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December 2024
Educator Workforce and Development Center
December Updates
Jump to the topic description by clicking the link.
GYO programs are partnerships between educator preparation programs, school districts or charter schools, and community organizations that recruit and prepare local community members (e.g., parents, paraeducators, non-certified school staff, high school students) to enter the teaching profession and teach in their communities.
The Fiscal Year (FY) 26 GYO grant competition is now live. The competition is posted through the Minnesota Education Grants System (MEGS).
To review the grant materials before entering into MEGS please refer to the information on the Competitive Grants webpage.
On Wednesday, December 11, from 3 to 4 p.m., we will be hosting an information session about the grant opportunity.
Register for the FY26 GYO Information Session.
For assistance with questions about the information session, contact Kleber Ortiz (651-582-8582).
The grant application is due on January 15, 2025.
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Join the New Teacher Center (NTC) and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) in a professional learning session for mentors. Participants will develop strategies to guide special education teachers in creating comprehensive student profiles. These profiles will inform the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and also serve as collaborative resources for general education teachers. This approach ensures the seamless integration of specially designed instruction into core classroom practices, enhancing support for students' diverse needs.
Register for the January 23 session from 8:30 to 10 a.m. or January 23 session from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
For assistance with questions or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Chris Ramadan (651-582-8810) at least two weeks before the session.
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Join the New Teacher Center (NTC) and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) for a professional learning session designed for leaders who want to elevate their mentor programs. The session will feature panelists sharing effective practices, key tools and supportive structures that have made a difference for early career teachers in unique contexts. Participants will engage in rich discussions, exchanging ideas and strategies, and leave with next steps to enhance their induction programs
Register for the January 24 session from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
For assistance with questions or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Chris Ramadan (651-582-8810) at least two weeks before the session.
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The United States Department of Education (ED) Raise the Bar: Lead the World initiative includes an specific focus on eliminating the educator shortage.
In early December, ED published two robust resources for states and districts:
Both resources speak to the need for students to have access to a diverse, qualified and thriving educator workforce, and they link to several research articles that support the rationale. Furthermore, programs across the nation are featured, providing opportunities for us all to learn from our peers. Finally, both speak to ways to fund these initiatives.
Our team encourages anyone working on educator workforce systems and initiatives to download and explore these resources.
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Minnesota Professional Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is excited to announce the launch of new Heritage Language Pathway Portfolio Cohorts for teachers seeking licensure to teach their heritage language and culture!
Minnesota’s students and families speak more than 300 home languages. In an effort to increase the opportunities for language instruction across the state, PELSB is committed to supporting heritage language teachers in the licensure process.
"Heritage language and culture teacher" means a teacher with a familial connection to their community's language and culture, who is proficient in the language and engaged in the culture and uses this connection to support students as they learn academic content, become proficient in the language, and engage with the culture of that particular linguistic and cultural community.
For the purposes of this program, a heritage language and culture teacher of American Sign Language is a teacher with a childhood connection to American Sign Language, whose primary language is American Sign Language.
Two separate cohorts will begin in January 2025. Each cohort will be guided and supported by PELSB staff through the licensure via portfolio process as they complete the requisite portfolio items with the goal of attaining a Tier 3 World Languages and Cultures license to teach their heritage language.
Initial Licensure Cohort
The Initial Licensure Cohort will consist of teachers teaching on a Tier 1 or 2 license. Cohort members will complete portfolios for the Standards of Effective Practice and World Languages and Cultures over an 18-month program.
Additional Licensure Cohort
The Additional Licensure Cohort will consist of teachers teaching on a Tier 3 or 4 license, but either on an OFP to teach their language or licensed in an area other than World Languages and Cultures. This cohort will complete a portfolio for World Languages and Cultures over a six-month program.
Information Sessions
Upcoming Information Sessions are open to the public. Registration is required.
Contact
Thank you again for your collaboration and for all you do for teachers and students in Minnesota. Please reach out to Grant Boulanger, PELSB Heritage Language Pathways Specialist, with any questions.
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