Past New Leaders Cohort Session Materials
October 24-25, 2023
Participant List
Session Info
Session 1 – Tuesday, October 24 and Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Madden’s | Golf Villa B
Tuesday Agenda
Facilitators: Erin Jensen, Holle Spessard, Melanie Kray
1:00-1:30
Welcome and Check-in
October Jenga
1:30-2:30
Supporting Special Education Staff
Sarah Mittelstadt
2:30-4:00
Special Education and HR
Melanie Kray and Gina Boots
4:00-5:15
New Directors of Record
Session Info
Session 1 – Tuesday, October 24 and Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Madden’s | Golf Villa B
Tuesday Agenda
Facilitators: Erin Jensen, Holle Spessard, Melanie Kray
1:00-1:30
Welcome and Check-in
October Jenga
1:30-2:30
Supporting Special Education Staff
Sarah Mittelstadt
2:30-4:00
Special Education and HR
Melanie Kray and Gina Boots
4:00-5:15
New Directors of Record
January 10, 2024
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Session 2
Quora Education Center | Little Canada, MN
Participant List
Facilitators: Erin Jensen and Melanie Kray
9:00-9:15
Welcome to MASE
Erin Toninato, Executive Director, MASE
9:15-10:00
ESY/Summer Planning Considerations
Amy Waldspurger, Director of Special Services, New Prague
10:05-11:00
How to Determine Staff Needs - Workload and Caseload Models
Deanna Gronseth, Director of Special Education, Le Sueur- Henderson
11:00-11:45
Break for Lunch
11:45-1:15
Manage Yourself First!
Melissa Schaller, Executive Director of Student Services, Intermediate 917
Dave Haveman, Executive Director of Student Services, Lakeville Schools
1:15-2:45
Special Education Finance
State Aid Summary Sheet (resource)
Marcy Doud, Superintendent, Intermediate 287
2:45-4:00
New Directors of Record
Facilitated by Melanie Kray and Amy Ernst
Session 2
Quora Education Center | Little Canada, MN
Participant List
Facilitators: Erin Jensen and Melanie Kray
9:00-9:15
Welcome to MASE
Erin Toninato, Executive Director, MASE
9:15-10:00
ESY/Summer Planning Considerations
Amy Waldspurger, Director of Special Services, New Prague
10:05-11:00
How to Determine Staff Needs - Workload and Caseload Models
Deanna Gronseth, Director of Special Education, Le Sueur- Henderson
11:00-11:45
Break for Lunch
11:45-1:15
Manage Yourself First!
Melissa Schaller, Executive Director of Student Services, Intermediate 917
Dave Haveman, Executive Director of Student Services, Lakeville Schools
1:15-2:45
Special Education Finance
State Aid Summary Sheet (resource)
Marcy Doud, Superintendent, Intermediate 287
2:45-4:00
New Directors of Record
Facilitated by Melanie Kray and Amy Ernst
March 13, 2024
Session 3 – Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Marriott NorthWest | Brooklyn Park - 7025 Northland Dr N, Brooklyn Park
Elm Creek
Participant List
Facilitator: Melanie Kray, Holle Spessard
9:00-4:00
9:00-9:15
Welcome and Check In
Holle and Melanie
9:15-10:15
Challenging Conversations
Jen Danielson, Special Services Supervisor
St Croix River Ed District
10:15-12:00
Special Education - Legal Issues of the Day
Laura Tubbs Booth, Attorney
Ratwik, Roszak and Maloney, P.A.
12:00-12:45
Break for Lunch
12:45-1:45
Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems
Brienne LaHaye, Mental Health Lead
Minnesota Department of Education
1:45-2:45
Data-Based Decision Making
Jen Danielson, Special Services Supervisor,
St Croix River Ed District
2:45-4:00
New Directors of Record
Marriott NorthWest | Brooklyn Park - 7025 Northland Dr N, Brooklyn Park
Elm Creek
Participant List
Facilitator: Melanie Kray, Holle Spessard
9:00-4:00
9:00-9:15
Welcome and Check In
Holle and Melanie
9:15-10:15
Challenging Conversations
Jen Danielson, Special Services Supervisor
St Croix River Ed District
10:15-12:00
Special Education - Legal Issues of the Day
Laura Tubbs Booth, Attorney
Ratwik, Roszak and Maloney, P.A.
