MESPA Leadership Conference 2017

MESPA: Improve. Unite. Encourage. Advocate.

MESPA's annual Leadership Conference is an opportunity for MESPA's leaders to get together to help plan another fantastic year for MESPA members. This conference brings together the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and all committee members to meet, plan, network, and have some fun!

Your presence is vital! This conference is the beginning to our MESPA year. We need your voice. Your input will determine the association's priorities, as well as establish a key network to communicate and carry out MESPA activities, issues, and concerns. YOU represent our membership! We need you there to ensure that we are moving forward as an association, with divisions and committees all supporting one another.

This year's conference has a strong focus on culturally responsive school leadership, equity, and equality. We are excited to have Dr. Muhammad Khalifa with us on Sunday, September 24th to kick off the conference and get us thinking in a culturally responsive framework.

About Muhammad Khalifa
Dr. Muhammad Khalifa, Ph.D., is a professor at the University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development. Having worked as a public school teacher and administrator in Detroit, Khalifa's research examines how school leaders enact culturally responsive practices. His collective experiences allow him to to help U.S. schools perform equity audits to address achievement gaps and discipline gaps in school.

Schedule of events
Click here to view the Leadership schedule
Sunday, September 24:
~8am (times vary) — Optional activities (golf, walk, fishing, guided meditation)
10:30am — Registration
11am–5:30pm — General sessions, keynote by Muhammad Khalifa
4:15 — Committee meetings
6:30pm — Dinner & fireside social

Monday, September 25:
7am — Breakfast
8am — General sessions, Division meetings & Roger Aronson
12pm — Conference adjourns*
*12–2:30pm — Board of Directors Meeting & Board Orientation (for MESPA Board)

Hotel Accommodations
Please book your overnight accommodations under the MESPA block at Breezy Point Resort. Head to breezypointresort.com, select online reservations, and enter #192224 for the group ID or click here for a paper copy. You will be reimbursed for half of a one-night stay on September 24, plus mileage. If you and a colleague share a room, MESPA will reimburse you for the full cost of a standard room. The reimbursement form is linked here.

Attire
Attire is casual. Wear your school pride on Sunday!

Who attends the Board of Director's Meeting?
The MESPA board consists of the 12 division presidents, 12 division presidents-elect, 8 committee chairs, 1 RPM rep, and the MESPA executive committee. The Board Meeting will be held on Monday, September 25th following the conference. Check out all Board meeting dates at mespa.net/BOD.

F.A.Q.
What if I can't attend the conference? It is important that all divisions are equally represented. We ask that you please notify the MESPA office and work with your Division President to locate a replacement.

Are CEUs provided? Yes! You will earn CEUs by attending this conference.

Is there a cost to attend? It is free to attend the conference. There is a cost to stay in the hotel overnight, but MESPA will reimburse you for half of a one-night stay.

How do I get reimbursed for my hotel room and mileage? Please submit the reimbursement form here after the conference. If your district will reimburse you for mileage, we ask that you please go through your district. Carpooling is encouraged!

Are meals included? Sunday lunch and dinner, as well as Monday breakfast are included. Monday lunch is included if you are on the Board (for the Board of Directors meeting).

Can my partner/spouse/family attend? You are welcome to bring your family to Breezy, and they are welcome to join the Sunday morning activities and Sunday evening social.

Additional questions? We can help you! Contact the MESPA office at 651.999.7310 or mespa@mespa.net.