Edtalksmn

EDTalks: Transforming Education For A Changing World by EDTalksMN

This EDTalk features Sandy Bolton Barrientos is community coach for the South High School debate team and member of the Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL) community, where they focus on curriculum design. An abolitionist organizer in South Minneapolis, they are a studio trainer for REP MN, where they teach workshops that build networks of community crisis support, and co-founder of Futures Beyond Criminalization, which hosts events on public safety, harm reduction and policing alternatives. Sandy is an alum of Minneapolis Public Schools and a student in the University of Minnesota’s DirecTrack to Teaching program with a concentration in second languages and cultures. Sandy believes debate offers a unique space where students can freedom-dream institutions that affirm their livelihoods, visualize a future of joy and liberation for all people, and ultimately begin to formulate imaginative and realistic solutions for the big problems facing their communities. Sandy presents testimonials from current and form

This EDTalk features Coach, author and educator Larry McKenzie. Larry is the first coach to win four straight state titles in the 100-year history of Minnesota State Boys Basketball, and the first coach in Minnesota high school basketball history to lead two separate schools to multiple titles. But beyond the trophies and medals, Coach McKenzie has accomplished something even more impressive: coaching and supporting his athletes to increase their academic performance alongside their athletic skills. Using basketball as a tool, he has led his players to 100% high school graduation and a 3.4 team GPA. Coach McKenzie shares stories about his journey at Minneapolis high schools and how he helps his student athletes become champions on the basketball court, in the classroom, in their families and in their communities. EDTalks is co-presented by Achieve Twin Cities and Graves Ventures, a project of the Graves Foundation. For more information on EDTalks or to watch EDTalks videos or listen to audio podcasts, visit

Although Minnesota has started to move the needle on teacher diversity, we still have a very long way to go. Over the past few years, policymakers have created a variety of incentives to increase the numbers of teachers of color in our state—along with some changes to teacher preparation and licensure systems—but too many obstacles remain. This EDTalk features three education professionals who will share insights from people of color who were at one time considering a career in education, but ultimately changed their minds and did not pursue this field. Josh Crosson is Executive Director of EdAllies; Haben Ghebregergish is an educator at the High School for Recording Arts, and Jocelyn McQuirter is a local government engagement manager. This EDTalk was recorded at Icehouse on November 13th, 2023. EDTalks is co-presented by Achieve Twin Cities and Graves Ventures, a project of the Graves Foundation. For more information on EDTalks or to watch EDTalks videos or listen to audio podcasts, visit http://www.achie

Despite the critical role educators play in shaping our young people, the teaching profession in the U.S. has been losing respect and admiration, with negative messages perpetuating an unflattering and incomplete image of a viable and impactful profession. Increasing teacher diversity is a critical component in the effort to elevate the teaching profession. This EDTalk features Dr. Rose Chu from Elevate Teaching, part of a state-funded teacher recruitment campaign and movement to shift how we view and talk about the teaching profession to include the profound impact teachers have in our society. Dr. Chu is, among other things, professor emerita of Urban Education at Metropolitan State University; former assistant commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education; founder and president of Plum Blossom Strategy LLC, and the visionary and project lead for Elevate Teaching. This EDTalk was recorded at Icehouse on November 13th, 2023. EDTalks is co-presented by Achieve Twin Cities and Graves Ventures, a pro

As a central player in Minneapolis’ vibrant and complex community, Minnneapolis Public Schools serves over 35,000 students each year and requires sufficient resources to create truly welcoming and safe spaces where all young people have the resources and support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom and beyond graduation. Minneapolis Public Schools has balanced its budget for the past three years with the help of nearly $262 million in federal pandemic funds, nonrenewable revenue that is set to expire late next year in 2024. The district’s most recent five-year budget projection predicts an "imminent financial crisis" due to declining enrollment and a failure to cut costs. Both strategic budget cuts and investments are critical to ensure student learning. This EDTalk features presentations by Rochelle Cox, MPS Superintendent, and Ibrahima Diop, MPS Senior Officer of Finance and Operations. Following the presentations, there is a panel discussion, including Amira Ali, student at South High Schoo

In this EDTalk, Paula Cole discusses opportunities for educators and families to collaborate, advocate and ultimately hold school districts and legislators accountable for the wellbeing and academic success of young people. She argues that we need to change the narrative around parent engagement, particularly for lower-income and BIPOC families, and provide culturally relevant tools for all families to become powerful agents of change for education excellence. Paula Cole was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, a place she left to pursue her dream of a college education in the United States. After six years as an Educators for Excellence (E4E) member and teacher leader, Paula joined the Minnesota chapter as executive director. Prior to this role, she worked as an elementary teacher and academic coach in Minneapolis Public Schools. Paula believes that the voices of educators are rarely sought and often ignored by policymakers, and she loves her work at E4E because it allows her to ensure that teachers’

