More than 400 Educators Attend Minnesota Summit

More than 400 educators from throughout the region will head back to the classroom this fall with new and innovative ideas following a two-day conference sponsored by Sourcewell.

The 2019 Minnesota Summit for Learning and Leading was held August 13-14 at Madden's on Gull Lake and featured nationally-known keynote speakers, as well as individualized breakout sessions focused on student achievement and educator enrichment.

The event, now in its fourth year, was open to teachers and leaders in education from throughout Sourcewell's five-county service area, and beyond. According to Sourcewell Manager of Education Solutions Kassidy Rice, the Minnesota Summit provides access to a world-class educational conference experience not often available in greater Minnesota. All sessions are specifically designed to align with research-based best practices in education.

“The event invigorates and inspires teachers as a launch-point for the new school year,” Rice noted. “Educators came away with a stronger understanding, as well as practical tools, for implementing best practices into their classrooms. In addition, team planning time was built into both days for school teams to debrief their learning and discuss how they can implement the new ideas.”

Verndale Principal Arick Follingstad attended the two-day Summit and said it reinforced his appreciation for the resources and opportunities extended to schools throughout the area.

“The work being done in our region, and throughout the state, because of the support Sourcewell provides is making a huge impact on schools, staff, students, and communities,” Follingstad said. “Our region is better off because of this work.”