EDTalksMN

EDTalksMN
EDTalksMN

Launched in 2012, EDTalks is a lively series of networking and education events in Minneapolis, Minnesota that feature compelling short talks and Q & A on a wide range of issues impacting young people and public education. Each program features two compelling 20-minute presentations by cutting-edge educators, youth advocates, researchers, journalists, artists and others, along with ample time for conversation and networking. EDTalks is produced by Achieve Twin Cities.

  1. EDTalks: What High School Debate Can Teach Us about the Power of Abolitionist Education

    02/27/2024

    EDTalks: What High School Debate Can Teach Us about the Power of Abolitionist Education

    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.

    20 min
  2. EDTalks: Confronting a Potential Financial Crisis for Minneapolis Public Schools

    10/11/2023

    EDTalks: Confronting a Potential Financial Crisis for Minneapolis Public Schools

    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.

    30 min
  3. EDTalks: Teachers and Parents: An Unstoppable Team

    05/10/2023

    EDTalks: Teachers and Parents: An Unstoppable Team

    In this EDTalk, Paula Cole discusses opportunities for educators and families to collaborate, advocate and ultimately hold school districts and legislators accountable for the wellbeing and academic success of young people. She argues that we need to change the narrative around parent engagement, particularly for lower-income and BIPOC families, and provide culturally relevant tools for all families to become powerful agents of change for education excellence. Paula Cole was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, a place she left to pursue her dream of a college education in the United States. After six years as an Educators for Excellence (E4E) member and teacher leader, Paula joined the Minnesota chapter as executive director. Prior to this role, she worked as an elementary teacher and academic coach in Minneapolis Public Schools. Paula believes that the voices of educators are rarely sought and often ignored by policymakers, and she loves her work at E4E because it allows her to ensure that teachers’ perspectives are included in education policies that directly impact children’s education outcomes. This EDTalk was live streamed from Icehouse in Minneapolis on May 8th, 2023. EDTalks is presented by AchieveTwinCities in partnership with 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.

    19 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Launched in 2012, EDTalks is a lively series of networking and education events in Minneapolis, Minnesota that feature compelling short talks and Q & A on a wide range of issues impacting young people and public education. Each program features two compelling 20-minute presentations by cutting-edge educators, youth advocates, researchers, journalists, artists and others, along with ample time for conversation and networking. EDTalks is produced by Achieve Twin Cities.

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