Summer Training Paying Off for Hundreds of Local Teachers and Students

STAPLES, Minn. (29 September 2016) - Dozens of central Minnesota classrooms are already reaping rewards this school year from targeted educator training developed by National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA). More than 750 teachers, principals, superintendents, coaches, and curriculum coordinators took advantage of 18 professional development courses over the summer.

“It's exciting to think about the impact we'll have on area students for many years to come,” says NJPA Education Solutions Manager Kassidy Rice. “When educators are this dedicated to their profession, it makes a big difference in schools. The trainings plant the seeds of success, and together we'll watch them grow.”

NJPA serves 23 school districts in Minnesota Region 5, which includes Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties. By offering programs for multiple districts, NJPA is able to tap into national and international education experts for local training events.

“It's a huge advantage,” says Rice. “Educators in central Minnesota usually have to drive or fly hundreds of miles for training of this caliber. Not only is regional training easier for participants, it's more effective when we can keep them comfortably close to home.”

Rice says the education solutions team at NJPA is already looking at ways to expand and enhance the curriculum for professional development seminars next summer for Region 5 and the surrounding area.