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MASE New Directors Cohort

    New Directors and Assistant Directors Cohort

    Don’t start your special education director career alone! Participants will meet other new directors, experienced MASE colleagues, state department staff, and connect with resources within the special education community.

    MASE New Directors Cohort is a series of professional development sessions that provide opportunities for:

    • newly employed Special Education Directors or Assistant Directors to explore the knowledge and skills needed for a successful first year
    • “newer” Directors or Assistant Directors who wish to refresh their training​

    ​Topics include federal and state special education law, finance and budgeting, state reporting, program topics, and leadership. Mentors will be assigned to each participant to help support their learning and growth for the year.

    Continuing education credits are awarded.

    Session Dates: 

    • Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | 8:30 am - 4 pm (Spartan Center, Inver Grove Heights)
    • Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 12 - 4 pm (Madden's on Gull Lake, Brainerd)
    • Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 8:30 am - 4 pm (Sourcewell, Staples)
    • Tuesday, December 1, 2026 | 1 - 2:30 pm (Virtual)
    • Tuesday, January 19, 2027 | 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (MASE Office, 1601 Utica Ave. S., St. Louis Park)
    • Thursday, February 5, 2027 | 1 - 2:30 pm (Virtual)
    • Wednesday, March 3, 2027 | 1 - 2:30 pm (Virtual)
    • Tuesday, April 20, 2027 | 8:30 am - 4 pm (MASE Office)
    • Wednesday, May 12, 2027 | 12 - 4 pm (Madden's)

    Cohort Fee: MASE Members $500 | Non-MASE Members $700
    The price will not be prorated for missed sessions. If you must cancel, you may do so by September 14, with a $75 cancellation fee. After this date, there will be no refunds.

    Lodging: Please make your own arrangements. MASE recommends New Directors participants do not make lodging arrangements for the October and May sessions until the adjoining conference registration information becomes available so you can take advantage of conference discounts.
    ​
    If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Truhler at jessica.truhler@mnase.org

    If you don't meet the requirements for this program but feel that you should attend, please reach out to us!

    10 West End/MASE Headquarters Information

    Two sessions will be held at 10 West End (1601 Utica Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN). There is a parking ramp connected to the building where you can park. You can enter via the skyway or the front entrance, depending on where you parked. The Assembly room where the session will be held is on the main floor and can be entered from the main lobby.

    The following hotels are available near the MASE Headquarters:

    Homewood Suites
    5305 Wayzata Boulevard
    St. Louis Park, MN 55416
    Click HERE for booking link
    AC Hotel by Marriott
    5075 Wayzata Blvd.
    St Louis Park, MN 55416
    DoubleTree 
    1500 Park Place Boulevard
    Minneapolis, MN, 55416, US
    Click HERE for a booking link
    Our first session of the year will be held at the Spartan Center at Simley High School, 2920 80th St. E, Inver Grove Heights. Two nearby hotels are:
    Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
    3035 Holiday Ln
    Eagan, MN 55121
    Holiday Inn Express
    5653 Bishop St.
    Inver Grove Heights, MN 55075

    The following hotel is right across the street from Sourcewell in Staples, Minn.

    Timberlake Hotel (click for booking link)
    1212 Second Ave NE
    Staples, MN 56479
    When making reservations, be sure to state that you’re attending a training at Sourcewell.

    Session materials will be available following each session.