posted on
MinnCAN launched in January 2011 with the vision of building a more robust, student-centered education policy debate. We knew there was more to be done to advocate for the changes Minnesota kids deserve and we were eager to take on that challenge. We’re incredibly proud of how much we’ve accomplished over the past five years in partnership with so many of you.
We’ve helped rally for $140 million in high-quality early learning investments, a dramatic expansion of the teacher pipeline, the implementation of teacher and principal evaluations and so much more. Together we’ve built a stronger foundation for education in our state and changed the narrative about what’s possible for Minnesota kids.
We have had the honor of working alongside many leaders in education advocacy, from the founders of the charter movement to long-time champions for educational equity to partners leading change within our schools.
We’ve also been thrilled to watch the growth of the local education advocacy ecosystem. Students for Education Reform has grown into a thriving chapter, Educators 4 Excellence has emerged to empower local teacher voices—including many of our own teacher policy fellows—and Minnesota Comeback has flourished with support from MinnCAN’s former deputy director. Later this year, this coalition will be joined by a new organization led by former MinnCAN executive director Daniel Sellers, which will further add to the strength of the ecosystem.
Given how much the education reform sector has grown in Minnesota, we feel the time is right to step back and let other organizations lead the charge into this next era. We do so knowing that the issues we have championed over the past five years will continue to be driven forward by talented and committed partners from across the state.
It’s been an honor to work alongside you. On behalf of everyone at MinnCAN, thank you.