Class in Session Blog: Minnesota Education News and Updates

Class in Session Blog

Welcome to Class in Session, Minnesota Department of Education's blog where you can find an inside look at what is happening at the department. Find older posts from the blog at our Class in Session Archive.

Minnesota Awards First World Language Proficiency Certificate in Ojibwe

Tweet March 24, 2026

Tecumseh Fahrlander stood up on stage this March and gave a speech in the language of his ancestors as the newly named first Minnesota recipient of a World Language Proficiency Certificate in Ojibwe. Read more about his learning journey at Minnesota Awards First World Language Proficiency Certificate in Ojibwe.

2026 Say Yes! To School Meals Photo Contest Winners

Tweet March 11, 2026

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The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Nutrition Program Services division is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Say Yes! to School Meals photo contest! Read about this year's winners at 2026 Say Yes! To School Meals Photo Contest Winners.

Assistant Commissioner Daron Korte Elected Chair of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission

Tweet January 23, 2026

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The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission elected Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Assistant Commissioner Daron Korte to serve as a chair of the commission. Read more at Assistant Commissioner Daron Korte Elected Chair of the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission.

Youth Data Summit Attendees Analyze MSS Data, Proposes District Actions

Tweet January 21, 2026

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High school students from across Rice County gathered this winter to review and discuss county and district results of the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) and make recommendations to their districts. Read about their summit in Youth Data Summit Attendees Analyze MSS Data, Propose District Actions.

Minnesota Department of Education Year in Review

Tweet December 24, 2025

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As 2025 draws to a close, it gives us a chance to reflect on all the great things happening at Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) this year! Read our Top 10 of 2025 list at Minnesota Department of Education Year in Review.

10 Things to Try at Your Local Library

Tweet December 24, 2025

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Are you looking for something to keep you busy on these short cold days? Consider visiting your local library to see everything it has to offer! Read about are 10 things you could try at a Minnesota library this winter in 10 Things to Try at Your Local Library.

Nora Schull Named 2025 Art Educator of the Year

Tweet November 6, 2025

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Art Educators of Minnesota (AEM) has named Minnesota Department of Education’s Nora Schull 2025 Art Educator of the Year.

MDE Staffers Terri Swartout, Megan Lagasse Honored

Tweet October 8, 2025

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Two Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) employees have earned honors for their work this summer. Read more about their honors in MDE Staffers Terri Swartout, Megan Lagasse Honored

MDE Honors 18 with Scholars of Distinction Awards

Tweet July 8, 2025

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The Minnesota Department of Education honored 18 distinguished Minnesota high school students with Scholars of Distinction Awards. Read about these honorees at MDE Honors 18 with Scholars of Distinction Awards.

Farmington High School Students Go March Mad Over Books

Tweet April 28, 2025

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March Madness at Farmington High School isn’t just focused on basketballs and jerseys, the school’s brackets were also filled with pages and plots. Read how the school library is engaging students at Farmington High School Students Go March Mad Over Books.

MDE Announces 2025 Say Yes! To School Meals Photo Contest Winners

Tweet March 24, 2025

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The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Nutrition Program Services division is proud to announce the winners of the second annual Say Yes! to School Meals photo contest! Read about this year's winners at 2025 Say Yes! to School Meals Photo Contest Winners Announced.

Minnesota Teachers Earn Nation’s Highest Award for Science and Mathematics Teachers

Tweet January 15, 2025

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Six Minnesota teachers this winter earned Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), including three mathematics teachers and three science teachers. Read about these honorees at Minnesota Teachers Earn Nation's Highest Award for Science and Mathematics Teachers

Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library Serves Any Minnesota Resident Unable to Read, Use Regular Print Materials

Tweet November 26, 2024

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Any resident of Minnesota who is unable to read or use regular print materials have an option for free library service with access to materials in a format that works for them. Read about how the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library Serves Any Minnesota Resident Unable to Read, Use Regular Print Materials.

12 Minnesota Districts Pilot Programs Aimed at Improving Attendance Rates

Tweet October 16, 2024

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At Minneapolis Public Schools student-led attendance teams are gathering across the district to brainstorm how best to encourage their classmates to be at school. Minneapolis Public Schools is one of 12 districts participating in a pilot program to improve attendance rates at schools across Minnesota. Read more about how 12 Minnesota Districts Pilot Programs Aimed at Improving Attendance Rates.

10 Programs Growing, Retaining and Improving Minnesota’s Educator Workforce

Tweet September 17, 2024

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Minnesota is investing in the state’s educator workforce in a big way. In 2023, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) launched the Educator Workforce and Development Center to focus on helping districts to recruit, retain and train educators to make Minnesota the state with best Prekindergarten to grade 12 education workforce in the nation. Read about 10 Programs Growing, Retaining and Improving Minnesota's Educator Workforce.

Celebrating Excellence: Chanhassen Elementary’s Journey as a Blue Ribbon School

Tweet September 13, 2024

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Chanhassen Elementary School is basking in the glow of success after being honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools award. The significance of this achievement reverberates throughout the entire school community, touching the hearts of students, staff and families alike. Read more about Chanhassen Elementary School's Blue Ribbon School honor at Celebrating Excellence: Chanhassen Elementary's Journey as a Blue Ribbon School.

Schools Purchase New Equipment Thanks to National School Lunch Program Equipment Grant

Tweet August 22, 2024

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The Nutrition Program Services team at the Minnesota Department of Education awarded more than $830,000 to schools to purchase food service equipment that helps schools serve healthier meals, improve food safety, and expand access to school meals. Read about how schools are using their new equipment at Schools Purchase New Equipment Thanks to National School Lunch Program Equipment Grant.

Nancy Riestenberg Earns Lifetime Achievement Award in Restorative Practices

Tweet August 12, 2024

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The National Association of Community and Restorative Justice awarded Nancy Riestenberg a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the field of community and restorative justice. Read about how Nancy Riestenberg Earns Lifetime Achievment Award in Restorative Practices.

Connections to Community is the Key for Blue Ribbon Award at Stephen-Argyle Elementary School

Tweet July 17, 2024

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The communities of Stephen and Argyle give a lot to the students of Stephen-Argyle Elementary School, and the students, teachers and staff give right back to their communities as often as possible. Read more about how Connections to Community is the Key for Blue Ribbon Award at Stephen-Argyle Elementary School.

Austin Future Teachers Sign With Universities as Part of Grow Your Own Program

Tweet July 10, 2024

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Austin High School’s Future Teacher Club were celebrated eight seniors who signed their intention to pursue an education degree in college this spring. Read about how Austin Future Teachers Sign with Universities as Part of Grow Your Own Program.

Minnesota Students Enjoy Washington Week Experience

Tweet June 21, 2024

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Minnesota high schoolers Sydney McGrath from Roosevelt High School and Deepti Pillai from Minnetonka High School spent the first week of March at the United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week in Washington D.C. where they met with national leaders to learn about leadership and work in government. Read more about their trip in Minnesota Students Enjoy Washington Week Experience.

EDI Center Hosts Grant Training for Nonexclusionary Discipline Practices and Strategies

Tweet June 7, 2024

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The Equity Diversity and Inclusion Center at Minnesota Department of Education hosted a grant training for Nonexclusionary Discipline (NED) practices and strategies May 29. Read more about how EDI Center Hosts Grant Training for Nonexclusionary Discipline Practices and Strategies

Shakopee Honors Aspiring Educators at Scholarship Event

Tweet June 6, 2024

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Shakopee High School’s Teacher & Educational Services Pathway program honored three aspiring teachers this May at a scholarship event to celebrate their accomplishments as they move toward pursuing an education degree. Read about the event at Shakopee Honors Aspiring Educators at Scholarship Event

Congratulations Class of 2024 Graduates

Tweet May 24, 2024

Minnesota high school graduates are beginning to cross the commencement stage to accept their diploma at schools across Minnesota. Read about how Commissioner Willie Jett and everyone from Minnesota Department of Education are wishing graduates well in Congratulations Class of 2024 Graduates.

Excellence in Education: Oak Point Elementary School’s Journey as a Blue Ribbon School

Tweet May 13, 2024

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Oak Point Elementary, nestled in the heart of the community, stands as a testament to excellence in education. Recently receiving the 2023 Blue-Ribbon School recognition, Oak Point has solidified its position as a beacon of achievement, innovation and inclusivity. But what does being a Blue Ribbon School mean to Oak Point? Learn more about Oak Point at Excellence in Education: Oak Point Elementary School's Journey as a Blue Ribbon School.

Youth Apprenticeship Week Celebrates the Difference Apprenticeship Programs Make in Communities

Tweet May 8, 2024

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Gov. Tim Walz has proclaimed May 5-11 Youth Apprenticeship Week in Minnesota to coincide with the first national Youth Apprenticeship Week. Read more about how Youth Apprenticeship Week Celebrates the Difference Apprenticeship Programs Make in Communities.

Teacher Appreciation Week Recognizes the Contributions of Teachers in the Lives of their Students

Tweet May 6, 2024

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week and in Minnesota we have some amazing teachers who work hard everyday to prepare their students with the skills and knowledge they need to be prepared for the next grade or careers or college. Read about how Teacher Appreciation Week Recognizes the Contributions of Teachers in the Lives of their Students.

Brooklyn Center Grow Your Own Students Visit Elementary for a Day of Working with Young Students

Tweet May 1, 2023

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Students in Brooklyn Center High School’s Future Educators Club spent a day this spring at Brooklyn Center Elementary this spring to put what they’re learning through their high school’s Grow Your Own Program into practice. Read about how Brooklyn Center Grow Your Own Students Visit Elementary for a Day of Working with Young Students

Blue Ribbon Schools: Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Elementary Serves Students with Focus on Positive, Fun Learning Environment

Tweet April 29, 2024

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The carnival came to Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial (LCWM) Elementary School this year as students, staff, families and the community celebrated Lake Crystal-Wellcome being recognized with the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award. Read about how Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Elementary Serves Students with Focus on Positive, Fun Learning Environment

Beyond the Books: School Libraries Teach Media Literacy, Computer Science Skills

Tweet April 23, 2024

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School libraries play an integral part in developing successful students and lifelong learners. Each school library looks different based on the needs of students, educators and resources available in a school community. Read about school libraries in Beyond the Books: School Libraries Teach Media Literacy, Computer Science Skills.

Commissioner Jett Joins Panel at the Brookings Institution Center for Universal Education’s annual International Symposium on Education Systems Transformation

Tweet April 19, 2024

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Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Willie Jett Thursday joined the closing plenary to discuss transforming education systems for and through inclusive education at the Brookings Institution’s C enter for Universal Education’s annual international symposium focused on education systems transformation. Learn more about how Commissioner Jett Joins Panel at the Brookings Institution Center for Universal Education's Annual International Symposium on Education Systems Transformation.

Early Learning Services Recognizes the Week of the Young Child

Tweet April 9, 2024

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The Week of the Young Child celebrates young children, their teachers, families and communities April 6-12. This year, the Early Learning Services Division at Minnesota Department of Education is calling attention to the many resources that are available to support young children and those who work with them. Read about how Early Learning Services Recognizes the Week of the Young Child.

MDE Public Engagement Makes Connections With Community Conversations, Minneapolis Community Connections Conference

Tweet April 2, 2024

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The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) continued its Community Conversation series in February with events focused on Black youth mental health and support services for Asian students. Read how MDE Public Engagements Makes Connections With Community Conversations, Minneapolis Community Connections Conference

READ Act is Introducing Educators, Students to New Skills

Tweet March 27, 2024

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The Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act, was passed and signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz on May 24 and implementation began July 1. Since then, staff at Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) at the University of Minnesota have been hard at work preparing to support districts and schools in implementing evidence-based reading instruction. Read about how the READ Act is Introducing Educators, Students to New Skills.

And the Winners Are … Students who ‘Say Yes!’ to School Meals!

Tweet March 22, 2024

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The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Nutrition Program Services division hosted its first ever Say Yes! to School Meals photo contest this spring, and the winners are in! Read more about the winning photo entries at And the Winners Are ... Students Who 'Say Yes!' to School Meals!

State Fair Art Exhibit Celebrates Youth Art Year Round at Minnesota Department of Education

Tweet March 14, 2024

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Minnesota Department of Education’s lobby display of artwork by K-12 students from the K-12 Competition from the Minnesota State Fair celebrates the talents of Minnesota students. Read about how the State Fair Art Exhibit Celebrates Youth Art Year Round at Minnesota Department of Education.

School Meals Data Shows Breakfasts, Lunches Served Increased Under Free School Meals for Kids Program

Tweet March 8, 2024

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Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Willie Jett and Nutrition Program Services staff members joined Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and USDA Food and Nutrition Service Administrator Cindy Long for a celebration of National School Breakfast Week March 8 at Fridley Middle School. Read how School Meals Data Shows Breakfasts, Lunches Served Increased Under Free School Meals for Kids Program