Prior Lake - Understand Native Minnesota Educator Academy
2024-02-21 08:30 - 16:00, 2024-03-14 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Mystic Lake Center, 2400 Mystic Lake Boulevard NW, Prior Lake, MN, 55372, United States
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, through its Understand Native Minnesota campaign, is hosting two free Educator Academy events on February 21 and March 14, from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. These one-day events offer professional development workshops to introduce K-12 educators to a variety of ways to teach Native American topics in classroom settings. They are intended for educators in Minnesota and will feature Native American authors, artists, and education experts. Continuing Education credits for teachers and administrators will be offered.
These events will be held at Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Attendance is free of charge and meals (breakfast and lunch) will be provided. Each event is limited to 300 participants. These are the final Educator Academy events to be offered by the SMSC’s Understand Native Minnesota campaign.
The Minnesota Humanities Center will be presenting on Teaching American Indian Content to All, as well as tabling. If you plan to attend, please come by and say hello!
Registration
Registration Questions: info@understandnativemn.org
Register Now

Dakota and Ojibwe Languages Symposium
2024-02-29 - 2024-03-01 | Treasure Island Resort, 5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd, Welch, MN, 55089, United States
The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council’s Language Revitalization Working Group, partnering with the Minnesota Humanities Center, is hosting the 3rd annual Dakota & Ojibwe Languages Symposium! This two-day symposium will be held on Thursday, Feb. 29th and Friday, March 1st at Treasure Island Resort and Casino. The goal of the symposium is to bring people working in Dakota and Ojibwe language revitalization together. We will use this time to celebrate successes, highlight the current state of the field, shape future language revitalization efforts, and elevate the visibility of Indigenous languages throughout the state of Minnesota. By bringing people together, we hope this symposium serves as an opportunity for individuals to network with other Dakota and Ojibwe language professionals. The symposium will be held in-person and virtually for participants.
Registration
Breakfast and lunch are included for those attending in person. Participants are responsible for booking their own overnight accommodations if needed and can call Treasure Island Resort at 1-888-867-7829.
CEU’s will be available for educators attending the symposium.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
In-person spots have been filled. There are still spots available to attend virtually.
Register Now
Exhibitor Application
If you’re interested in tabling at the symposium, please complete the online application. We are willing to accommodate as many as we can. Priority will be given to those focusing on language revitalization. The final decision on selection will be determined by the Working Group.
Please note: No sales will be allowed at symposium. This application is meant for informational/educational booths that are handing out free information and literature, not selling items.
If you have any questions, please email skyler.kuczaboski@state.mn.us or call/text 651-304-4149.
Apply Online

St. Paul - Juneteenth Reckoning with Slavery: Minnesota African American History
2024-07-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
K-12 educators are invited to attend this special film screening and discussion. Co-produced by OMG Studios and the Minnesota Humanities Center, this documentary challenges our understanding of slavery, its impact on Minnesota, and how we reconcile our past by taking viewers on a present-day journey to Ghana, to the quarters of Harriet and Dred Scott, and into conversations with current and future scholars. Featuring Akwamu Traditional Area’s King Odeneho Kwafo Akoto, III and Queen Mother Nana Afrakoma, II, of West Africa, Ghana, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III, MN Humanities CEO Kevin Lindsey, St. Cloud State University American Studies Chair and Minnesota Book Award Winner Dr. Christopher Lehman, and Minnesota creative treasures T. Mychael Rambo, Thomasina Petrus and concluding with voices of the Black Youth Healing Arts Center (BYHAC).
Following the 40-minute film, there will be a facilitated conversation on how to intentionally bring this history into classrooms.
K-12 educators will receive 2 clock hours.
This year’s documentary film is brought to audiences by Ujamaa Place, St. Paul Public Library, and the City of St. Paul.
Registration
There is no cost to attend this event, however registration is required. Refreshments will be provided.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Online - Resistance, Resilience & Reimagination Information Session
2024-07-22 16:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-22 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-08-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-05 16:00 - 17:00 | Online
Join teachers of color and American Indian teachers from across the state in a year-long program designed to engage participants in navigating education systems with resistance, resilience, and reimagination. A partnership between Intermediate School District 917, Metro State University, and MHC, this PELSB (Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board) funded program provides free of cost and paid stipend opportunities for participants.
Register for one of four information sessions to learn more about this opportunity for teachers of color and American Indian teachers.

