Greetings,

Greetings!

Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year!  Here's hoping you had time to reflect, refresh and renew your mind, body and spirit over the summer.  

The opening of a new school year is always exciting - a time of promise for all the learning and growth that will take place across the school district in the year to come.  It is also a time to gather our strength and resolve for the intense work ahead.  The challenges of an urban school district are many.   More than ever, we need each other to ensure we are doing the best we can for all students - we have to believe in our professionalism and expertise in order to find ways to reach every student.   We are an essential part of creating success for each student and empowering ourselves is critical.  Therefore, to support these needs, the MFT Executive Board has set its goals and strategies for the year around the theme of "Educator Empowerment for Student Success".  

Empowering you will not be difficult.  You are an amazing group of professionals.  I am always proud of the high quality teaching, teaming and student support I see and hear about throughout the district.  There is a reason Minneapolis educators have the highest passing rates on National Board Certifications, are frequently selected for national and state awards/recognition, recruited by other school districts and touted by many education groups as being some of the best educators in the country.   It is because you are well educated, highly skilled, deeply passionate and conscientiously committed to the students of Minneapolis Public Schools.   And, in spite of all of this, you remain humble and assertive about your own professional ongoing growth and integrity. 

We will be engaging you in the "Educator Empowerment for Student Success" effort throughout the year.  The kick off event will take place on Wednesday, September 9th from 5-7 pm at Boom Island.  Minneapolis educators will be "Standing Together for Students" along with St. Paul educators, parents, politicians, community, clergy, business and unions from around the metro area.  Watch for a flyer coming your way.  Everyone is welcome  - we hope to see thousands in attendance!   It is time to stand up and be counted. 

Meanwhile, as we begin a new school year, please accept my applause and thanks for being who you are as well as my wishes for a wonderful school year.  I feel very honored to serve you as MFT president.  

Warmest Regards,

Lynn Nordgren, President
Minneapolis Federation of Teachers, Local 59
lnordgren@mft59.org/612-529-9621