In this EDTalk, Rosie Lais and Natty B. Hels share information on new guides Great MN Schools developed to help families better understand what their kids should be learning each year in English language arts and math. They share what they have learned from beta testing with nine community organizations and over 250 Minneapolis families. Families who use the guides are better equipped to be learning advocates for their children and more likely to provide support at home, connect with teachers and seek additional learning opportunities. Rosie Lais is the director of community resources at Great MN Schools, where she blends her strategic and relationship-building skills to ensure that every family has the tools they need to navigate the K-12 system for their children. She began her education career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Panama, where she served as national coordinator for the Leadership Development for Global Education program. An alumna of Minneapolis Public Schools, she earned her master’s degree in

In education, nonprofit and government spheres there is much discussion today about diversity, equity, and inclusion – but relatively few conversations that address disability or its intersections with race. In her EDTalk, Maren Christenson Hofer identifies how ableist ideas inform our educational systems and discusses the profound impact educational practices and policies have on students with disabilities. She also offers a new vision of education that replaces ableist ideas with models of true inclusion and concrete steps we can take towards realizing that vision. EDTalks is co-presented by Achieve Twin Cities and Graves Ventures, a project of The Graves Foundation. Learn more at www.achievetwincities.org/edtalks or follow us on Twitter at #EDTalksMN​. This EDTalk was live streamed from Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN on April 19, 2023. It was emceed by Kyrra Rankine.

As a spoken word artist and educator, Frank Gardner has seen first-hand the power of young people who are harnessing artistic expression as a tool for social change, interpersonal reflection and community building. In his EDTalk he explores how young people are processing the tumultuous years of COVID quarantine and the murder of George Floyd through Spoken Word, poetry, theater, songwriting and activism, such as school walkouts. He shares how he utilizes youth voice and Spoken Word to support young people in tapping into honesty and authenticity and suggests tools for teachers as they navigate our current challenging teaching environment. He argues that young people are already deciding what’s next for our world – adults just need to listen! EDTalks is co-presented by Achieve Twin Cities and Graves Ventures, a project of The Graves Foundation. Learn more at www.achievetwincities.org/edtalks or follow us on Twitter at #EDTalksMN​. This EDTalk was live streamed from Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN on April 19, 2

In celebration of our 10th anniversary season of EDTalks, Achieve presented this special event where five past EDTalks speakers gathered in conversation around our 2022-23 season theme, “What’s Next? Where does education go from here?" Speakers reflected on their past EDTalks topics in light of the present day: What has or has not changed? What are they more or less concerned about? How has the pandemic or other recent events shifted the way(s) they see their topic? What do they think is in store for us? Panelists included Dr. Keith Brooks, Former Student Services Director, Anoka-Hennepin School District; Jason Bucklin, LGTBQ Education Specialist at the Minnesota Dept of Education; Dave Eisenmann, Director of Technology, Minnehaha Academy; Salma Hussein, Principal, Gideon Pond Elementary; and Erin Walsh, Co-Founder, Spark and Stitch Institute. EDTalks is co-presented by Achieve Twin Cities and Graves Ventures, a project of The Graves Foundation, in partnership with The Citizens League. Learn more at www.ac

This EDTalks is titled “Teacher-Powered Schools: Sharing Power with Educators, Students and Families” Our featured speaker is Amy Junge. Amy is the director of Teacher Powered School at Education Evolving, a Minnesota-based nonprofit working to improve public education. Amy supports educator teams across the country through teacher-powered governance, collaborative leadership and autonomous school models. A former California elementary and middle school assistant principal and teacher, she began working with teacher-powered schools in 2009. In her EDTalk, Amy will explore the structures and cultural characteristics of teacher-powered schools, the many benefits of these learning environments for students and communities and the growing movement of 250+ teacher powered schools that are embracing this approach to educating and making change. This virtual EDTalk was live streamed online on December 5th, 2022.

This EDTalks is titled “Supporting Our Educators in a Post-COVID World” Our featured speaker is Dr. Tim Brown. Dr. Brown is principal at the American Indian Magnet School in Saint Paul. A member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, Dr. Brown has spent 26 years working in Twin Cities public schools. He has also served on the board of regents for St. Mary’s University and taught courses at Augsburg University, Hamline University and Minneapolis College. A father of three, Dr. Brown is a musician and an accomplished visual artist who has always been driven to ask good questions. In his EDTalk, Dr. Brown will share ideas on how to restructure professional development, committee work and student engagement to give teachers more voice and choice, help them feel more greatly valued and go beyond traditional self-care. He argues that if we aren’t intentional about meeting the needs of our teachers, we will continue to see large numbers leaving the profession. This virtual EDTalk was live streamed online on December 5th

EDTalks is a lively series of community conversations about public education and related issues that impact our young people. Each EDTalks features two compelling, short presentations by cutting-edge educators, youth advocates, students, artists or community leaders. EDTalks is supported by a generous grant from the Bush Foundation. This EDTalks is titled “Strategies for Rediscovering Our Common Humanity” Our featured speaker is Dr. Jackie Vertigan. In our increasingly polarized cultural and political environment, where it has arguably become much harder to engage in civilized discussion with those we may oppose, Dr. Jackie Vertigan is holding on to optimism. In her EDTalk, she will pull from personal experiences, research, and identifiable public trends to explore the contemporary experience of dissent and negative discourse. She will share her approach for looking beyond the statements, opinions, and personalities of those from whom we differ and, instead, find concrete ways to identify commonalities – a