12:00-12:45
Break for Lunch
12:45-1:45
Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems
Brienne LaHaye, Mental Health Lead
Minnesota Department of Education
1:45-2:45
Data-Based Decision Making
Jen Danielson, Special Services Supervisor,
St Croix River Ed District
2:45-4:00
New Directors of Record
May 15, 2024
Session 4 – Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Madden’s | Golf Villa C
Participant List
Facilitators: Holle Spessard, Melanie Kray
9:00-9:15
Welcome and Check-in
9:10-10:15
Lessons in Leadership: 10 Things I’ve Learned in the Last 10 Years
Copy of Heidi’s SPPS Dashboard
Heidi Nistler, Assistant Superintendent of Specialized Services, St Paul Public Schools
10:15-10:30
Break
10:30-11:30
Challenging Conversations - How to Have Them. Why to Have Them.
Heather Lyke, Executive Director, Northwest Suburban Integration District
11:30-12:15
Lunch @ Wilson Bay Dining Room
12:30-1:30
Working with Principal Leaders
Jamie Nord, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Elk River Schools
Links from Jamie’s Slide Deck:
SPED Basics:
SPED 101 Presentation (MASE)
A Principal’s Guide (CEC)
Checklists:
Due Process Activity Lists (SCRED)
IEP Meeting Facilitation: Principals’ Desk Reference (SCRED)
Other Resources:
High Leverage Practices (CEC & CEEDAR)
Family Engagement (IRIS Center)
Example Action Plan Template
SCRED Resources
Wolf Discipline Reference (2018 - not current with new legislation, but still a great resource)
MDE School Discipline
School Discipline Slide Deck - August 2023
1:30-2:45
Facilitating Effective Meetings
Nicole Woodward, Executive Director, St Croix River Education District
Meeting Makover
Death by Meeting
GIF MoodMeters
2:45-4:00
New Directors of Record
Madden’s | Golf Villa C
Participant List
Facilitators: Holle Spessard, Melanie Kray
9:00-9:15
Welcome and Check-in
9:10-10:15
Lessons in Leadership: 10 Things I’ve Learned in the Last 10 Years
Copy of Heidi’s SPPS Dashboard
Heidi Nistler, Assistant Superintendent of Specialized Services, St Paul Public Schools
10:15-10:30
Break
10:30-11:30
Challenging Conversations - How to Have Them. Why to Have Them.
Heather Lyke, Executive Director, Northwest Suburban Integration District
11:30-12:15
Lunch @ Wilson Bay Dining Room
12:30-1:30
Working with Principal Leaders
Jamie Nord, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Elk River Schools
Links from Jamie’s Slide Deck:
SPED Basics:
SPED 101 Presentation (MASE)
A Principal’s Guide (CEC)
Checklists:
Due Process Activity Lists (SCRED)
IEP Meeting Facilitation: Principals’ Desk Reference (SCRED)
Other Resources:
High Leverage Practices (CEC & CEEDAR)
Family Engagement (IRIS Center)
Example Action Plan Template
SCRED Resources
Wolf Discipline Reference (2018 - not current with new legislation, but still a great resource)
MDE School Discipline
School Discipline Slide Deck - August 2023
1:30-2:45
Facilitating Effective Meetings
Nicole Woodward, Executive Director, St Croix River Education District
Meeting Makover
Death by Meeting
GIF MoodMeters
2:45-4:00
New Directors of Record
2022-23 Cohort
October 26, 2022
MASE New Leaders Cohort: October 26, 2021
Participant List
Presenter List and Biographies
Session Info
October 26, 2022
Prior to the MASE Fall Leadership Conference | Madden's on Gull Lake, Brainerd
Room: Golf Villa A | Resort Map
Entire Group: 9 am – 3:00 pm
Directors of Record: 3:15 - 4:30 pm
Topics: MASE Overview, Federal Advocacy, Effective Communication, Mental Health
Director's Only Session: Cohort Driven Agenda
Virtual Option: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItf-ivqj8sH9S9yMW5egNMjPYde_Lcw8x4
Agenda
Session Facilitators
Amy Ernst, Director of Special Education, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Holle Spessard, Director - Region 9, SC Service Cooperative
9:00 - 10:00
Introductions/Icebreaker
Amy Ernst, Director of Special Education, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Holle Spessard, Director - Region 9, SC Service Cooperative
Intro/Icebreaker Slides
10 - 10:30 am
MASE Overview and My Journey
Erin Toninato, Executive Director, MASE
Presentation Slides (Google)
10:30 - 11:30
Federal Advocacy and MASE
Cherie Johnson, Executive Director, Goodhue County Ed. District
Presentation Slides (Google)
11:30 - 12:30
Effective Communication
Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Holle Spessard, Director - Region 9, SC Service Cooperative
Presentation Slides (Google)
12:30 - 1:30
Lunch (provided by MASE) | Wilson Bay Dining Room | Resort Map
1:30 - 3:00
Supporting Mental Health and Trauma - Where to Begin!
