EDTalksMN EDTalksMN

EDTalks: Transforming Education For A Changing World by EDTalksMN

This EDTalk features Sandy Bolton Barrientos is community coach for the South High School debate team and member of the Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL) community, where they focus on curriculum design. An abolitionist organizer in South Minneapolis, they are a studio trainer for REP MN, where they teach workshops that build networks of community crisis support, and co-founder of Futures Beyond Criminalization, which hosts events on public safety, harm reduction and policing alternatives. Sandy is an alum of Minneapolis Public Schools and a student in the University of Minnesota’s DirecTrack to Teaching program with a concentration in second languages and cultures.

Sandy believes debate offers a unique space where students can freedom-dream institutions that affirm their livelihoods, visualize a future of joy and liberation for all people, and ultimately begin to formulate imaginative and realistic solutions for the big problems facing their communities. Sandy presents testimonials from current and former students on the impact of debate on their lives and argue strongly for additional resources and support for debate in Minneapolis Public Schools.

EDTalks is co-presented by Achieve Twin Cities and Graves Ventures, a project of the Graves Foundation.

For more information on EDTalks or to watch EDTalks videos or listen to audio podcasts, visit achievetwincities.org.

This EDTalk features Coach, author and educator Larry McKenzie. Larry is the first coach to win four straight state titles in the 100-year history of Minnesota State Boys Basketball, and the first coach in Minnesota high school basketball history to lead two separate schools to multiple titles. But beyond the trophies and medals, Coach McKenzie has accomplished something even more impressive: coaching and supporting his athletes to increase their academic performance alongside their athletic skills. Using basketball as a tool, he has led his players to 100% high school graduation and a 3.4 team GPA. Coach McKenzie shares stories about his journey at Minneapolis high schools and how he helps his student athletes become champions on the basketball court, in the classroom, in their families and in their communities.

EDTalks is co-presented by Achieve Twin Cities and Graves Ventures, a project of the Graves Foundation.

For more information on EDTalks or to watch EDTalks videos or listen to audio podcasts, visit achievetwincities.org.

Although Minnesota has started to move the needle on teacher diversity, we still have a very long way to go. Over the past few years, policymakers have created a variety of incentives to increase the numbers of teachers of color in our state—along with some changes to teacher preparation and licensure systems—but too many obstacles remain.
This EDTalk features three education professionals who will share insights from people of color who were at one time considering a career in education, but ultimately changed their minds and did not pursue this field. Josh Crosson is Executive Director of EdAllies; Haben Ghebregergish is an educator at the High School for Recording Arts, and Jocelyn McQuirter is a local government engagement manager.

This EDTalk was recorded at Icehouse on November 13th, 2023.

EDTalks is co-presented by Achieve Twin Cities and Graves Ventures, a project of the Graves Foundation.

For more information on EDTalks or to watch EDTalks videos or listen to audio podcasts, visit http://www.achievetwincities.org.

Despite the critical role educators play in shaping our young people, the teaching profession in the U.S. has been losing respect and admiration, with negative messages perpetuating an unflattering and incomplete image of a viable and impactful profession. Increasing teacher diversity is a critical component in the effort to elevate the teaching profession.
This EDTalk features Dr. Rose Chu from Elevate Teaching, part of a state-funded teacher recruitment campaign and movement to shift how we view and talk about the teaching profession to include the profound impact teachers have in our society. Dr. Chu is, among other things, professor emerita of Urban Education at Metropolitan State University; former assistant commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education; founder and president of Plum Blossom Strategy LLC, and the visionary and project lead for Elevate Teaching.

This EDTalk was recorded at Icehouse on November 13th, 2023.

EDTalks is co-presented by Achieve Twin Cities and Graves Ventures, a project of the Graves Foundation.

For more information on EDTalks or to watch EDTalks videos or listen to audio podcasts, visit http://www.achievetwincities.org.

As a central player in Minneapolis’ vibrant and complex community, Minnneapolis Public Schools serves over 35,000 students each year and requires sufficient resources to create truly welcoming and safe spaces where all young people have the resources and support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom and beyond graduation.
Minneapolis Public Schools has balanced its budget for the past three years with the help of nearly $262 million in federal pandemic funds, nonrenewable revenue that is set to expire late next year in 2024. The district’s most recent five-year budget projection predicts an "imminent financial crisis" due to declining enrollment and a failure to cut costs. Both strategic budget cuts and investments are critical to ensure student learning.
This EDTalk features presentations by Rochelle Cox, MPS Superintendent, and Ibrahima Diop, MPS Senior Officer of Finance and Operations. Following the presentations, there is a panel discussion, including Amira Ali, student at South High School and member of the MPS CityWide Student Leadership Board; Tara FitzGerald, principal at Andersen United Middle School; Teresa Gloppen, Minneapolis Public School teacher on special assignment; Briana Thompson, parent from North Community High Schools; and Elleni Fellows, parent from Lyndale Elementary School
This EDTalk was recorded at Icehouse on October 2nd, 2023.
EDTalks is co-presented by Achieve Twin Cities and Graves Ventures, a project of the Graves Foundation.

For more information on EDTalks or to watch EDTalks videos or listen to audio podcasts, visit achievetwincities.org.