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PURPOSE
MASE strives to:
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Offer information that is concise, consistent and predictable to support the work you do in your communities
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Streamline our communications and reduce the number of messages in your mailbox
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A message from Erin Toninato,
MASE Executive Director:
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Happy Friday, MASE Friends!
As we move deeper into the school year, I want to give a little nudge to think about how you can get more involved in MASE. One of the easiest (and most rewarding) ways is by joining a committee.
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Being part of a committee isn’t just about meetings—it’s about connection. It’s where you really get to know colleagues, share ideas, and help guide the work that matters most to our members. It is where you can make a difference! I hear often that people build some of their strongest professional relationships through committee work—I know for me, it is where my love for MASE started.
Here are committees that you could jump into:
Legislative Committee – help raise our collective voice at the Capitol.
Professional Development Committee – shape the learning opportunities that keep us all moving forward.
Membership Committee – welcome new members and strengthen the ties across our organization.
Nominations Committee – make sure our colleagues get the spotlight and recognition they deserve.
Giving back to an organization you’re part of is satisfying—it makes MASE stronger, and it’s also a great way to grow your own skills and network.
If you’ve been on the fence, this is your sign—find a committee that matches your passion. Your voice matters, and MASE is better when it includes you!
As always...thanks for all you do!
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Welcome, Platinum Business Partners!
INDIGO Education
Infinitec UCP-Seguin
Kennedy & Graven, Chartered
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NEW
MASA Webinar: Leading in Urgent Times
A Space for Reflection and Connection with Elena Aguilar
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Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 1-2 p.m. CDT | Hosted via Zoom
At the beginning of this 2025-26 school year, Minnesota leaders are being called to lead their communities while navigating an education landscape full of uncertainty and change. And yet,perhaps what is most needed right now is not to move faster, but to slow down. As Bayo Akomolafe reminds us, “The times are urgent. Let us slow down.”
Join author Elena Aguilar for an opportunity to gather in community to find grounding, reflect on, and process what it means to lead in urgent times. Read Elena’s biography here
Please feel free to invite members of your district leadership team to attend this webinar!
👉 Register for the Webinar Here
Additional Opportunity: Complimentary Coaching Workshop
In continued support of Minnesota leaders, Elena Aguilar and the Bright Morning team are extending complimentary seats to MASA members for The Art of Coaching Teams workshop in Minneapolis, MN, on September 18-19, 2025.
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Learn strategies to strengthen team culture and collaboration.
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Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Registration closes Sunday, September 14, 2025.
👉 Claim Your Complimentary Seat Here
2025-26 SLICE Dates Announced
The first SLICE session is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4, on the topic of Data Collection. Watch for additional details soon! View a full list of dates for the 2025-26 year.
MASE Member to Serve on Archdiocesan Commission on Students with Special Needs in Catholic Education
MASE member Ellen Grossman will participate in the Archdiocesan Commission on Students with Special Needs in Catholic Education. Read the full story.
MDE Ed-Fi Updates: September 8, 2025 | Read it here
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ONGOING
MASE Membership Renewals
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Thanks to all who have renewed already. Important: If you are part of a district with a central billing office, we need to have your billing contact in our system so that they receive notifications if you have chosen the invoice option for your membership (or for conference and event registration).
Also, if you want to sign up for a CEC/CASE membership and it doesn’t already appear on your invoice, please contact Laurie Pumper at laurie.pumper@mnase.org. It’s an easy fix. If you paid for CEC/CASE membership with your MASE dues, our office will transfer those funds on Monday, Sept. 15. We will transfer funds again at the end of the month, and then monthly.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out; staff are all happy to assist!
MDE Special Education Updates: September 5 | Read it here
MDE Special Education Update archive: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/sped/news/
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NEW
MASE Committee Sign-up
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By Friday, Sept. 19, be sure to sign up for committees for the 2025-26 year! Go to your Member Compass and click on the Profile tab on the left side of the screen to get started!
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ONGOING
Register Now! MASE New Directors Cohort for 2025-26
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Don’t start your special education director career alone! Meet other new directors, experienced MASE colleagues, and MDE staff, and connect with resources within the special education community. Topics include federal and state special education law, finance and budgeting, state reporting, program topics, and leadership.
