Thursday, April 24
Afternoon intensive (1:15-4:15 p.m.; location: Isle)
Develop-approved clock hours: 3
Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking? Communicating for Shared Understanding with Beth Menninga
Communication plays a central role in the work of advisors, coaches, consultants, mentors, and trainers. In this session, we will examine how communication orientations are shaped by experiences, beliefs, language, culture, and thinking processes. We will look at the impact of our communication orientations on the way we communicate. We will also consider strategies for coming to shared meaning, checking for understanding, and repairing miscommunications to help us continually grow our communications toolkit. Come prepared to share and tap into the wisdom of others.
Who is this for? Trainers / RBPD specialists / general
About the presenter: Beth Menninga has a passion for supporting early childhood educators in their complex work. She has invested many years in the field focusing on coaching and training as tools for growth both for individuals and for organizations. As one of the lead authors of Minnesota’s RBPD Credential and a retired employee of the Center for Inclusive Child Care, she is a firm believer in the power of compassion, reflection, equity, and inclusion as key values guiding our work. She enjoys a deep and thoughtful dialogue about our meaningful work and looks forward to this conversation.
Evening keynote (6 – 7 p.m.; location: Isle)
Develop-approved clock hours: 1
Facilitative Teaching and Training Techniques, Session 1 with Jim Hoar
In this session, you will understand (and experience) the differences between teaching or training and facilitation.
Who is this for? Trainers / RBPD specialists / general
About the presenter: Jim Hoar is principal consultant for St. Paul Leadership Consultants. Jim brings 37 years of experience in leader development, talent management, and technical training. Most recently, Jim was a senior consultant on Target’s executive development team (retired). Jim is also an instructor for the College of Continuing Education and Professional Studies at the University of Minnesota. Jim received his master’s in business and marketing education from the University of Minnesota and his bachelor’s in food merchandising from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Friday, April 25
Morning Keynote (8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.; location: Isle)
Develop-approved clock hours: 1
Facilitative Teaching and Training Techniques, Session 2 with Jim Hoar
In this session we will explore the principles of being a more facilitative instructor.
Who is this for? Trainers / RBPD specialists / general
breakout sessions (9:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.)
Develop-approved clock hours: 4
Choose one of the following four topics. Learn with our outstanding presenters for two hours in the morning and reconvene after lunch for two more hours on the same topic.
Facilitative Teaching and Training Techniques with Jim Hoar
Come join us for a deeper dive into facilitative teaching and training techniques. In this session you will apply the principles of being a more facilitative instructor. You will practice delivering a sample course using facilitative techniques.
Who is this for? Trainers
Mastering Difficult Conversations: Empowering Trainers and Coaches to Navigate Crucial Conversations with Confidence and Empathy with Kristen Wheeler-Highland
As an early childhood trainer or coach, conversations can be complex, emotional, and high-stakes. This dynamic workshop is designed to help trainers and coaches develop the skills needed to navigate difficult conversations with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Grounded in research-backed strategies from Difficult Conversations, Crucial Conversations, Mastering Crucial Conversations, and The Tell Me More Gesture, this session offers tools for handling sensitive topics, managing conflict, and fostering deeper connections.
Through hands-on activities, role-play scenarios, and real-life examples tailored for early childhood settings, participants will practice techniques for addressing cultural misunderstandings, disruptive behaviors, non-participation, and passive-aggressive communication.
Who is this for? Trainers / RBPD specialists / general
About the presenter: Kristen Wheeler Highland is a veteran early childhood and school age professional with many years of experience both in direct service and in the role of consultant and coach for providers, programs, and staff. Throughout her career, Kristen has held many positions within the field. Currently Kristen is the director of early childhood education with People Serving People, the largest homeless shelter serving families in Minnesota. Her broad experience has brought with it an appreciation for the rich depth and diversity of settings available for children and their families. Kristen utilizes her past experiences to inform the topics she researches and speaks on. Kristen’s speaking and training style is laid back and approachable, infusing humor and stories from her own life and experiences.
Course Writer Workshop with Achieve and TARSS staff
Explore the guidelines for successfully creating and submitting a course for approval. Understand the acceptable criteria necessary for completing each required component. Receive support from both TARSS and Achieve during this hands-on workshop. *Please note: this session is designed to work on your course outline and get individualized support. It does NOT fulfill the requirement to complete Course Writer 1 and Course Writer 2.
Who is this for? Trainers / course writers / general
About the presenters: Ashley Bonsen has spent her entire professional career working in education at various levels. She has worked with learners of all ages, from infants and young children to adults in higher education. Her current role with the TARSS team, as a curriculum specialist, allows her to continue helping other educators on their professional development journeys.
Molly Hughes joined the TARSS team after spending over 25 years in the field in a variety of direct care settings. She focuses on supporting family child care providers in the state as well as providing support and professional development to CLASS coaches for Parent Aware.
Dani Thompson is a Professional Development Analyst at Achieve – The MN Center for Professional Development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Family Consumer Science: Family Life and Child Development and a certificate in Instructional Design. Dani has been with Achieve for over 6 years and specializes in Course Writer Membership, Course Approval, and College Transcript Evaluation.
