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January 9, 2026
Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed the week of January 19-25, 2026, as Paraprofessional Recognition Week.
Paraprofessionals work in a variety of positions and are included in a range of important school roles. We celebrate paraprofessionals alongside you and have provided suggestions on how to recognize their contributions. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) invites you to share any additional suggestions you may wish to offer.
Read the full memo from Commissioner Willie Jett, including ideas for recognizing and celebrating paraprofessionals during the week of January 19-25. Schools can use this signed certificate from Commissioner Jett to honor each paraprofessional in their school community.
The captioned recording of the December 12, 2025, Special Education Directors' Forum is available. If you attended the forum or have viewed the recording, please complete the December 2025 Special Education Directors' Forum Evaluation Survey.
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is continuing its webinar series into the 2025-26 school year to support educators in implementing proactive, positive, evidence-based strategies and resources. This series will highlight local examples of work being done to align systems of support across the needs of diverse learners and to provide information on specific disabilities and include voices of individuals and families within the community alongside educators and community organizations. We are excited to announce our next webinar in the series.
Evidence-Based Literacy Intervention Materials
January 15, 2026, from 3 to 4 p.m.
Vicki Weinberg, Division of Special Education, MDE
This webinar will explore the implications of the Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act intervention list, the use of data and effective screening practices, efforts to intensify instruction, and key considerations for selecting appropriate programming. This will be a high-level discussion intended to orient special educators to the implications of the READ Act for students with disabilities.
Register on Zoom for Evidence-Based Literacy Intervention Materials
A Sneak Peek at the Minnesota Math Interventions Online Training Modules
February 12, 2026, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Patty Popp, Specific Learning Disabilities Specialist at MDE; Brad Witzel, PhD, at Western Carolina University; Adelaide Worth Daniels, Distinguished Professor at Western Carolina University; Sarah Powell, PhD, Professor at The University of Texas at Austin; Karen Tzanetopoulos, MS, CCC-SLP, at Learning to Full Potential LLC; and Sandra Elliott, PhD at Elliott Street Consultancy LLC.
This webinar will introduce a series of free training modules currently in development to strengthen teachers’ content knowledge and pedagogical skills for teaching mathematics to students with disabilities and those in need of intervention. International experts in mathematical learning for students with mathematics difficulties—Drs. Sarah Powell and Brad Witzel will be joined by Karen Tzanetopoulos, a speech-language practitioner and researcher with expertise in the cognitive processes involved in learning mathematics, and Dr. Sandra Elliott, a leading authority on mathematics education and learning differences. Together, they will discuss customized learning modules that will soon be available for usability testing.
Past Webinars to Review
In addition to the current webinar offerings, MDE has posted recordings of previous webinars that may be helpful for teams to review during the current school year. These sessions provide valuable insights and resources for both general educators and those serving students receiving special education services. All recordings include closed captions and are accompanied by accessible slide decks and related materials.
The Minnesota Department of Education remains committed to ensuring every child—of every background and ability, and regardless of immigration status—deserves access to a world-class education. We will continue to advocate for the stability, resources, and policies that ensure every student is safe and has the opportunity to succeed.
Please take a moment to revisit our previous guidance on navigating changes in federal immigration policy. Minnesota law and binding guidance from the Minnesota Attorney General affirm that schools must remain safe spaces for all students, regardless of immigration status.
We have received many questions about online options. Here is information about options available under Minnesota statute.
Charter schools and districts can provide online instructional opportunities to their own enrolled students. Plans for online instruction need to consider how the needs of all students can be met, including students with disabilities and students learning English. Requirements for online instruction are outlined in Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 124D.094, and additional guidance is available on the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) website, including information specific to special education.
Districts and charter schools may create cooperative agreements to provide online instruction to their students. Leaders may want to consider forming agreements with experienced supplemental online providers to meet the needs of their students. MDE staff are available to consult with leaders who are considering online instruction. Contact MDE Online Learning (mde.onlinelinelearning@state.mn.us) for support.
Thank you for your continued commitment to student learning, safety, and well-being.
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