MASE in Your Mailbox - June 27, 2025

Well, friends—this is it! The last weekly message supported by our amazing MASA staff. I can’t let it pass without sending them a giant THANK YOU for all they’ve done to support MASE over the years. And selfishly, I’m especially grateful for everything they’ve done to keep me organized, informed, and sane in my role as Executive Director. They’ve been the calm in many storms and the ones who have made sure all things ran smoothly.

As we roll into July, we will welcome new staff and as time passes, we will equally appreciate all of them. After July 1st, if there is MASE information in your inbox, it will come with new names and email addresses – please take a minute to welcome them when you have a minute. They are all excited to be working with us!

I’m crossing my fingers for you that you enter July with full staffing and your onboarding plans ready. You’ve got this!

Just a heads-up: there’s no MASE in Your Mailbox next week July 4. I hope you take that extra inbox space as a sign to unplug, unwind, and enjoy a 4th of July filled with sunshine, laughter, and people who make you feel good in the best way.

Here’s to a great long weekend! As always, thanks for all you do!

It’s been an honor to serve the MASE organization in my communications role for the past 10 years. Thank you for all you do on behalf of students of all abilities. I look forward to seeing your association grow in the coming years! 🫡

- Dave Christians, Communications & Marketing Manager

New:

• MASE Membership Renewal Coming Soon! It’s almost time to renew your MASE membership for the upcoming year. If you are a joint MASE/MASA member, you should already have received your renewal information and we encourage you to renew as soon as possible. If you are a MASE only member, please look for your renewal information to arrive by August 1. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out; staff are all happy to assist!

• New Directors Cohort Registration Stay Tuned! Registration for the 2025 MASE New Directors Cohort will also open shortly after membership renewals. If you're a new special education director or new to the role in Minnesota, this year-long program offers essential support and connection.

• MDE Special Education Updates: June 27, 2025 | Read it here.

• Reminder - Starting July 1! MASE's new general contact email: info@mnase.org. New Main Phone Line: 651-299-0502. Until then continue to use members@mnasa.org and (651) 645-6272.

• We've been informed that Ewald holds summer hours which means the MASE offices will be closed on Fridays this summer. If you need immediate assistance during those times you can contact Executive Director Erin Toninato at etoninatomase@gmail.com or by cell 507-822-0877. Stay tuned for specific details regarding summer hours.
• Did you know? Minnesota is one of six states that have met IDEA requirements each year from 2014-2025. Read the article from K-12 Dive here!

Ongoing:

• MDE: Special Education Updates: June 20, 2025 | Read it here.
• Speech language pathology assistant (SLPA) licensure clarification update. Read the update from Valerie Dosland here!
• MDE: Special Education Updates: June 3, 2025 | Read it here.
• EdFi Updates: June 16, 2025 | Read it here.

New:

• Help Shape the Future of MASE Leadership Development! As MASE begins planning next year’s New Directors Cohort and prepares for the return of the Finance Academy, we’re seeking input from current leaders like you. What do you believe future colleagues need to know and experience to be best prepared for the director role? While we understand that nothing can fully prepare someone for the complexities of directorship, your insights will help us create the most meaningful and supportive experience possible. Share your feedback here: https://forms.gle/Vp8ys314MnkEeZar5.
• MDE Special Education Funding Training Webinars July – October 2025 | Full info here!
• Join MSSWA for the 2025 MH-SpEd Training on August 11–12 at the Valley View Education Center in Eden Prairie, MN. This two-day training offers essential knowledge on Medicaid Third-Party Billing, ethical documentation, IEP alignment, and sustainable mental health-special education practices. Space is limited to 200 participants, and registration closes July 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. Click here to register and learn more.

Ongoing:

• CASE Special Education Leadership Institute - Cohort 2: Applications are open! The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) recognizes the nationwide concern over the shortage of educational leaders specifically trained to supervise special education programs. As the Voice of Special Education Leadership across the country, CASE is committed to leadership development that will continue to drive the profession forward. Based upon the core values at the heart of CASE, the Leadership Institute provides an opportunity for current and future educational leaders to strengthen their foundation in the components related to the administration of special education programs. For more information and to apply: https://www.casecec.org/special-education-leadership-institute.

New:

• Job Posting: Director of Special Education | South Washington County Schools
• Job Posting: Director of Special Services | Waseca & Le-Sueur-Henderson Schools