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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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Make Time
Happy Friday, everyone!
This week’s message is short and sweet because I’m busy doing those things that bring me joy. For me, that means chasing waterfalls, soaking in the fall colors, and hiking the trails along Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore.
Whatever “the thing” is for you, I encourage you to make time for it. Joy fuels us for the important work that needs to be done every day!
As always, thanks for all you do!
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Sharing a Glimmer
“Amid the flurry of enrollments, trainings, complex students/families, and supporting new staff, I’m grateful for the glimmer of awe in collaborating with my district colleagues and fellow directors across the state—bringing joy and encouragement to this work.”
From Sara Lein, West St. Paul/Mendota Heights/Eagan Area Schools
Share your own “MASE Moments of Awe.” These are the stories—the glimmers—that highlight the beauty and importance of what we do.
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Welcome, Platinum Business Partners!
Huddle Up
Next Level Speech Therapy
SpEd Forms
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NEW
December 1, 2025, Federal Child Count
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The special education child count data reporting process through the Minnesota Automated Reporting Student System (MARSS) has begun. There are five MARSS submissions reporting deadlines: September 18, 2025, October 16, 2025, November 13, 2025, December 11, 2025, and January 6, 2026. After the final deadline in January, there is no appeal process for fall data.
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Students Experiencing Homelessness Count Survey Is Open
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The annual collection of counts of students experiencing homelessness in the previous year has opened. As in the past several years, Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) staff are using the Alchemer survey tool to collect this data.
The survey will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 31.
If your district’s homeless liaison has not yet received the survey, please encourage them to check the spam or junk folder in their email. If the survey is not there, please reach out to MDE.HomelessEd@state.mn.us for assistance.
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ONGOING
MASE Membership Renewals
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If you still need to renew your MASE membership, please do so before Oct. 10 to avoid missing out on your membership benefits. 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 transferred those funds earlier this week. 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 Update archive: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/sped/news/
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Professional Learning Opportunity
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Parallel Learning is hosting a leadership series for Special Education Administration Teams this fall and is extending the invitation to MASE Members. Join two of the most respected experts in special education law, compliance, and IEP development, Dr. David Bateman and special guest Julie Weatherly, for a 3-part series starting Thursday, September 25: Informed & Ahead. Session themes include:
· Lead Through Uncertainty: Stay ahead with the latest legal updates
· Mid-Fall Check-Ins: Make IEPs work before it’s too late
· Accountability, Adjustments, and December Deadlines with Julie Weatherly
These sessions will provide valuable updates on the evolving legal landscape in special education across the nation. Normally a paid course, Parallel Learning is offering it to MASE members free of charge. Feel free to share the invitation with your team. Can’t make it live? No worries—register now and receive key takeaways and exclusive resources afterward.
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MASA Women’s Leadership Network 2025-2026
MASA is pleased to invite women leaders across Minnesota to participate in the 2025–26 Women’s Leadership Network. The network will once again be facilitated by Dr. Stacie Stanley, Superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools, who brings deep expertise in leadership development,coaching, systems change, and culturally responsive leadership.
The sessions are open to all women leaders. Please share this opportunity with colleagues who may be interested in joining these engaging and supportive conversations.
Learn more and register: https://www.mnasa.org/womens-leadership-network
MDE Special Education Updates: September 19 | Read it here
MDE Updates from the Minnesota READ Act: September 2025 | Read it here
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NEW
Register for the MDE Special Education Directors’ Forum
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MDE’s Special Education Directors’ Forum will be held on Friday, Oct. 10. This full-day event is filled with essential learning, updates, and community gathering. Registration is required to confirm your attendance and preferred format. Please complete the registration form to let MDE know how you plan to attend and to register for the afternoon breakout sessions.
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Business Partners: Sponsor a MASE Professional Development Event
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MASE offers professional development programs throughout the year—including the SLICE of Collaboration webinars, New Directors Cohort, and Finance Academy. We have now made it easier for our Business Partners to sponsor these programs! Our website now has a spot where you can sign up and pay to sponsor one or more programs. Your support helps us to provide these learning opportunities to our members!
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Secure Your Spot at the
2025 MASE Fall Leadership Conference
Join more than 260 people who are already registered for the Fall Leadership Conference, October 22-24 at Madden’s on Gull Lake in Brainerd! We will unveil the full conference schedule next week.
Exhibit spaces are sold out! If you are interested in getting your company’s name on a wait list, please contact Sales Coordinator Ky Carlson.
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Register Now! MDE Special Education Funding Training Webinars
Registration is now open for the following webinars:
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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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🎉 Get Ready for BINGO! 🎉
Get ready for an extra dose of excitement with the Minnesota Special Education Leadership Foundation's (MNSELF) annual Bingo Extravaganza fundraiser in support of learning for leaders!
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Join us on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in the Townhall Ballroom for an unforgettable evening of fun at the MASE Best Practices Conference!
As the clock strikes 7:15 p.m., the first Bingo game kicks off, promising thrills and laughter as you compete for fantastic prizes. Your $20 ticket grants you access to 10 thrilling rounds of Bingo, with two bingo cards per game. Feeling lucky? Treat yourself to additional games for even more chances to win! And while you're enjoying the games, sip on your favorite beverages from our cash bar to keep the energy high. We even have wait staff to serve you!
But wait, there's more! Not only do we have B-I-N-G-O, we also have an exciting raffle event! Raffle tickets are provided for a chance to win exclusive prizes that will leave you feeling like a winner, all while supporting MNSELF's mission.
And speaking of prizes, get ready to swoon over our lineup of designer handbags, featuring iconic names like Michael Kors, Coach, and Kate Spade. Don’t worry about it just being purses! We have additional prizes for the non-purse lovers…Yeti coolers, name-brand water bottles, gift cards, and more!!
The fun doesn't stop there—we've got plenty of other prizes to sweeten the pot. Tickets will sell fast, so don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable evening. Mark your calendars now and get ready to play, win, and support a cause close to our hearts. Let's make this year's Bingo fundraiser one to remember!
🌟BINGO $20 for 2 packs 🌟 BINGO $10 for 1 pack
If you have any questions, please contact:
Tanya Tacker, ttacker@rrsec.org
Christian Wernau, cwernau@zumbroed.org
Nicole Bolduan, nbolduan@gced.k12.mn.us
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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!
Lessi
Parallel Learning
Speech Partners
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ONGOING:
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
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Current non-licensed special education teachers working in schools who want to pursue licensure.
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Paraprofessionals or support staff interested in becoming licensed special education teachers.
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Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to transition into special education teaching.
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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, visit: https://secure.smore.com/n/femt6
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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:
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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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