Danielle Theis, Director of Special Services, Owatonna Public Schools
Presentation Slides [PDF]
3:00--3:15
Break for New Directors/New Leaders End
3:15-4:30
New Directors of Record Only Session
Cohort Driven Agenda
Amy Ernst, Director of Special Education, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Holle Spessard, Director - Region 9, SC Service Cooperative
Participant List
Presenter List and Biographies
Session Info
October 26, 2022
Prior to the MASE Fall Leadership Conference | Madden's on Gull Lake, Brainerd
Room: Golf Villa A | Resort Map
Entire Group: 9 am – 3:00 pm
Directors of Record: 3:15 - 4:30 pm
Topics: MASE Overview, Federal Advocacy, Effective Communication, Mental Health
Director's Only Session: Cohort Driven Agenda
Virtual Option: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItf-ivqj8sH9S9yMW5egNMjPYde_Lcw8x4
Agenda
Session Facilitators
Amy Ernst, Director of Special Education, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Holle Spessard, Director - Region 9, SC Service Cooperative
9:00 - 10:00
Introductions/Icebreaker
Amy Ernst, Director of Special Education, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Holle Spessard, Director - Region 9, SC Service Cooperative
Intro/Icebreaker Slides
10 - 10:30 am
MASE Overview and My Journey
Erin Toninato, Executive Director, MASE
Presentation Slides (Google)
10:30 - 11:30
Federal Advocacy and MASE
Cherie Johnson, Executive Director, Goodhue County Ed. District
Presentation Slides (Google)
11:30 - 12:30
Effective Communication
Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Holle Spessard, Director - Region 9, SC Service Cooperative
Presentation Slides (Google)
12:30 - 1:30
Lunch (provided by MASE) | Wilson Bay Dining Room | Resort Map
1:30 - 3:00
Supporting Mental Health and Trauma - Where to Begin!