EDTalks is a lively series of community conversations about public education and related issues that impact our young people. Each EDTalks features two compelling, short presentations by cutting-edge educators, youth advocates, students, artists or community leaders. EDTalks is supported by a generous grant from the Bush Foundation. This EDTalks is titled “Joy as Catalyst: Utilizing Healing Centered Practices for Adaptive Change” Our featured speakers include Faiza Bharmal, Jason Bucklin, Nikkia Hines, Matthew Myrold and Jewell Reichenberger. When considering the question "what's next in education?”, the founders of The Collaborative Affect agree that healing is the central through-line. These past years have been full of traumatic moments, and we cannot expect educators and students to "bounce back" by brushing past this collective pain. We heal in many ways, but the most accessible way is through intentional and radical joy. In their EDTalk, Faiza Bharmal, Jason Bucklin, Nikkia Hines, Matthew Myrold and

In 2007, Dr. Jon Peterson began the long and long-awaited journey back to his homeland of Samoa to reconnect with his roots, his homeland, his family and himself. Through this process, he discovered what it means to both love and live leadership, both as an educator and as a human, and developed a theoretical model for Indigenous Leadership that can be applied to work in education and beyond. In his EDTalk, Dr. Peterson will discuss his life’s work, “The Alofa Movement” (the Love Movement) and address the critical importance of honoring our ancestry and our roots as educators and leaders in these challenging times.

Presenters: Kyra, Jamya and Octivious, Young Leaders, St. Paul Youth Services’ YouthPowerMN Leadership Institute As a young person, if you were handed the mic, what would you say to the adults in your life? In their EDTalks, young leaders Kyra, Jamya and Octivious of the St. Paul Youth Services’ YouthPowerMN Leadership Institute will join us to describe their lived experiences with adults in educational institutions and how those experiences have impacted their wellbeing, safety, and ability to achieve their goals as Black youth. They will also address the barriers to youth providing input in designing education systems and offer tools and insights for adults who are committed to including young people in the creation of youth-centric, equitable education. EDTalks is presented by Achieve Twin Cities in partnership with the Citizens League, with generous support from the Bush Foundation. Learn more at www.achievetwincities.org/edtalks or follow us on Twitter at #EDTalksMN​. This virtual EDTalk was live stre

Presenter: Walter Cortina, President and Co-founder, Bridgemakers By the time Bridgemakers co-founder and president Walter Cortina reached the age of 13, he had experienced poverty, trauma, homelessness, the murder of his best friend, and the deportation of both of his parents. In his EDTalks, Walter will draw on his personal and professional experience to speak to how schools, community leaders and policy-makers must engage with the experiences and leadership of young people when reimagining schools and systems, particularly youth who have faced trauma in their young lives. Walter will also discuss the transformative power of developmental, mentoring relationships, and the importance of centering BIPOC young people in these discussions and giving them a head seat at the table. EDTalks is presented by Achieve Twin Cities in partnership with the Citizens League, with generous support from the Bush Foundation. Learn more at www.achievetwincities.org/edtalks or follow us on Twitter at #EDTalksMN​. This virtua

Presenter: Jeannine Erickson, Writer's Room Manager, 826 MSP Jeannine Erickson from the arts education nonprofit 826 MSP discusses the importance of creating anti-racist and anti-oppressionist “third spaces” to support students in the classroom and other settings, such as the organization’s Writer’s Room at South High School. The creation of “third space” is rooted in abolitionist teaching practices and requires loving accountability, de-stigmatization of mental health, and de-centering of whiteness to truly support youth people in life and education. In her EDTalk, Jeannine shares how third space that is rooted in community-building, Afro-futurist theories and teachings, and decolonizing the lives, minds, and dreamscape of historically marginalized folks, can reshape and provide opportunities for rebirth for all young people, regardless of race or racial identity. EDTalks is presented by AchieveMpls in partnership with the Citizens League, with generous support from the Bush Foundation. Learn more at www.a

Presenter: Hannah Planalp, Program Manager, Foster Advocates People who have experienced foster care face a unique set of education challenges for both K-12 and postsecondary school. Even though only 41% of Minnesota Fosters are able to graduate from high school, over 80% still want to go to college. For Fosters who are moving out of the child welfare system, postsecondary education is especially critical for their transition to adulthood. In this EDTalk, Hannah Planalp from Foster Advocates shares her personal stories of being a Foster and the mentor who supported her journey to college and a full scholarship. She also introduces Minnesota’s new Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants Program, which covers the full cost of attendance for Fosters at accredited schools. Throughout her talk, she shares data and insights from Foster leaders that broaden the conversation around foster care and education. EDTalks is presented by AchieveMpls in partnership with the Citizens League, with generous support fr