Monday July 22, 2024, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Monday July 22, 2024, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Monday August 5, 2024, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Monday August 5, 2024, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Onamia - American Indian Education in Minnesota 101
2024-07-23 08:00 - 2024-07-24 16:00 | Grand Casino Mille Lacs, 777 Grand Avenue, Onamia, MN, 56359, United States
In April 2019 Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan performed a ceremonial signing of Executive Order 19-24 (which came into law in 2023) with several Tribal leaders and officials. Photo by Melanie Franks
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is pleased to announce a significant training opportunity designed in collaboration with Tribal Nations and the urban American Indian community in Minnesota. This training program is specifically tailored for school district administrators, staff, school board members, and educators to enhance their understanding and engagement with Native learners and families.
The primary goal of this training is to equip K-12 educators, staff, and administrators with the knowledge and tools necessary to serve American Indian students and foster positive relationships effectively. Participants will gain insights that they can apply directly in their teaching practices and community interactions.
This training has been developed in partnership with MDE, University of Minnesota Duluth – Tribal Sovereignty Institute, the Minnesota Department of Transportation – Tribal State Relations Training, and the Minnesota Humanities Center.
We look forward to welcoming you to this important initiative aimed at strengthening our collective commitment to Native education and community engagement.
Visit the MDE Tribal Relations Training web page to learn more and to access the two free pre-requisite online courses.
Lodging
Lodging is recommended at Grand Casino Mille Lacs (777 Grand Avenue, Onamia, MN 56359 – same location of the two-day training). Rooms are $99.00 – 109.00 per night plus taxes and fees until July 8, 2024. Call Grand Casino Mille Lacs at 800-626-5825 and mention code TDE722M for the training block (or enter the code when you register online).
District Reimbursement
District Reimbursement Application – MDE Tribal Relations Training – District Reimbursement Application (office.com)
This form must be completed if a district would like to receive the reimbursement of $500 per participant. The payments will be processed by MDE after the training.
Registration
This event is free but registration is required. Please complete the registration form for each individual attending.
K-12 educators, staff, and administrators will receive 13.5 clock hours upon completion of the training.
Registration Questions: Contact Melanie Franks — MDE Tribal Liaison at melanie.franks@state.mn.us.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Birmingham, AL - Alabama Civil Rights Field Study
2024-08-04 - 2024-08-10 | Sonesta Inns and Suites, 50 State Farm Pkwy, Birmingham, AL, 35209, United States
The Alabama Civil Rights Field Study offers a profound, seven-day, six-night exploration into the heart of the Modern Civil Rights Movement. This immersive experience is designed for educators who seek to deepen their understanding of the pivotal role that Alabama played in making the promises of the U.S. Constitution a greater reality for more Americans and its ties to Minnesota today. Journey through key historical sites in Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery, and witness firsthand the landmarks of courage and struggle that changed our nation.
Using a combination of lectures, first-hand accounts from history makers, travel, and primary and secondary source documents, educators will examine how the political, social, economic, and cultural institutions of the United States of America were changed as a result of the events that took place in Alabama.

St. Paul - Fall Metro Indian Education Gathering
2024-10-02 11:00 - 13:30 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join us for the Fall Metro Indian Education Gathering hosted at the Minnesota Humanities Center. Anyone connected to American Indian Education and/or American Indian students are welcome to attend. Lunch will be served potluck style. A main dish will be provided. Please register so we can plan accordingly and bring a side dish or dessert to share!
Our tentative agenda is:

Updates from Dr. Jane Harstad, Office of the American Indian Education (MDE).
An open discussion on how American Indian Education programs can help support one another

If you have a topic you would like to add to the agenda please contact Robin Nelson at rnelson4@isd622.org.
About the Metro Indian Education Gathering
The Metro Indian Education Gathering is a group of urban American Indian Educators that come together on a regular basis, 2-3 times a year to share ideas and discuss challenges while celebrating successes. We create a space for networking and access to people who can help navigate the rules and regulations governing American Indian Education programs. This group has been meeting since January 2013 but COVID discontinued our meetings. The group relaunched at the Minnesota Indian Education Association Conference on April 19, 2023 and resumed regular in-person gatherings Fall 2023.
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Online - Teaching Bdote: Tools for Teaching Dakota Content
2024-11-02 09:30 - 12:00 | Online
Teaching Bdote: Tools for Teaching Dakota Content is designed for educators who have attended, or are planning to attend, Learning from Place: Bdote. This workshop is especially useful for developing unique classroom content to align with Minnesota State Social Studies Standards.
Offered in collaboration with Saint Paul Public Schools, this online workshop will address the concerns and anxieties that non-Indigenous educators may have around teaching Dakota history. Educators will leave with new resources and content, deeper understanding, and ideas for how to lead a Bdote trip or to bring the experience into the classroom.
Teaching Bdote will be facilitated and presented by Ramona Kitto Stately, Ethan Neerdaels, and the Saint Paul Public Schools Office of Teaching and Learning.
Registration
If cost is a concern, we have a limited number of complimentary spaces available for Minnesota residents. To request a complimentary spot, please register with Discount Code WAIVE24.
Through our partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools, the fee is waived for all SPPS educators. Please register with Discount Code SPPS24.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
Register Now

