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March 3, 2023
Updates in this email:
After two months in the position, Commissioner Jett has had the opportunity to learn about the MDE leadership team and the roles of leaders at the agency. Based on this learning, we are sharing news of leadership changes that will support the agency in carrying out our collective work to serve students, families and school communities across the state.
Stephanie Graff has assumed the role of Chief of Staff and is responsible for supporting the Commissioner in his day-to-day work to carry out the vision of the agency, in alignment with the vision of the Governor and Lt. Governor. In her new role, Stephanie directly oversees the Divisions of Government Relations and Communications. Stephanie comes to the Chief of Staff position with over 15 years of experience working in education – teaching high school, advising the Governor and Lt. Governor on education, and serving in a variety of roles at MDE, most recently as an Assistant Commissioner.
In addition, Angela Mansfield has transitioned into the role of Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Educational Opportunity. In this capacity, Angela oversees the Divisions of Student Access and Opportunity, Career and College Success, Data Practices and Analytics, School and Educator Support, and the COMPASS unit. Angela comes to the Assistant Commissioner position with over 26 years of experience in teaching and leading at public, charter, and private schools, teaching in a post-secondary setting, education consulting, and working at MDE in multiple roles, including as the Program Manager for COMPASS. Angela received the prestigious Milken Educator Award in 2002 while working in Minneapolis Public Schools.
Also, given the legal support needs for the agency, General Counsel Eric Taubel has begun reporting directly to Commissioner Jett.
These changes, which are reflected in the MDE Organization Chart, will help move the agency forward to deliver on the priorities in the Due North Education Plan.
MDE’s Project AWARE team is sponsoring a free, virtual training on Building a Comprehensive School Mental Health System, presented by the Midwest Center for School Mental Health, on Tuesday, March 14, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CDT. Learn more and register at Building a Comprehensive School Mental Health System.
This half-day interactive training will highlight strategies to build a comprehensive school- or district-wide approach to support student mental health. It is designed for school staff and leaders interested in strengthening mental health support for students. Facilitators will provide an overview of the comprehensive school mental health framework developed by the National Center for School Mental Health and outline a process for schools or districts to take in creating plans to build or strengthen their system of support for students.
Participants are encouraged to register as district teams, although this is not required. Following the training, each participating Minnesota team or district will be eligible to request up to five hours of free personalized technical assistance through the Midwest Center for School Mental Health.
Attention schools implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)! Please consider applying for MN PBIS Sustaining Exemplar Recognition. Minnesota PBIS Sustaining Exemplar Recognition identifies and recognizes exemplar schools that have completed PBIS implementation and are continuing to achieve positive student outcomes. Visit the Sustaining Exemplar page for more information, including application materials and the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Application Overview recording. The deadline for applications is April 7.
Below are the links to the different applications. Please use the descriptions to determine which one your district or school should complete.
Please email mde.pbis@state.mn.us with any questions.
Registration is now open for Restorative Practices in Schools and Communities Trainings to be held in Crystal, MN from June 20-23. Access the registration at Restorative Trainings Metro - Crystal.
Those new to restorative practices can choose from Circle 1 or Restorative Chats trainings. Those with circle experience or training are invited to Whole School Design or Repairing Relationships trainings. Finally, there are two-day Restorative Skills Sessions for people practicing circle to deepen their understanding of the process. Registration will be open next week for Online Circle Trainings and Restorative Skills Sessions, June 12-15, and Greater Minnesota In-Person RP Trainings, offered throughout June.
Contact Nancy Riestenberg, 651-582-8433, Grace Yang, 651-582-8777, or Gregg Campbell, 651-582-8796, for further information.
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