This full-day, hands-on workshop introduces business professionals to the practical side of AI. You’ll learn how tools like custom GPTs, automation workflows, and modern language models can streamline operations, improve communication, and unlock new capacity across your team. The day blends clear explanations, real examples, and guided activities that help you identify high-impact opportunities in your own work.

The focus is simple: show you what’s possible, what’s practical, and how to take the first steps with confidence. You’ll leave with ideas you can use immediately, a better understanding of the AI landscape, and a roadmap for applying AI responsibly and effectively in your organization.

Christine Gregory is one of SSC's most beloved presenters. She is an AI genius, and a curriculum and assessment consultant. For the past several years, she has worked with schools all over southern Minnesota on data analysis, data visualization, and curriculum development. Previous to that she worked for Rochester Catholic Schools as the Director of Teaching and Learning working alongside teachers and principals. She has spent a great deal of time recently on investigating AI for educators as she is a firm believer in its transformative power for education as well as its potential to help educators avoid burnout. Her areas of focus include: AI for education, data analysis, data visualization, and curriculum development. In addition to professional life, Christine is a mother of four, football fan, coffee lover, and avid board game geek.

Facilitated by Shannon Helgeson and Ross Herdina of Agile Ideas Leadership, this is an opportunity for instructional coaches and educational leaders of all levels of experience, and for those who want to strengthen their facilitation skills.

Peer-to-peer leadership, such as in instructional coaching and peer mentorship, can have a significant impact on student achievement and lead to actual implementation of initiatives and professional development. However, many schools implementing this model discover quickly that peer support roles can be difficult - and even isolating. Topics for this 3-part cohort include: Coaching Conversations and Feedback Models, Facilitating Adult Learners, and Building a Culture of Learning through Transformational Coaching.

By the end of this series, participants will be able to do, know, or understand a) how to establish a coaching system in your organization, b) structured conversation models that drive decision making and create team buy-in, c) feedback systems and culture, d) the power of facilitative leadership, and e) the partner approach to learning and growth.

Participants will have opportunities to share ideas, practice conversational and coaching strategies, increase their professional skills, and establish strong systems that will help your coaching program flourish. Instructional coaches and others who lead teams and give feedback are encouraged to participate.

Audience: Instructional coaches, peer mentors, and others who provide job-embedded feedback and support

Tap into the expertise at the Center for Effective School Operations (CESO) for a lunch and learn session on timely topics related to human resources, finance, and operations.

8:30-9:00 AM Welcome • Check-In • Connect

The wellness retreat will feature the following engaging and interactive sessions:

Rethink Your Drink

Presented by Hannah Keltgen

• Learn what’s really in your favorite beverages. Engage in hands-on comparisons of sugar, caffeine, and hydration benefits.

Off the Beaten Path: Wellbeing Unboxed

Presented by Nicole LaChapelle-Strumski

• Explore out-of-the-box wellness concepts that go beyond traditional approaches. This session offers tangible, creative takeaways to help participants find fresh ways to thrive personally.

Using Nutrition to Tackle Stress and Mental Health Issues

Presented by April Graff, MS, RD, LD

• People in high-stress jobs are prone to stress-related illnesses and anxiety, including burnout, insomnia, clinical depression, and substance abuse. Now more than ever, it’s important to choose nutritious foods that can boost energy, increase brain power, and simply put a smile on your face. Learn now balanced eating can help you better deal with stress and make you a more effective leader both at work and at home.

Audience: Wellness coordinators, HR professionals, leaders, and individuals passionate about wellbeing. Geared to individuals who play a role in the wellness program at their organization, but the sessions will be applicable to anyone looking to improve their personal wellbeing. Each session will be packed with tangible takeaways that attendees can start implementing right away.

Additional Highlights

• Built-in sharing and networking time to encourage peer learning and collaboration.
• Healthy breakfast.

By attending, participants will:

• Gain exposure to new and innovative wellness strategies.
• Develop connections with peers and professionals in the wellness field.
• Leave with renewed motivation and practical resources to enhance their personal and professional wellbeing initiatives

9:00 AM to 4:00 PM each da

AI Unleashed 2026: STEM Forward Educator Forum! Join us Wed., February 11, 4:30-7:30 PM at Wood Lake Meeting Center.

Network with educators, share best practices, & build connections. CEUs & dinner provided. Perfect for K-12 educators, STEM enthusiasts, future teachers, & those hiring a STEM workforce.

Free for STEM Forward members, $125 for non-members.

Contact: Vic Dreier | vdreier@ssc.coop

Join us virtually for an opportunity to connect with other school mental health professionals (school social workers, school counselors, etc.) to discuss relevant topics to our day-to-day work. More information about the agenda will come out closer to the date.

CEU's provided.

Attendees will discover how to tap into their true leadership potential, overcome any challenge, and position their business and their team for the Next Level success they desire. With an emphasis on teaching the power of Inclusive Leadership, today’s leaders will learn how to unlock the unlimited potential of a fully aligned and highly engaged team. Learn strategies to revolutionize leadership in your organization. - Understand how to fulfill your leadership purpose. - Discover new ways to catapult the performance of your team. - Set and accomplish goals, by sustaining cultural integrity. About the Presenter: Marine Corps veteran, leadership expert, and author of The Leadership Connection, Erik Therwanger shares the elite actions necessary for business leaders at every level to achieve the game-enhancing breakthroughs necessary to boost results in their entire organization. If you’d like to bring a team of three or more, please contact info@ssc.coop to receive discounted pricing and streamlined registration!

MASA Region 1 Training- Agenda will be set after planning committee meets.

School Nurse Community of Practice for the 25-26 School Year.

Agenda will be shared closer to the date

Facilitated by Shannon Helgeson and Ross Herdina of Agile Ideas Leadership, this is an opportunity for instructional coaches and educational leaders of all levels of experience, and for those who want to strengthen their facilitation skills.

Peer-to-peer leadership, such as in instructional coaching and peer mentorship, can have a significant impact on student achievement and lead to actual implementation of initiatives and professional development. However, many schools implementing this model discover quickly that peer support roles can be difficult - and even isolating. Topics for this 3-part cohort include: Coaching Conversations and Feedback Models, Facilitating Adult Learners, and Building a Culture of Learning through Transformational Coaching.

By the end of this series, participants will be able to do, know, or understand a) how to establish a coaching system in your organization, b) structured conversation models that drive decision making and create team buy-in, c) feedback systems and culture, d) the power of facilitative leadership, and e) the partner approach to learning and growth.

Participants will have opportunities to share ideas, practice conversational and coaching strategies, increase their professional skills, and establish strong systems that will help your coaching program flourish. Instructional coaches and others who lead teams and give feedback are encouraged to participate.

Audience: Instructional coaches, peer mentors, and others who provide job-embedded feedback and support

Join us virtually for an opportunity to connect with other school mental health professionals (school social workers, school counselors, etc.) to discuss relevant topics to our day-to-day work. More information about the agenda will come out closer to the date.

CEU's provided.

School Nurse Community of Practice for the 25-26 School Year.

Agenda will be shared closer to the date

Stay tuned for details regarding the agenda.