application of school communications. 

Beginning Oct. 24, 2023

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8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. daily

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Sourcewell

Shifting the Balance for Upper Elementary

The book, Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom, has been a game-changer for many K-2 teachers. Author Kari Yates and her writing partners recently published a sequel to the book for grades 3 – 5 teachers. While the new book is really zoomed in on 3-5 practices, its content will be meaningful to anyone who teaches reading. Don't miss the opportunity to hear directly from Kari as she shares her incredible wisdom about literacy teaching and learning through her new book.

Oct. 25, 2023

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8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

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Sourcewell

Shifting the Balance Literacy Cohort

The state of Minnesota is committed to using structured literacy as its primary focus for teaching reading. There is a tremendous amount of information available to teachers; so much, that it can be very difficult to know where to start. For some, LETRS training has been an entrance point for their learning about the science of reading. However, the expense, intensity, and time commitment, may not be a good match for some educators. Shifting the Balance, 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balance Literacy Classroom: The Online Course, is an excellent resource that serves a similar purpose as LETRS, but in a more manageable and practical way.


In partnership with authors Kari Yates and Jan Burkins, Sourcewell has customized the course for regional educators. Participants will not only engage in the content but will also network with other regional participants to consider practical application and systems implementation.

Oct. 17, 2023 - kick-off

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3:30-4:30 p.m.

Sourcewell AVID Spotlight

The Sourcewell AVID Spotlight provides an in-person opportunity for educators to see an elementary and middle school/high school AVID implementation, share best practices, and learn more about AVID hands on. The Spotlight experience includes classroom observations and a chance to speak with experienced AVID teachers, administrators, and students.

Oct. 26, 2023

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7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

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Little Falls Community Middle and High Schools, and Verndale Public School

Student Leadership Conference

This conference is an opportunity for young leaders in grades 9-12 to come together and gain insights into leadership ideas and how to apply them to their school and personal lives.

Oct. 23, 2023

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9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

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Sourcewell

Young Scientists Conference

This conference is an opportunity for science-minded students in grades 4-6 to come together and learn from professionals in a variety of science disciplines

Oct. 3, 2023

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9:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m.

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Central Lakes College

Youth Mental Health First Aid - February 2024

Identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among young people. You will build the skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to young people. You will also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

Feb. 1, 2024

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8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 

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Sourcewell

Youth Mental Health First Aid - November 2023

Identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among young people. You will build the skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to young people. You will also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

Nov. 2, 2023

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8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Sourcewell