St. Paul - Minnesota English Learner Education (MELEd) Fall Conference
2024-11-22 - 2024-11-23 | Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN, 55102, United States
The annual MELEd Fall Conference will be held November 22-23, 2024 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. The Minnesota English Learner Education Conference is a partnership between MinneTESOL and the Minnesota Department of Education. Educators come together to celebrate, share information, learn from and with each other, and network across Minnesota for ESL, Dual Language and Bilingual Education, and Migrant Education.
The Minnesota Humanities Center will be tabling and presenting two sessions at the conference:

Culturally Rich Resources for All Learners – Friday, November 22, 10:15-11:00 a.m.
Amplifying Student Voice through the Latino Poetry Anthology, Places We Call Home – Saturday, November 23, 2:00-2:45 p.m.

Registration
Registration Questions: admin@minnetesol.org
Register Now

Marshall - National History Day: Honoring Histories with Care
2024-12-04 10:00 - 15:00 | Southwest West Central Service Cooperative, 1420 East College Drive, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Curious about National History Day and how to present historical content in ways that honor and respect diverse communities? Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, for a workshop designed for 6-12th grade educators. This session will spotlight Minnesota’s Indigenous communities, featuring an update from the Minnesota Department of Education on the recently passed Indigenous Education for All legislation, a presentation from the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition on the history and legacy of residential boarding schools, an introduction to National History Day by the Minnesota Historical Society, and a curated overview of high-quality educator resources. Educators will gain practical strategies and resources to guide students in creating projects with honor, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
Educators will receive a $75 stipend and 4.5 clock hours following their participation in the workshop.
Registration
Registration Questions: Dawn Christensen, dawn.christensen@swsc.org
Register Now

Online - Building Bright Futures: Support Student Growth and Success as a National History Day Judge!
2025-01-23 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-01-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Join us as a 2025 Regional History Day Judge and help shape the future of Minnesota students! This rewarding volunteer opportunity allows you to engage directly with young scholars as they explore historical topics, develop critical research and writing skills, and discover their voices.
Your role as a judge goes beyond evaluating projects—it’s about fostering confidence, curiosity, and a sense of accomplishment in students. By offering thoughtful feedback and celebrating their efforts, you empower them to grow as learners, thinkers, and creators.
The Minnesota Humanities Center, in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, is committed to ensuring students see themselves in the mentors and evaluators they encounter throughout their educational experience. We especially welcome judges from Minnesota’s richly diverse communities, including African American, Asian, American Indian, Latino/e/x, East African, and Greater Minnesota residents. Your unique perspective can make a lasting impact!
No experience? No problem! This online training session, led by Sammi Jo Papas of the Minnesota Historical Society, provides everything you need to know. All you need is an interest in history and a willingness to connect with students.

Event Details:

Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in history and student success
Format: Online training
Stipend: Workshop attendees who commit to judging at a Regional History Day competition will receive a $50 stipend

Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now
Join us in nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and citizens. Learn more and sign up as a History Day judge to make a difference: mnhs.org/historyday.
Support young historians and help shape the next generation of leaders—sign up today!
Support for this project comes in part from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) “National History Day” initiative, an effort to extend NHD outreach to educators and students in hard-to-reach communities and to recruit, in collaboration with NHD and NHD affiliates, a more diverse pool of NHD judges from minority-serving institutions, community colleges, and underserved communities.

