During this COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen teachers rise to the challenge of distance learning and do more than just provide lessons, activities and instruction. They provide hope, encouragement and care to their students, reminding them what they’re capable of.
“I wish we could be in the classroom, but we’re just going to take this as an opportunity to embrace challenge and use it to show how resilient we are,” a Blue Earth teacher told students in a video. “You guys got this. I’m so proud of you.”
Here’s a video showing what distance learning looks like across Greater Minnesota and the extraordinary teams of people behind it. Watch below and learn more.
Schools in Action
At MREA, we continue to be inspired by the stories that are shared with us. MREA’s partner Captivate Media offered in early April to edit image and videos to help at no cost to MREA member school districts to help tell those stories.
“We’re grateful for the partnership with Captivate Media to use video to help schools share their stories during this time,” said Fred Nolan, MREA executive director. “During distance learning, we’re seeing teachers and school staff across Greater Minnesota innovate and adapt to put students first. We couldn’t be more rural proud.”
Before starting Captivate Media, Jake Sturgis worked for two Minnesota school districts for 12 years. He knew the work school leaders would need to put in for distance learning and the impact schools have on students, families and communities.
“We wanted to find a way to help and video is the perfect medium to share those stories of hope, inspiration and community spirit,” Sturgis said.
Historic
This is a historic time in education, in our state and in our nation.
“We will emerge from this pandemic with a very different idea of what health, safety, school, learning, commerce and our societal needs are,” Lance Bagstad, MREA Board President and Superintendent of Park Rapids Public Schools, wrote this week. “This crisis has proved that public schools are America’s safety net for children.” View Star Tribune editorial written in collaboration with Association of Metropolitan School Districts and Schools for Equity in Education (SEE).
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Stay Connected
Stay apprised of resources and news on COVID-19 for schools at: MREAvoice.org/covid19
Videos
Here is a snapshot of the videos created for Greater Minnesota school districts to showcase their service during this time:
Alexandria (Preschool)
Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial
>> More videos to come here and on MREA’s Facebook Page.