Danielle Theis, Director of Special Services, Owatonna Public Schools
Presentation Slides [PDF]
3:00--3:15
Break for New Directors/New Leaders End
3:15-4:30
New Directors of Record Only Session
Cohort Driven Agenda
Amy Ernst, Director of Special Education, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Holle Spessard, Director - Region 9, SC Service Cooperative
January 18, 2023
MASE New Leaders Cohort | January 18, 2023
Minneapolis Marriott NW | 7025 Northland Dr N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Room: Arbor Lakes Room | Conference Center and Parking Map
Entire Group: 9 am – 2:30 pm
Directors of Record: 2:30 pm – 4 pmVirtual Participation Available: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqfuGhqjkoG9P3fP1n-YUm4Gk46xUsil_l
Participant List
Presenter List and Biographies
Session Agenda
9 - 10 am
Manage Yourself First
Dr. Melissa Schaller, Executive Director of Student Services, Intermediate School District 917
Dave Haveman, Executive Director of Services, Lakeville Area Public Schools
Presentation Slides
10 - 10:15 am
Break
10:15 - 11:15 am
Communicating Challenging Information
Dr. Lori Zimmerman, Director of Professional Learning, MASA & MASE
Presentation Slides [PDF]
Google Slides
11:15 - 11:30 am
Break
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
SpEd Finance
Amy Ernst, Director of Special Education, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Presentation Slides [PDF]
12:30 - 1 pm (Provided by MASE)
Lunch
1 - 2:30 pm
Panel: Staffing and Staffing Models for Special Education Leaders
Panelists: Stacey Dahlby, Director of Special Education for Secondary Schools, Anoka-Hennepin School District
Scott Hare, Director of Student Special Services, Mankato Area Public Schools
Dr. Sarah Mittelstadt, Executive Director, Southern Plains Ed. Cooperative
2:30 - 2:45 pm
Break for New Directors/New Leaders End
2:45 - 4:00 pm
New Directors of Record Only Session
Cohort Driven Agenda
Minneapolis Marriott NW | 7025 Northland Dr N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Room: Arbor Lakes Room | Conference Center and Parking Map
Entire Group: 9 am – 2:30 pm
Directors of Record: 2:30 pm – 4 pmVirtual Participation Available: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqfuGhqjkoG9P3fP1n-YUm4Gk46xUsil_l
Participant List
Presenter List and Biographies
Session Agenda
9 - 10 am
Manage Yourself First
Dr. Melissa Schaller, Executive Director of Student Services, Intermediate School District 917
Dave Haveman, Executive Director of Services, Lakeville Area Public Schools
Presentation Slides
10 - 10:15 am
Break
10:15 - 11:15 am
Communicating Challenging Information
Dr. Lori Zimmerman, Director of Professional Learning, MASA & MASE
Presentation Slides [PDF]
Google Slides
11:15 - 11:30 am
Break
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
SpEd Finance
Amy Ernst, Director of Special Education, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Presentation Slides [PDF]
12:30 - 1 pm (Provided by MASE)
Lunch
1 - 2:30 pm
Panel: Staffing and Staffing Models for Special Education Leaders
Panelists: Stacey Dahlby, Director of Special Education for Secondary Schools, Anoka-Hennepin School District
Scott Hare, Director of Student Special Services, Mankato Area Public Schools
Dr. Sarah Mittelstadt, Executive Director, Southern Plains Ed. Cooperative
2:30 - 2:45 pm
Break for New Directors/New Leaders End
2:45 - 4:00 pm
New Directors of Record Only Session
Cohort Driven Agenda
March 8, 2023
MASE New Leaders Cohort - March 8, 2023
Location: Minneapolis Marriott NW | 7025 Northland Dr N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Room: Elm Creek
Time:
Entire Group: 9 am – 3 pm
Directors of Record: 3:15 pm
Participant List
Presenter List
If you will be attending virtually, here is the link to access the session: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwoce-qrjwqH9xOVjcJZt1WWpdzHU8ZbL6w
Session Facilitators
Amy Ernst, Director of Special Education, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Holle Spessard, Director - Region 9, SC Service Cooperative
Agenda
9:00 - 10:30 am
Special Education HR Issues
Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Natasha Halseth, Director of Human Resources, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Google Slides Presentation
10:30 - 12 pm
Special Education Legal Issues
Christian Shafer, Partner, Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A.
Presentation Slides
Handout/Outline [Word Doc]
12:00 - 12:30 pm
Lunch - Fireside Room, provided by MASE
12:30 - 1:30 pm
Early Childhood Special Education Overview
Katie Gag, Assistant Director of Early Learning, Mankato Area Public Schools
Google Slides Presentation
1:30 - 3:00 pm
Diversity and Inclusion
Rob Reetz, Principal, Mounds View High School
Google Slides Presentation
Readings: Belonging Through A Culture of Dignity
-Chapter 4 - Beyond Strategy: Culture
-Chapter 5, Beyond Respect: Dignity
3:00 - 3:15 pm
Break for Directors Only Session
3:15 pm
Directors Only Session
Amy Ernst, Director of Special Education, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Holle Spessard, Director - Region 9, SC Service Cooperative
Location: Minneapolis Marriott NW | 7025 Northland Dr N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Room: Elm Creek
Time:
Entire Group: 9 am – 3 pm
Directors of Record: 3:15 pm
Participant List
Presenter List
If you will be attending virtually, here is the link to access the session: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwoce-qrjwqH9xOVjcJZt1WWpdzHU8ZbL6w
Session Facilitators
Amy Ernst, Director of Special Education, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Holle Spessard, Director - Region 9, SC Service Cooperative
Agenda
9:00 - 10:30 am
Special Education HR Issues
Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Natasha Halseth, Director of Human Resources, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Google Slides Presentation
10:30 - 12 pm
Special Education Legal Issues
Christian Shafer, Partner, Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A.