St. Paul - Cultural Financial Literacy
2025-02-01 11:00 - 13:00 | OMG Studios, 550 Vandalia Street Suite 220, St. Paul, 55102, United States
Commemorate Black History & Culture with OMG Studio’s Art, Music & Literature Exhibition 2025. FREE Media Courses Offered to the Beloved Community – registration required; space is limited. Taught within a cultural/historical framework, this course teaches skills and strategies to promote long-term financial well-being.
Registration
Registration Questions: monique@omgmediasolutions.com
Register Now

Staples - National History Day: Honoring Histories with Care
2025-02-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Sourcewell, 202 12th Street NE, Staples, MN, 56479, United States
Curious about National History Day and how to present historical content in ways that honor and respect diverse communities? Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, for a workshop designed for 6-12th grade educators. This session will spotlight Minnesota’s Indigenous communities, featuring an update from the Minnesota Department of Education on the recently passed Indigenous Education for All legislation, a presentation from the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition on the history and legacy of residential boarding schools, an introduction to National History Day by the Minnesota Historical Society, and a curated overview of high-quality educator resources. Educators will gain practical strategies and resources to guide students in creating projects with honor, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
Educators will receive a $75 stipend and 4.5 clock hours following their participation in the workshop.
Registration
Register Now

Bemidji - Winter Rural Indian Education Gathering
2025-02-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Beltrami Electric Cooperative Inc., 4111 Technology Dr NW, Bemidji, MN, 56601, United States
Join us for the American Indian Education Networking Winter Gathering hosted by Bemidji Area Schools. District leadership teams, Site leadership teams, School leadership teams, and leaders regarding American Indian and Indigenous Education are encouraged to attend. Lunch will be served onsite. Please register by Wednesday, January 29, 2025, so we can plan accordingly for space and meals.
If you have questions, please contact Sonia Wadena at sonia_wadena@isd31.net.
About the American Indian Education Networking Group
Purpose: Bringing American Indian and Indigenous Education school leaders together to provide opportunities for collaboration and support.
The American Indian Education Networking group is made up of rural statewide and regional American Indian Directors, School Leaders and Educators that come together on a monthly basis to share ideas and discuss challenges while celebrating successes. We create a space for networking and access to practitioners in the field who can help navigate district roles and responsibilities with Tribal partnerships governing American Indian Education programs.
We are also seeking your feedback on the types of professional development and community of practice opportunities you’d like to see from the AIE Networking Group in the future. Please fill out our survey to inform our future programming.
CEUs will be provided.
Registration
Registration is now closed and event is full.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org

St. Cloud - Minnesota Civics Summit: Civics Organizations and Civics Education Professionals
2025-02-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Atwood Memorial Center, St. Cloud University, 720 4th Ave. South, St. Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Come join us to showcase your civics program or offering, with a goal to provide a comprehensive directory of civics resources for teachers to engage 11th -12th grade students in their learning. Can’t attend? Email information about your civics offering for our statewide directory of civics resources to civics@lwvmn.org.

11:30am – Lunch & Networking
9:00am – Coffee, Bagels, and Networking
9:30am – Welcome – MN Representative Dean Urdahl (Ret) and Senator Steve Cwodsinski Introduction to MN Civics Summit Civics and Program Sharing by All
11:00am – Wrap-Up and break before lunch

Register for this morning session to gather and help get our directory of civics resources started!
Sponsored by: MINNESOTA CIVICS SUMMIT – A new, collaborative effort to jumpstart the new civics standards for 11th and 12th graders in Minnesota, to support teachers in their engagement of students in civics and voting. Organizing partners include the Minnesota Humanities Center, MN Department of Education, League of Women Voters of MN, YMCA Center for Youth Voice, Federal Bar Association, MN Council on the Social Studies, TeachingCivics.org, and other interested teachers, community members and civics organizations. More information at lwvmn.org/civics.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required. Please register by Friday, February 14, 2025.
Register Now

St. Cloud - Minnesota Civics Summit: Pre-Conference Professional Development
2025-02-22 11:30 - 15:00 | Atwood Memorial Center, St. Cloud University, 720 4th Ave. South, St. Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
What does it look like to build a classroom where students have productive discussions on challenging topics? A key evidence-based practice in civics education is the discussion of current events and controversial issues, but in today’s polarized political climate, many students are experiencing fewer opportunities to engage in these kinds of essential discussions in their classrooms. Spend the first half of the session exploring a method for building student capacity for civic discussion in ways that allow them to cultivate empathy and develop their own voice. Then, share your thoughts and needs about the resources and support you need to teach the new Academic Standards in Social Studies, and meet the new legislative requirement that students take a course for credit in citizenship and government in 11th or 12th grade.

