Hansen Inspired Teacher Grants

Hansen Inspired Teacher Grants are available to licensed staff wishing to pursue professional development enrichment opportunities that do not lead to a degree. Applications for a Hansen Grant may also include the cost of materials and resources necessary to bring the learning to fruition within the classroom. Hansen Grants are available thanks to a generous donation from MAEF board member Jim Hansen, a former teacher, and School Board Chair at Mahtomedi Public Schools.

SPRING Grant Recipients

National Homeless Education Conference

This grant will allow Mahtomedi Public School’s District Homeless Liaison to attend the National Homeless Education Conference. This conference offers critical professional development on best practices for supporting the educational success of students experiencing homelessness. By equipping the district liaison with specialized knowledge and resources, the school district can better identify and address the unique needs of our students experiencing homelessness across all grade levels (K-12). These vulnerable students face significant challenges impacting their academic performance and overall well-being.

National Conference on Science Education

Seven Mahtomedi High School science teachers will attend the National Conference on Science Education this fall in Minneapolis. The conference will feature workshops and sessions on the latest teaching methods, instructional practices, innovations in science education, and create opportunities of collaboration with teachers outside of the district. These sessions will provide educators with valuable insights and tools to enhance student engagement, motivation, and academic success in the areas of phenomena-based instruction, three-dimensional standards (as dictated by the MN State Standards), and science and engineering practices. Attendees will have access to new, evidence-based teaching strategies and technology tools that will help engage students, support diverse learning styles, and create a more equitable classroom environment. Additionally, this conference will help with the implementation and refinement of the new Earth and Space curriculum. 

Fall Grant Recipients

Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) Conference for 11 math teachers throughout the District

Math teachers from all four schools will learn techniques to best implement Minnesota’s new math standards. The conference sessions will offer crucial insights into aligning classroom instruction with the updated standards and provide educators with practical strategies to deepen students’ mathematical understanding. By emphasizing both excellence and equity, the event will equip participants with diverse instructional techniques to reach every learner and help improve student outcomes at all grade levels.

Minnesota Association of Children’s Mental Health (MACMH) Conference for four District social workers

In support of the District’s strategic plan, this conference focuses on specific skills and strategies to use when working with children who need mental health support. It also looks at overall best practices and policies that can enhance the mental wellness of all Mahtomedi students. Continuing to explore the mental wellness practices of Mahtomedi schools will ensure that they are in alignment with best standards for mental wellness and will benefit all students. This grant is partially funded through Oliver’s Fund, a grant supporting mental wellness programming.

“Get Your Teach On” Conference for the Kindergarten Team

Nine Kindergarten teachers and Principal Briske will attend the “Get Your Teach On” conference to learn how to engage students in word problems (math), critical thinking through fairy tales, writing, student engagement, and the Science of Reading.  As a district at the forefront of the Science of Reading, this conference will provide additional opportunities to gain more training and practical ideas for applying the knowledge gained through the LETRS training (training in the Science of Reading). Learning the information together as a team will help the team to apply new learnings to the Kindergarten reading curriculum, as well as align with the Mahtomedi Strategic Plan in fostering trust and partnership among all staff.