Presentation Slides
Handout/Outline [Word Doc]
12:00 - 12:30 pm
Lunch - Fireside Room, provided by MASE
12:30 - 1:30 pm
Early Childhood Special Education Overview
Katie Gag, Assistant Director of Early Learning, Mankato Area Public Schools
Google Slides Presentation
1:30 - 3:00 pm
Diversity and Inclusion
Rob Reetz, Principal, Mounds View High School
Google Slides Presentation
Readings: Belonging Through A Culture of Dignity
-Chapter 4 - Beyond Strategy: Culture
-Chapter 5, Beyond Respect: Dignity
3:00 - 3:15 pm
Break for Directors Only Session
3:15 pm
Directors Only Session
Amy Ernst, Director of Special Education, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
Holle Spessard, Director - Region 9, SC Service Cooperative
May 10, 2023
May 10, 2023
Madden's on Gull Lake, Brainerd
11266 Pine Beach Peninsula, Brainerd, MN 56401
Room: Golf Villa A & B
Resort Map
Entire Group: 9 am – 2:30 pm
Directors of Record: 2:30 pm – 4 pm
Participant List
Presenter Bios
Facilitated by
9 - 10:15 am
Reflective Leadership
Jill Skarvold, MASE Retiree
Presentation Materials (Google Drive)
10:15 - 11:15 am
SPED and EL Students
Sam Ouk, Director of Equity and Inclusion, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools
Presentation Slides
11:15 - 12 pm
Lunch | Wilson Bay
12 - 1 pm
Equity & Special Education
Dr. Alecia Mobley, Director of Special Education, Richfield Public Schools
Saido Abdirashid, Director of Special Education, EdFirstMN
Session Materials
1 - 2:30 pm
Selfcare in Leadership for New Leaders
Julie Fred, Director of Special Services, Shakopee Public Schools
Presentation Link
Article
Google Link
Weekly Update Link
2:30-2:45 pm
Break for New Directors/New Leaders End
2:45 - 4:00 pm
New Directors of Record Only Session
Cohort Driven Agenda
Madden's on Gull Lake, Brainerd
11266 Pine Beach Peninsula, Brainerd, MN 56401
Room: Golf Villa A & B
Resort Map
Entire Group: 9 am – 2:30 pm
Directors of Record: 2:30 pm – 4 pm
Participant List
Presenter Bios
Facilitated by
- Amy Ernst, Director of Special Education, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
- Melanie Kray, Executive Director of Special Services, SW Metro Intermediate District 288-06
- Holle Spessard, Director of Special Education, RLIF for Region 9, South Central Service Cooperative
9 - 10:15 am
Reflective Leadership
Jill Skarvold, MASE Retiree
Presentation Materials (Google Drive)
10:15 - 11:15 am
SPED and EL Students
Sam Ouk, Director of Equity and Inclusion, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools
Presentation Slides
11:15 - 12 pm
Lunch | Wilson Bay
12 - 1 pm
Equity & Special Education
Dr. Alecia Mobley, Director of Special Education, Richfield Public Schools
Saido Abdirashid, Director of Special Education, EdFirstMN
Session Materials
1 - 2:30 pm
Selfcare in Leadership for New Leaders
Julie Fred, Director of Special Services, Shakopee Public Schools
Presentation Link
Article
Google Link
Weekly Update Link
2:30-2:45 pm
Break for New Directors/New Leaders End
2:45 - 4:00 pm
New Directors of Record Only Session
Cohort Driven Agenda