11:30am – Lunch & Networking
12:00pm – Welcome & Introduction to MN Civics Summit
12:15pm – Professional Development Workshopon Respectful Conversations in Schools™ A highly interactive workshop where educators will learn about and practice a strategy for having challenging, respectful conversations in class about important, sometimes divisive, issues. Led by Amy Anderson, YMCA Center for Youth Voice.
1:45pm – Short Break
2:00pm – Listening & Sharing Session to Support Teachers in Implementing Anchor Standards Small and large group discussions on current tools being used, existing gaps, needed supports, and new efforts to help teachers. Led by Brittany Rawson-Haeg, MN Department of Education.
2:45pm – Large group report out, wrap-up, summary and adjourn by 3:00pm

Sponsored by: MINNESOTA CIVICS SUMMIT – A new, collaborative effort to jumpstart the new civics standards for 11th and 12th graders in Minnesota, to support teachers in their engagement of students in civics and voting. Organizing partners include the Minnesota Humanities Center, MN Department of Education, League of Women Voters of MN, YMCA Center for Youth Voice, Federal Bar Association, MN Council on the Social Studies, TeachingCivics.org, and other interested teachers, community members and civics organizations. More information at lwvmn.org/civics.
CEUs will be provided.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required. Please register by Friday, February 14, 2025.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Carlton – Dakota and Ojibwe Language Symposium
2025-03-03 08:00 - 2025-03-04 16:00 | Black Bear Resort and Casino, 1785 Highway 210, Carlton, MN, 55718, United States
The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council’s Language Revitalization Working Group, partnering with the Minnesota Humanities Center, is hosting the 4th Annual Dakota and Ojibwe Language Symposium. This year the symposium will be held on Monday, March 3rd and Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Black Bear Casino Resort in Carlton, MN. The goal of the symposium is to bring people working in Dakota and Ojibwe language revitalization together. We will use this time to celebrate successes, highlight the current state of the field, shape future language revitalization efforts, and elevate the visibility of Indigenous languages throughout the state of Minnesota. By bringing people together, we hope this symposium serves as an opportunity for individuals to network with other Dakota and Ojibwe language professionals.
Breakfast and lunch are included for those attending in person. Participants are responsible for booking their own overnight accommodations. Participants are responsible for booking their own overnight accommodations if needed and can call Black Bear Casino Resort at 1-888-771-0777 or book online.
CEUs will be available for educators attending the symposium.
If you have any questions, please email Skyler Kuczaboski at skyler.kuczaboski@state.mn.us or call/text 651-304-4149.
Registration
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED
Please contact Jessica Rust at jessica@mnhum.org with any registration questions.
Exhibitor Application
Spots for tabling at the Symposium are now full.
Please note: No sales will be allowed at symposium. This application is meant for informational/educational booths that are handing out free information and literature, not selling items.
If you have any questions, please email skyler.kuczaboski@state.mn.us or call/text 651-304-4149.

Erskine - National History Day Educator Workshop
2025-03-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Garden Valley Technologies, 206 Vance Ave. S., Erskine, 56535, United States
Curious about National History Day and how to present historical content in ways that honor and respect diverse communities? Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, for a workshop designed for 6-12th grade educators. Hosted by the Northwest Service Cooperative, this session will spotlight Minnesota’s Indigenous communities, featuring an update from the Minnesota Department of Education on the recently passed Indigenous Education for All legislation, a presentation from the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition on the history and legacy of residential boarding schools, an introduction to National History Day by the Minnesota Historical Society, and a curated overview of high-quality educator resources. Educators will gain practical strategies and resources to guide students in creating projects with honor, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
Educators will receive 4.5 clock hours and a $75 stipend following their participation in the workshop.
Registration
This event is free but registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Prior Lake - Teaching American Indian Content to All - MIEA Conference
2025-03-20 09:00 - 17:00 | Mystic Lake Center, 2400 Mystic Lake Boulevard NW, Prior Lake, MN, 55372, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center at the 41st Annual Minnesota Indian Education Association (MIEA) Conference on Thursday, March 20! MHC will be presenting the session “Teaching American Indian Content to All” from 9:15–10:15 and tabling in the vendor area throughout the day. Stop by our table to view MHC’s educator resources and learn more about our work with educators.
Please Note: The full MIEA Conference runs from March 18-21. Registration and payment through MIEA for the full conference are required to attend.
Learn More
About MIEA
The primary goal of MIEA is to create and uphold a robust communication network while fostering quality education and unity among American Indians. This objective serves to ensure the continuous flow of information and heightened awareness regarding both local and statewide educational endeavors. Specifically, MIEA is dedicated to persistent awareness and proactive efforts that cater to the distinct educational and culturally specific needs of American Indian students across the state. Through these concerted actions, MIEA aims to significantly contribute to the educational and cultural enrichment of American Indian communities.