Delivering Influential and Impactful Adult Learning Experiences that Engage and Inspire with Raelene Ostberg
Discover activities, processes, and verbal/nonverbal training methods you can implement to increase audience engagement and excitement. Experience a unique parallel training process that illustrates these important concepts in action through engaging storytelling, insightful videos, a round-robin brainstorm session, individual reflection, and other training activities. Connect with other educators and problem-solve common difficult situations. Identify helpful responses to participants’ challenging behaviors such as disengagement, side conversations, off-task group work, cell-phone usage, and rising tension. These methods will enhance your confidence and finesse when delivering trainings, increase participant “buy-in,” and help you connect with your participants’ hearts and minds.
Who is this for? Trainers / RBPD specialists
About the presenter: Raelene Ostberg is the founder of Thriving Together, providing engaging and transformative educational experiences to support early childhood educators and the leaders, coaches, and trainers who support them. Raelene is a nationally known speaker, MNCPD-Achieve expert trainer and course writers, and New York State training and technical assistance professional. Raelene started her journey coaching and supporting other trainers on the development and delivery of high-quality trainings in 2006 as the business liaison with the Rochester Area Foundation’s First Steps Program in collaboration with the Working Family Resource Center. She also worked for several years as an observer and mentor for Minnesota’s TARSS Program. Raelene obtained her BA in theater and MEd in family education at the University of Minnesota. Raelene now presents nationally, notably at the NAEYC PLI, Kentucky Trainer Institute, and for four years running at the MN Trainer Summit. Participants report they appreciate Raelene’s engaging content delivered with dynamic energy, infectious enthusiasm, and theatrical storytelling that bring the techniques to life.
Facilitating for Equity with Carly Riley and Katie Kitchens
How do we facilitate meaningful, equity-centered learning environments? What do we do when tension arises? How do we tend to our own learning? In this interactive, hands-on session, participants will gain foundational skills for facilitating engaging antiracist learning experiences. Effective DEI facilitation requires a deep theoretical knowledge of inequity and oppression, a developed self-awareness of one’s own racial and social identities, an understanding of the myriad experiences and identities participants bring, and strong communication and conflict resolution skills.
We will explore five competencies that distill the essence of our best facilitation practices:
- Developing a critical consciousness
- Engaging in collaborative co-conspiratorship
- Cultivating brave learning spaces
- Practicing equitable communication
- Embodying compassionate accountability
The session will offer self-reflection practices, small and whole group discussion, case studies, and embodiment practices to support a multi-modal learning experience.
Who is this for? Trainers / RBPD specialists / general
About the presenters: Carly Riley (she/they) has served as a Public Montessori educator, coach, academic advisor, professional development consultant, and most recently, the director of a nationally accredited Montessori early childhood teacher training program in Memphis, TN. She earned a BA in early childhood education and an Early Childhood Montessori Diploma through the American Montessori Society She is a state-licensed teacher in both Illinois and Tennessee and holds an MEd from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Currently, Carly serves as Embracing Equity’s senior director of learning.
Katie Kitchens (they/them), PhD, is a white, queer, Jewish educator and researcher. Their nearly 15 years as a classroom teacher and instructional coach in district, charter, and nonprofit Montessori environments deeply informs their work and keeps them optimistic about the possibility of change. In their research, Katie works alongside white families who are trying to raise antiracist white children to uncover how these children develop positive antiracist identities. Katie serves as Embracing Equity’s lead program facilitator and is an adjunct professor at St. Kate’s University.
Saturday, April 26, 2024
Morning breakout sessions (8:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m.)
Click, Connect, and Collaborate with Online Learning Strategies with Rachel Daley
Develop-approved clock hours: 2
BYOD*! This session introduces trainers to strategies for designing and delivering online training. Learn how to structure content for virtual learning, incorporate interactive tools, and promote participant engagement. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, you’ll explore practices to promote engagement in the virtual space, troubleshoot common challenges, and adapt to diverse learner needs.
*BYOD: bring your own device!
Who is this for? Trainers
About the presenter: Rachel Daley has nearly 30 years of experience in early care and education. Her career spans roles including higher education faculty (teaching online for the past 15 years), family and center child care provider, nanny, preschool teacher, religious education director, trainer, foster parent, student assistance team member, behavior and health/safety coach, substitute teacher, and curriculum writer. Rachel holds a BS in early childhood, an MA in classroom instruction, and a graduate certificate in parent education. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership. Rachel’s philosophy emphasizes fostering inquiry and promoting active learning among participants, and she is a dedicated advocate for continuous growth.
Facilitating White Racial Affinity Spaces with Carly Riley and Katie Kitchens
In this immersive and multi-modal session, participants will develop foundational skills for facilitating white racial affinity spaces. Join us to explore prompts, discussion starters, and facilitator techniques. We’ll put theory into practice with relevant case studies pertaining to patterns related to white identity.
