Equity-Driven Leadership for MN Adult Education

Minnesota Adult Education providers, in collaboration with the IDEAL Center at the Science Museum of Minnesota, are launching a professional development cohort for the 2026-27 school year. This program, based on the Science Museum’s flagship PAGE (Transforming Educational Systems Through Equity and Leadership) initiative, is designed to support educational leaders in creating lasting organizational change toward greater equity and inclusion.

The training consists of a total of five days of programming held in St. Paul at the Science Museum of Minnesota, which includes a three-day intensive institute in September 2026 followed by one-day sessions in February and May 2027. By agreeing to be part of this cohort, participants will also be part of debriefing sessions between programming at the Science Museum.

Travel costs will be reimbursed for those traveling 100 miles or more. There will be a stipend of $450 for participation for those who are eligible.

This opportunity is specifically open to teams (but consideration will be given to interested individuals) from adult education who are motivated to ground their leadership practices in equity. More information on ideal candidates below.

APPLICATION >>

Purpose of the PAGE Cohort

By engaging as teams, participants will:

• Implement equity-informed changes within their specific ABE programs and consortia.
• Support the Minnesota Adult Education Equity commitment, which seeks to dismantle institutional policies upholding oppressive systems of power and privilege while fostering a learning community dedicated to growth and self-reflection.

Objectives of the FY27 PAGE Adult Ed Training

The PAGE training aims to equip adult education leaders with the tools necessary to navigate and transform complex systems into more equitable systems.

Key objectives for the cohort include:

1. Developing Systems Thinking Skills: Building a shared knowledge of systems theory to understand how to effectively create change within complex educational environments.
2. Examining Power and Identity: Critically analyzing the relationships between identity, systems of oppression, power, and status.
3. Strengthening Facilitation Processes: Learning and practicing specific norms and facilitation strategies that ensure the engagement of every person and improve teamwork in adult professional settings.
4. Fostering Productive Collaboration: Practicing strategies to lead highly productive teamwork and collaboration among staff.
5. Applying Learning to Personal and Institutional Change: Synthesizing new understandings of equity and leadership to explore their implications for individual behaviors and organizational actions.

Who are the ideal participants:

1. Movers & Shakers: Adult educators involved with statewide leadership (PD Committee members, for example) motivated to ground their leadership practices and professional development in equity and who can model and facilitate new behaviors and actions among their colleagues.
2. Decision-Makers: Managers or coordinators whose roles include the ability to change institutional policies that uphold power imbalances.
3. Collaborative Practitioners: Individuals ready to engage in this extensive work to examine local data and policies through an equity lens.

Applications will be received in teams of two or more from one program/organization who apply together (rather than just individuals). Teams are important here because systemic transformation requires a powerful community of leaders across different levels of the organization to capitalize on various perspectives and spheres of influence.

APPLICATION >>

The deadline to apply is August 31, 2026, and your participation will be confirmed within 2-3 business days.