Online - Cultivating Cultural Understanding: Dakota & Ojibwe Educator Resources
2025-04-11 10:00 - 12:00 | https://www.mnhum.org/event/online-cultivating-cultural-understanding-dakota-ojibwe-educator-resources/
Join us for an engaging session highlighting the Minnesota Humanities Center’s impactful work supporting educators across the state. Learn about the meaningful Dakota and Ojibwe resources available to help teachers and schools deepen cultural understanding in the classroom. Participants will also explore a standards-aligned lesson focused on the “Why Treaties Matter” initiative, offering valuable insights for integrating Indigenous perspectives into teaching. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and bring these important narratives into your classroom, school, and district!
This session will be hosted by Resource Training & Solutions, one of nine Minnesota Service Cooperatives.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

St. Paul - Spring Metro Indian Education Gathering
2025-04-22 11:00 - 13:30 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join us for the Spring Metro American Indian Education Gathering hosted at the Minnesota Humanities Center. Anyone connected to American Indian Education and/or American Indian students are welcome to attend. Lunch will be served potluck style. A main dish will be provided. Please register so we can plan accordingly and bring a side dish or dessert to share!
Agenda

Update from MDE American Indian Education
Presentation from Gimiwan Dustin Burnette – Executive Director, Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network
Networking

If you have a topic you would like to add to the agenda please contact Robin Nelson at rnelson4@isd622.org.
About the Metro Indian Education Gathering
The Metro Indian Education Gathering is a group of urban American Indian Educators that come together on a regular basis, 2-3 times a year to share ideas and discuss challenges while celebrating successes. We create a space for networking and access to people who can help navigate the rules and regulations governing American Indian Education programs. This group has been meeting since January 2013.
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Marshall - The Power of Poetry: A Social Studies Bundling Workshop
2025-05-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Southwest West Central Service Cooperative, 1420 East College Drive, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Are you interested in teaching poetry to your students? Would you like to learn more about aligning poetry to academic standards and benchmarks? If so, this workshop is for you! The first part of this workshop will include an overview of two poetry programs, Poetry Sparks!, intended for K-8th grades, developed by the Minnesota Poet Laureate, Gwen Nell Westerman, and the Latino Poetry Anthology, intended for 6-12th grades, published by the Library of America. The overview will also include viewing some of the primary sources associated with each program.
In the second half of the workshop, Brittany Rawson-Haeg, Social Studies Specialist with MDE, will walk participants through interdisciplinary bundling, what bundling is, and how both the poetry writing process and individual poems can be used to create a bundle for use with students in the classroom. Standards across Social Studies will be addressed.
This workshop is best suited for elementary generalists, social studies classroom teachers, or anyone working in curriculum instruction supporting social studies. Lunch will be provided, and all participants will receive a complimentary copy of “Songs, Blood Deep” by Minnesota Poet Laureate Gwen Nell Westerman, or the Latino Poetry Anthology.
Pending funding, educators who participate in this workshop will have first access to the Poetry Pathways Programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Poetry Pathways is a mini-grant opportunity that brings poets and teaching artists directly into classrooms to work with students to foster creativity and writing and exposes them to the power of poetry, using their voices for expression.
About Poetry Pathways
Poetry Pathways is a collaboration between the Minnesota Humanities Center, and The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library as the Minnesota Center for the Book. Vital to Minnesota communities, poetry is a powerful medium for cultural expression, community building, and drawing attention to important stories and issues, while also providing a space for healing and reflection. It plays a crucial role in education and youth engagement, enriching the social fabric of the state.
Registration
This event is free but registration is required. Lunch will be provided, and all participants will receive a complimentary copy of “Songs, Blood Deep” by Minnesota Poet Laureate Gwen Nell Westerman, or the Latino Poetry Anthology. K-12 Educators will receive 4 clock hours.
Registration Questions: Dawn.Christensen@swwc.org
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

