The Equity Committee strives to ensure all voices are heard and represented as we continue our work and would like to add a few additional members. If you are interested in joining the committee please reach out to Dr. Dana Miller or MaKenzie Hakeman.
We are excited to continue our Courageous Conversations! Courageous Conversations is a space, either virtual or in person, for staff to gather for 30-45 minutes to have guided conversations, ask questions, and learn about DEI topics. Each month a topic for conversation will be shared and we will offer two opportunities to engage in the conversation regarding the topic. All Central Rivers AEA staff are welcome to join!
Want to submit questions or comments anonymously to discuss during the bi-monthly meetings? Are there certain days of the week or times of day that would work better for you? Do you have general thoughts or questions about DEI+belonging that you would like to submit anonymously? Fill out the “Courageous Conversations” Google survey.
More information can be found on the “Courageous Conversations” page on our staff website. Please reach out to Dr. Dana Miller with any questions.
Would you like a safe place to communicate with people who share similar identities and/or experiences? An employee resource group is a workplace affinity group organized around a shared interest or identity. ERGs give employees an opportunity to connect with people who may share similar identities and/or experiences. These are supportive, safe, brave spaces; to discuss various topics, experiences, concerns, and possible solutions that may be impacting the community without fear, judgment, or repercussions.
ERGs provide an opportunity for support for those who are members of protected classes or marginalized communities. ERG members (with the support of a liaison of similar identity or you) are encouraged to bring forward concerns that surface to help the agency make changes to ensure all staff feel welcomed and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.
Initially, these groups will be limited to those with identities of protected classes and are members of historically marginalized communities. ERG groups may expand to include allies and other topics in the future.
If you are interested in joining an ERG please complete this Google Survey. This information will not be shared with others. It will be used to create the groups and aid in facilitating communication. If you are not comfortable completing the form or would like additional information please reach out to Dr. Dana Miller.
Registration for the full-day Disrupting Bias learning session, offered by Gina Weekley and MaKenzie Hakeman, is now open and will be offered at each Central Rivers AEA office location. Register online through the AEA Professional Learning system.
Course Description: Join us for a full-day learning session* that will provide a framework to disrupt bias behaviors. Bias limits our ability to make the best decisions for our teachers, our students, and our families. The awareness of our biases is foundational to becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Unconscious bias is something everyone has and that doesn’t make us bad; it makes us human. Through this session, you will be able to recognize bias, disrupt bias, learn how to choose courage, and increase your connections! *This training is for Central Rivers AEA Staff only!
Course information to register:
Check out the flyer for more information or reach out to MaKenzie Hakeman with questions.
Contact Manager is a tool created to allow staff to send email messages to targeted groups of educators. This is a great tool for promoting your professional learning opportunities or meetings that are targeted toward specific audiences.
Note: These directions are archived on the Staff Website>Communications>Contact Manager for future reference.
If you have yet to experience a two-day INspired Leadership Workshop or haven’t attended in the past three years, you might wish to check out the fall workshop dates and locations. Registration is now available in the AEA Professional Learning System. Contact Dr. Leslie Moore with any questions.
As the creator of The Life Coach School, Brooke Castillo has built a $50 million dollar business helping people with thought work. When we can manage our minds and the thoughts we tell ourselves, the possibilities are limitless! Check out nine years’ worth of podcasts by searching Brooke Castillo and The Life Coach School on your favorite platform for recordings and transcripts!
All staff have a personalized opportunity to heighten awareness of their internal core energy levels in order to enhance relationships and meet their personal and professional goals. Check out the Awareness of Internal Energy micro-credential available in CRAEA’s On-Demand Library! Staff who demonstrate and submit evidence of meeting all success criteria will earn the micro-credential badge. If you are employed directly by CRAEA and it is earned before June 30, 2024, you are eligible for $250. Learn more or log in now and register in CRAEA’s On-Demand Library by selecting “Micro-credential” in the “Categories” dropdown. You will also need to register in the AEA Professional Learning System. You have the opportunity to register as a “participant only” for $0 or to earn License Renewal Credit for $35. If you have registration questions, please contact Angie Gansen, Professional Learning Registration System Coordinator.
All agency documents and presentation materials that staff create to present to their school districts or in team meetings are expected to follow official Central Rivers AEA branding guidelines to maintain a consistent look. When writing for the website (including blogs), please use the online writing guide, which includes important accessibility information. If you have accessibility questions, please review the Accessibility Module.
The Communication Guides and Agency Templates page on the staff website offers many Central Rivers AEA branded resources. Some reminders to staff:
If you have questions regarding branding guidelines and requirements, please reach out to Beth Strike, Director of Communications & Creative Services or Contessa Van Buskirk, Communications Specialist, for assistance.
Whether you are new to Central Rivers AEA or had a recent title change, business cards are available to staff and can be ordered through Creative Services. The order form can be found on the staff website under Resources. Contact Randy Darst, Print Facilitator, with questions.