The first session for this cohort will be held on Tuesday, September 23 at the MASE office in St. Louis Park. Subsequent sessions will be held each month through May 2026. Some sessions are in person, and some are virtual; some run for a full day, while others are only 90 minutes long. Register before Sept. 17!
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Register Now! MDE Special Education Funding Training Webinars
Registration is now open for the following webinars:
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SEDRA 101 Beginners Training Webinar, September 17, 10 a.m.
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SEDRA 220 Advanced Topics and Errors Training Webinar, September 17, 1:30 p.m.
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Special Expenditure Applications for Student Placements (Special Pupils), September 24, 10 a.m.
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Special Education Tuition Billing Overview, October 8, 10 a.m.
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Special Education MEGS Training Webinar, October 22, 10 a.m.
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Secure Your Spot at the
2025 MASE Fall Leadership Conference
Join more than 235 people who are already registered for the Fall Leadership Conference, October 22-24 at Madden’s on Gull Lake in Brainerd!
 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHT:
Keynote Presentation from Kent Julian:
Do The Opposite! An Unusually Powerful Principle for Success!
This might surprise you, but if you want to be successful, one of the best approaches you can take is to do the opposite. If the statement above leaves you scratching your head, I get it. When it was suggested to me by a mentor early in my career, I thought he was crazy. Then he explained… When facing a challenge, purposefully do the opposite of what most people do. Instead of avoiding the situation or making excuses, run directly at it. You'll be shocked at the positive results you’ll experience when you face a challenge head-on instead of running away from it. LEARN MORE
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Register Now for the CASE Conference
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The CASE Conference in Oklahoma City is right around the corner—November 5-7 in Oklahoma City to celebrate 50 years of the IDEA. CASE puts on a great conference and it is well worth your time to attend. If you are interested, you can find registration and hotel information on the CASE website. Many people attended the conference last year and we would love to have another big group from Minnesota in OKC!
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Welcome, Silver Business Partners!
TILL360
Myna Therapy Services
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NEW:
Help Us Spread the Word
If you know non-licensed special education teachers, paraprofessionals, or others interested in becoming licensed special education teachers, please share this opportunity with them. This recruitment event is designed to connect future teacher candidates with special education preparation programs and provide clear pathways toward licensure.
Your Path to Special Education Starts Here: Join Our Recruitment Event
Current non-licensed special education teachers working in schools who want to pursue licensure.
Paraprofessionals or support staff interested in becoming licensed special education teachers.
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to transition into special education teaching.
Teacher candidates seeking licensure through special education preparation programs.
Date: October 21, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Online (Join from anywhere!)
For more information, click on: https://secure.smore.com/n/femt6
Register Today!
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ONGOING:
Job Posting: K-12 Content Lead, Special Education Dept. | Minneapolis Public Schools
Submit Your MASE Moments of Awe
Record and share your “MASE Moments of Awe.” These are the stories—the glimmers—that highlight the beauty and importance of what we do. Read the full story at our website!
Why Belong to CASE?
MASE members have the option to join CEC/CASE, the Council of Administrators of Special Education. Being part of CASE isn't just about accessing resources—it’s about stepping into a community that champions your leadership journey:
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Your voice influences national policy.
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Your growth is fueled by flexible, world-class learning.
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Your efficiency improves with curated tools and discounts.
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Your network expands, deepening support for you and your work.
Whether you’re new to CASE or a long-standing member, there’s always a new opportunity to advocate, learn, connect, and lead. Explore all programs, benefits, and updates on the website—or let Melissa Schaller know if you’d like help highlighting a specific event or opportunity in future newsletters!
You can also learn more here.
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CASE/CEC Open Resources:
ONGOING:
- CASE Needs Your Stories from the Field. Submit here!
- Section 504 Process Manual AND Virtual Training. Full info!
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Helpful Links
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Click the button above to submit your news and/or job openings! Also, please whitelist info@mnase.org and laurie.pumper@mnase.org to ensure that you receive your newsletter without interruption.
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Copyright (C) 2025 Minnesota Administrators for Special Education. All rights reserved.
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