St. Paul - Leading Elementary Social Studies Inquiry Institute
2025-06-25 09:00 - 2025-06-27 15:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Learn how to do more with less! In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota Humanities Center proudly presents the Leading Elementary Social Studies Inquiry (LESSI) Institute. This innovative program equips K-5 curriculum and instruction leaders across Minnesota to integrate English Language Arts and Social Studies Standards into cohesive, interdisciplinary lessons that maximize impact with limited resources and time.
Designed for curriculum and instruction leaders, this six-session Institute empowers participants to develop inquiry-based lessons that seamlessly integrate disciplinary literacy and social studies. Learn effective bundling of curriculum elements, create engaging model lessons, and gain skills to design high-quality professional development within districts.
Goals:

Support districts in implementing standards-based disciplinary literacy instruction.
Provide hands-on training in bundling standards for interdisciplinary teaching.
Develop and share adaptable, inquiry-based model lessons.
Establish a train-the-trainer approach for sustainable district-wide impact.

Key Details:

Participation requires attendance on all six dates.
Participants will leave with model K-5 social studies lessons integrating ELA elements.
Expect preparation between sessions for resource identification and lesson development.
Due to limited space, interested curriculum and instruction leaders must complete a short application. Final selections will prioritize geographic diversity and statewide reach.

Dates/Agenda:

June 25-27: Orientation, Bundling Foundations, Inquiry Lesson Development.
August 12-14: Model Lesson Construction, Presentation & Feedback, Train-the-Trainer Setup, Program Evaluation & Reflection.

Speakers:

Kristin Bauck, ELA Specialist, MDE
Mychi Nguyen, K-8 Ethnic Studies Integration Specialist, MDE
Brittany Rawson-Haeg, Social Studies Specialist, MDE

Provided:

Light breakfast and lunch
BOSA clock hours available
Lodging – a limited number of overnight rooms will be available for those traveling from outside of the Metro area.

Join this cohort to collaborate, gain expertise, and drive meaningful change in K-5 education across Minnesota. Learn to deliver high-quality, standards-aligned instruction efficiently and effectively by focusing on how to “do more with less.”
Registration
While intended for educators who have influence in their buildings and districts, K-5 classroom teachers are welcome to register.
The registration deadline is Friday, June 13.
Note: You must commit to attending all six sessions to participate.
Register Now

Staples - K-8 Social Studies Standards Workshop
2025-07-29 09:00 - 15:00 | Sourcewell, 202 12th Street NE, Staples, MN, 56479, United States
We invite K-8 social studies educators to a workshop that will provide an overview of the new 2021 Minnesota social studies standards. This workshop includes time for teachers to work together to bundle benchmarks into cohesive, interdisciplinary instructional units. Participants will also have work time to start aligning these units with existing resources and primary sources.
A collaboration between Sourcewell and the Minnesota Humanities Center, this workshop will be led by Sourcewell education consultant Jen McLachlan and will feature Brittany Rawson Haeg, Social Studies Content Lead for the Minnesota Department of Education.
Workshop Leader
Jen McLachlan serves as an education consultant at Sourcewell, lending her expertise to programs such as ElevatePD, New Teacher Academy, and the Social Studies Network. With a background as a middle-level educator in both math and social studies, as well as serving on a school board, she is deeply passionate about empowering teachers to become innovators and catalysts for change.
Workshop Presenter
Brittany Rawson Haeg is the Social Studies Content Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education. She began her teaching career as a high school social studies teacher in Brooklyn, New York. She taught middle and high school social studies in the Twin Cities. Prior to teaching, she was a staff assistant in the New York City Department of Education Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. She believes in the power of social studies education to help students develop greater empathy and understanding.
For more information and to register, visit the Sourcewell event listing.

St. Paul - Learning for Sovereign Futures: Native Education for All Institute
2025-08-04 08:00 - 2025-08-08 16:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) is excited to share an upcoming professional learning opportunity in collaboration with the Tribal Nations Education Committee, Minnesota Department of Education’s Office of American Indian Education, and the Minnesota Humanities Center.
Applications for the NIEA’s Learning for Sovereign Futures: Native Education for All Institute are now open! This free, five-day workshop, taking place from August 4-8, 2025, in the Twin Cities, is designed for educators, leaders, and advocates focused on supporting Indigenous Education for All (IEFA) in K-12 classrooms.
This opportunity is open to any educators or leaders working in or with a Minnesota K-12 school or district and ideal for those who plan professional development activities in their roles.
Apply Now
THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED
