The Speakers

"Facilitating Maningful Feedback"

10:30 - Link

Principal Leadership Support, MDE

Is a lifelong learner and member of a small family which includes my husband, Tony, and at least one cat. My pronouns are she/her and I present as a white woman. My ancestors came to this country from various parts of Europe, mostly England, Ireland, and Germany, beginning in the late 1600’s and as recently as the early 1900’s. I come from a long line of teachers, farmers, and soldiers who settled in various parts of Appalachia. Both solo and group activities such as exercising and singing bring me joy, and I am most at home among trees and mountains. Another aspect of my identity is my role as an educational leader. I work with the Minnesota Department of Education and Regional Centers of Excellence to support school and district leaders. I am committed to being a learning partner for school leaders and a change agent for schools through collaboration and conversation.

"Licensure Compliance- Teacher of Record"

11:15- Link

Licensure Compliance Specialist/Star Manager

Katherine Anthony-Wigle, or Kat, has been working as the Licensure Compliance since October 2011.  Prior to that she was a licensed English teacher who worked in a traditional public school district classroom, traditional public school district alternative program, contract alternative school, and a charter school.  She always enjoyed working with the alternative education students and in non-traditional settings the most.  She has been able to take her wide range of experience from teaching and apply the knowledge to Licensure Compliance while assisting public districts and charter schools to determine licensure requirements.  Beyond answering all your licensure questions, Kat can be found hanging out in her home office with her many collections of Barbie dolls, porcelain dolls, Smurfs, or books; spending time with her husband; playing keep away with Dolly, her chihuahua-dachshund; playing Carcassonne with her friends; or all dressed up for the Renaissance Festival.  

"Digital Accessibility: 2022"

12:00 - Link

AT, AEM and UDL Specialist at MDE

Kursten Dubbels is the assistive technology (AT), accessible educational materials (AEM), and universal design for learning (UDL) specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Through the Minnesota Access Center, she coordinates staff development activities to build local capacity of educators to implement multiple initiatives to strengthen efforts toward a more inclusive educational experience for infants, children and youth qualifying for special education services. 

"Fostering Connections and Community in the Online Classroom"

11:15 - Link

Digital Learning Coordinator, Bloomington Public Schools

Holly Skadsem is a Digital Learning Coordinator for Bloomington Public Schools. She is also the program coordinator for Bloomington's K-5 Online School - New Code Academy. 

"NCAA Program approval for Online Programs"

12:00 - Link

Coordinator of Princeton Online MN Program

I will be starting my 31st year in alternative and traditional education.  I have had 20 years in the classroom as a high school mathematics teacher.  Eleven-years as an administrator with educational consulting and currently starting my 4th year in the Princeton School District as the Coordinator of the Princeton Online MN program.

"Using MCIS Curriculum for Career Exploration"

12:00 - Link

MCIS Program Specialist, MDE

I am excited to be starting my second year as an MCIS Program Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education. For the15 years prior I was a high school counselor using MCIS to support students and families with making career and post-secondary plans.  MCIS is a powerful tool to help guide career exploration and decisions about courses, colleges, and training options.  

"Looking Back Over Twenty Years of Virtual Learning in MN"

10:45 - Link

Director, Wolf Creek HS

Tracy L. Quarnstrom has served as the director of Wolf Creek Online High school since 2003. Wolf Creek is Minnesota’s only hybrid online high school which offers students an online experience while still offering the advantages of face to face interactions several days per week. Quarnstrom has been very involved in the creation of online learning legislation in the state of Minnesota as well as in organizations that promote quality online choices for students and families. She served on the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools board of directors from 2009-2011 as well as on the government affairs committee. She was a founding member of the MNOLA (Minnesota Organization for K12 Online learning Alliance) group and served as a member of legislative committee for several years.

She is currently the secretary for MNOLA. She has taught in an adjunct capacity for Hamline University teaching classes on the topic of leadership in organizations.

"SelfCare Instead of Burnout"

9:45 - Link

Music Teacher, Music Therapist Spero Academy

I am a Board Certified Music Therapist and have been working in the field for over 20 years.  I had started learning about burnout and self care at the very early start of my career and have since expanded on it as I have worked in various organizations including Hospice and Palliative Care, Nursing Homes, Assistive Living, Psych hospitals, and schools.   Currently I work at Spero Academy Charter School leading the music classes for students K-6, with special needs.

"Incorporating Career and Technical Student Organizations into Online Schools"

9:45 - Link

Executive Director of the Minnesota Foundations for Student Organizations

Emily Saed has served as the Executive Director for the Minnesota Foundation for Student Organizations (MFSO) since 2003. She provides oversight, guidance and leadership to Minnesota's Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). One of the priorities of the MFSO is to increase outreach to underserved populations, particularly students in poverty. As a certified poverty coach through Communications Across Barriers, Emily has been educating CTSO advisors and CTE instructors on the impact of poverty in the classroom.

Opening Session

9:00-9:35- Link

MNOLA President, EdVisions Off Campus Advisor/Co-Director

MN Student Data Privacy Law 2022 

9:45 - Link

Executive Director of Technology
Osseo Area Schools

Anthony is an innovative educator pushing the boundaries for how technology can redefine education. He has been in public education for over 15 years as a teacher, digital learning coach, and administrator. Anthony is currently serving as the Executive Director of Technology for Osseo Area Schools.