Karla Beck | Director of Teaching & Learning | Redwood Area School District
Experience with Current School/District: I am currently in my fourth year as the Director of Teaching & Learning for the Redwood Area School District. I support and mentor young teachers, collaborate with educators to elevate the quality of classroom learning, and work alongside a dynamic administrative team. I am committed to keeping students at the heart of every decision, driving forward professional development for educators and leading curriculum innovation to foster an enriching educational environment.
Experience in Education Sector: In addition to being a vocal music educator and a principal at St. James and Madelia school districts, my 25 years in education includes:
- MREA Board of Directors, Executive Committee Member, Summit Committee, Executive Director Search Committee
- Minnesota Arts Standards Leadership Implementation Team
- Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association Board of Directors
- Minnesota Music Educators’ Association Board of Directors
Experience in Rural Sector: MREA played a pivotal role in championing the Ag2School tax credit, highlighting the value of Minnesota farmers and the agricultural industry in rural education. The direct connection to agriculture is important for the MREA Board, and I am proud to share my rural way of life with MREA members:
- Grew up on Minnesota farm and raised 3 sons as part of farm family
- Partner in family’s ag operation
- MN Corn Growers Association events
- GreenSeam events
Other Relevant Experience: Actively participating on MREA’s Executive, Summit, and Executive Director Search committees has provided me a 360-degree perspective of MREA with vital insights into governance, finance, and strategic planning. Together we can advocate for Greater Minnesota schools and keep reminding legislators that rural services and facilities are essential considerations in decision-making and that the rural voice must be present and strong at all decision-making tables. It has been an honor to represent and amplify the educator and administrator voice at the MREA table, advocating for the needs and priorities of our rural communities.
Why MREA? Rural Minnesota school districts, boards of education, and staff need a strong, unified voice to shape the future of educational practice, policy, and funding. MREA embodies this powerful, collective voice. As a farm partner and rural school administrator, I have relied on MREA’s invaluable resources and interactive maps to facilitate meaningful discussions with educators and community members, particularly during levy and referendum votes. As demographic shifts create new inequities, the steadfast and influential voice of MREA in policy creation and adoption is more crucial than ever. Serving on the MREA Board would not only be a privilege but also a welcome challenge to further advance the organization’s mission and impact on rural education in Minnesota.
What Excites You About MREA’s Work? MREA unites voices from around Minnesota, valuing the perspectives of teachers, community members, Board of Education members, and school administrators. This ‘wide angle lens’ approach is unparalleled in our state. MREA has proven that the voice of Greater Minnesota is powerful, and the organization’s structure and Board of Directors amplify this power.
Challenges for MREA in the Next 4 Years:
- Amplifying Educator Engagement: A pivotal challenge lies in deepening involvement and interaction with those on the front lines of education so MREA can enrich its mission and policy work.
- Bridging the Funding Gap: Addressing the significant funding disparity remains a critical hurdle. Despite rural schools comprising 34.1% of public schools, we receive only 19.1% of state funding. MREA’s mission to advocate for fair and equitable funding to support and elevate rural education can help ensure every student has access to quality resources and opportunities.
Opportunities for MREA in the Next 4 Years:
- Championing the Teacher Profession: MREA has the opportunity to tackle the teacher shortage head-on by devising innovative initiatives that elevate teaching to an honored and financially viable profession, attracting and retaining talented educators who will inspire and shape future generations.
- Fostering Strategic Partnerships: By partnering with rural industries, businesses, and organizations, MREA can enrich the educational landscape, offering diverse and robust opportunities within schools. These strategic collaborations can provide students with invaluable real-world experiences, thus empowering rural schools and transforming communities into vibrant hubs of learning and growth.
Expertise and Skills to Strengthen MREA’s Mission:
- Marketing
- Human Resources
- Social Media
- Event Planning
- Public Policy/Advocacy
- Public Speaking
- Strategic Planning