Who is this for? Trainers / RBPD specialists / general
Empowering Executive Function for Adult Learners: Strengthening Focus, Emotional Regulation, and Resilience with Trinette Potts and John Everett Till
Executive function and self-regulation skills are not just foundational for children—they’re equally critical for adult learners navigating the complexities of work, learning, and life. By understanding and improving these skills, adults can enhance their focus, manage stress, and build resilience, leading to better outcomes in professional and personal environments.
This session offers insights into executive function for adults, including strategies to:
- Recognize strengths and areas for growth in your executive function skills
- Implement techniques to improve brain function and cognitive flexibility
- Foster collaboration and communication in professional and learning contexts
- Promote equity and inclusive practices in adult learning spaces
Let’s dive into how you can harness the power of executive functioning to thrive in adult learning environments.
Who is this for? RBPD specialists / general
About the presenters: Trinette Potts, Empowering General Greatness (EGG) project manager, oversees efforts to scale EGG Toolkit curriculum, training, and implementation, engaging children and caregivers statewide. Trinette holds an associate’s degree in early childhood education. She is an accomplished professional with demonstrated success developing and implementing strategic approaches to drive market growth and bottom-line profitability. With 25 years in the early childhood field, she has worn many hats from child care business owner to director. She has served as a child care business coordinator, business development specialist and consultant, Develop-approved trainer and course writer, and professional development specialist for The Council of Professional Recognition.
John Everett Till, chief strategy officer at The Family Partnership (TFP), is responsible for early education programming, program evaluation, and two-generation and brain science-informed program and policy strategies. John holds an MS in biological sciences; his research was on the neuroscience of sensory and cognitive development in children. He is also the EGG enterprise manager at TFP. He lives in an LGBTQ Filipino-American immigrant household in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Since 2017, John has led efforts to develop and scale the EGG Toolkit, a novel, whole-family approach to boost executive functioning and school readiness with preschool children and their parents, as well as with parents in home visiting programs and parenting groups. In 2019, Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child selected EGG for a planning grant for national replication and scaling, followed by an implementation grant in 2020-2021. EGG has now been piloted in five states, and in the fall of 2021 won Minnesota Council of Nonprofits’ Innovation Prize. In March 2023, John completed a Promising Ventures Fellowship for EGG with Promise Venture Studio, an organization established to incubate, foster, and scale innovations in the early childhood field, and he was also a participant in the Gates Foundation’s Measures for Early Success initiative, an effort to advance equity-centered measurement of executive functioning and school readiness. In 2024-2025, John is scaling EGG statewide in Minnesota with support from a legislative appropriation.
High Tech and High Engagement During Training with Tamara Masters
Participants will identify appropriate technology-based learning activities by exploring new tech tools to engage learners. Participants will learn about web-based tools such as Padlet, Menti, and Miro to incorporate digital collaboration for either in-person or virtual training.
*Bringing your own device is encouraged.
Who is this for? Trainers
About the presenter: Tamara Masters, PhD, is the TARSS project manager at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Education and Development, where she leads efforts to support professional ECE trainers and RBPD specialists across the state of Minnesota. With a doctorate in education and leadership from Drake University and over 20 years of experience in the field, Tamara has a deep passion for advancing early childhood education and leadership. Her areas of expertise include curriculum development, instructional design, assessment, leadership, and professional development.
Afternoon keynote (12:15-2:15 p.m.; location: Isle)
Stepping Into the New: Unlocking Intercultural Agility for Greater Success with David R. Myles
Renowned management expert Peter Drucker noted, “Culture trumps strategy.” Or put another way, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” This underscores how ‘culture’ has a broader and more impactful focus than many believe. In today’s multicultural world, individuals often coexist without truly connecting. Our cultural lenses shape our perceptions, influencing how we see, hear, and understand each other.
This presentation will explore the critical skill of intercultural agility, guiding participants on how to navigate diverse environments successfully, and inspiring our superhero ECE trainers and RBPD specialists to embrace new opportunities in 2025 and beyond. This retreat workshop also supports our values: supportive relationships; diversity, equity, and inclusion; data-based decision-making; evidence-based practices; continuous quality improvement; respect; continual learning; science is not a secret; science should be shared; social-emotional, intellectual, and physical growth. Communication and intercultural agility are paramount to these values and to creating a brighter future for Minnesota.
Who is this for? Trainers / RBPD specialists / general
About the presenter: David R. Myles is a sought-after, award-winning international speaker, educator, leader, consultant, and radio co-host. He is the president of the David Myles Group, Inc. and PDM Enterprises, Inc., a professional business and management consulting firm that supports federal, state, and local government as well as private for-profit and non-profit clients in transforming their greatest asset: people. David has over 24 years of leadership development and training experience, including serving as a police and school chaplain and as an educator at the college level, preparing and equipping the next generation of student leaders. He is passionate about helping students, leaders, and families change the lenses through which they see themselves and their world, and transform both.
The son of a career Air Force veteran from North Dakota, NCAA Division II All-American in track and field, and graduate of North Dakota State University (BS) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MDiv), David plans to begin his doctoral studies in the near future.