In Support of Progress

The College of Education works to better prepare its teacher candidates to be antiracist and advocates for social justice in their classrooms, schools, and communities. In a profession and environment traditionally dominated by white culture, that goal requires uncovering and dismantling systemic racism and rebuilding an equitable system. Progress toward these goals will take (among other things) courage, time, and resources.

Fortunately, staff and faculty are courageous as well as successful grant writers. Several have been able to tell a compelling story about the need, the work, and the results. The College of Education is leading and participating in a range of recruitment and retention activities, research, collaboration, and professional development to root out and change systemic racism. We have highlighted the related grants awarded to the College of Education in 2020.

2020-2021 COLLABORATIVE URBAN AND GREATER MINNESOTA EDUCATORS OF COLOR Title: Supporting the Teacher Development Continuum for Candidates of Color and American Indigenous Candidates

Most grant funds awarded to the College of Education go directly to students in the form of scholarships and/or vouchers for licensure application fees and textbooks. Award: $140,000

2020-2021 COMPETITIVE INTRODUCTION TO TEACHING CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT Title: Mankato Concurrent Enrollment: Expanded Racial Consciousness

Th is grant supports concurrent enrollment (courses for high school students who also earn college credit) eff orts to recruit and support students of color in teacher education programs and expand related research. Award: $55,897.92

2020-2023 SAUER FAMILY FOUNDATION Title: Recruiting and Retaining Future Teachers of Color at NExT Institutions

Th e grant funds support inter-institution faculty and staff collaboration, research, and practice related to recruiting and retaining teacher candidates of color. Award: $179,872

2020-2023 GOVERNOR’S EMERGENCY EDUCATION RELIEF FUND (GEER) Title: Equitable Teaching in the Time of COVID-19

Grant funds will support a multifaceted program on racial equity and retaining and recruiting Indigenous, Black, and students of color in teacher preparation courses and programs at Minnesota State Mankato and Normandale Community College. Award: $726,338 2019-2021 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY WITH FUNDS FROM THE HEWLETT FOUNDATION Title: Networked Improvement Community on Racial Equity

Grant funds will support collaborative research and data sharing and strengthen teacher education programs committed to racial equity. Award: $400,000 Mankato’s Sub Recipient Award: $87,000

2020-2021 GROW YOUR OWN COMPETITIVE GRANT FOR PATHWAY 2 Title: Minnesota Educator Partnerships Grow Your Own Path 2

Grant funds complement concurrent enrollment grant funds to promote and provide teacher education courses in host districts. Award: $376,782

PREVIOUS GRANTS

2017-2019 COLLABORATIVE URBAN AND GREATER MINNESOTA EDUCATORS OF COLOR Minnesota Department of Education Title: Teachers of Tomorrow: Retaining Teacher Candidates of Color and American Indian Teacher Candidates Award: $92,864

2017-2020 COMPETITIVE EXPANDED CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Title: Mankato Expanded Concurrent Enrollment Initiative Award: $99,317

118 Armstrong Hall Mankato, MN 56001

Collaboration created a BIG smile

Jade Christiansen, student leader of the Minnesota State University, Mankato Education Learning Community, understands the value of connecting during the Franklin Elementary School’s annual carnival. When she realized COVID-19 restrictions meant cancellation of the event, she sprang into action and asked for help.

When they heard about the request, Judith Dellinger, ’65 Elementary Education and her husband Ernest came forward with a gift to give Jade and the Learning Community the jump they needed. Along with Dellinger’s gift, campus Diversity and Inclusion, Sam’s Club, HyVee and Cub Foods helped fill 418 student goodie bags with a variety of treats, Minnesota State Mankato logo items, and a coloring sheet encouraging them to dream about their future career. While it was not the traditional carnival experience, student teachers still connected with the elementary students. With community support, we continue to find creative ways to support our students.

To make a gift to the College of Education, contact Kristen Dulas at kristen.dulas@mnsu.edu or 507-398-1381.