This cohort is for districts who are participating in the Career Consultant program. District identified career committees will attend to engage in professional learning, collaboration, and program planning. Development of career pathways is based on the nationally recognized Redefining Ready metrics and professional learning will include outside expertise and exemplars to guide district teams in design. Cohort sessions may take place at Sourcewell or another location dependent on content of the session.

Join a dynamic community of forward-thinking educators committed to transforming student learning. Discover innovative teaching practices from our region, explore how they can be adopted to any grade level or subject, and connect with local teachers to exchange ideas, strategies, and inspiration. Together, we can elevate engagement and enrich the classroom experience for all students.

Topics include:

• Sharing innovative ideas


• Inquiry-based learning


• Creative problem solving through design thinking


• Experiential learning from the natural world


• Independent research projects


• Technology supporting innovation


• Sharing in success and iterations towards success when trying something new

This is a specialized training on both practical and legal considerations of Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law and Data Practices requirements. Participants will gain an understanding of these complicated laws, gain an understanding of updated regulations, learn how to access appropriate resources, and leave with practical knowledge for working within the laws’ parameters.

This tabletop exercise prepares participants to respond effectively to an active violence incident and the subsequent reunification process. Through realistic scenarios and guided discussions, attendees will examine the roles, responsibilities, and coordination among various agencies. Emphasis will be placed on communication, decision-making, and maintaining safety throughout both phases. The exercise promotes collaboration and identifies areas for improvement in emergency response and reunification protocols.

Join the Initiative Foundation, Sourcewell, Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits for a free lunch (Despite what they say, this is a free lunch). The public policy advocacy team at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits will join us for a brief overview of their work, including why nonprofits in our region are vital to successful advocacy efforts. Marie Ellis and Ileana Mejia will share MCN's hopes and concerns for the 2023 legislative session, which will have a focus on state oversight of nonprofits. Learn how you and your nonprofit can join the conversations and make your opinions known.

This two-day training integrates FEMA's foundational principles with procurement compliance, explicitly designed for local governments. Participants will learn best practices on how to establish, operate, and manage an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), ensuring alignment with FEMA’s Incident Command System (ICS) and federal procurement standards. This training will provide hands-on experience and actionable strategies to strengthen emergency preparedness while maintaining compliance with FEMA’s procurement requirements.

In the class paraeducators explore communication strategies that make the biggest difference for educators who work with some of our most fragile and misunderstood students.

This short course looks at how first responders interact with special education students during times of crisis, including tactical operations, evacuation, and other aspects of first responder activities. 

Topics include:

-The fourteen categories of disabilities

-Building relationships with Student Support Teams

-Basic reunification for unique learners

-Planning drills, with modifications or adjustments

Join Performance Excellence Network's Brian Lassiter and Momentum's Michael Garner for this virtual information session to learn about Continuous Improvement and how a five-session training program can help your nonprofit or local government team improve performance, achieve excellence, and advance your mission.

This session is co-sponsored by the Initiative Foundation, Performance Excellence, and Sourcewell

The Minnesota Service Cooperatives have collaborated to bring you a virtual, asynchronous option to meeting your Cultural Competency licensure requirement. This course provides video learning, personal reflection time, an opportunity to hear from educators in the field, and many additional resources to explore as you continue your journey to be an even more culturally competent educator.