Leadership & Governance

Dear MCEA Members,

I hope this message finds you well and excited for 2025! As I step into the role of president of the Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA), I want to take a moment to introduce myself, share my vision for the organization, and outline some of the key initiatives the board and I are passionate about as we move forward together.

For those of you who may not know me, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Community Education Director for the past 20 years in northern Minnesota (Int’l Falls for 15 years and Bemidji for 5 years and counting). Before stepping into community education, I spent many years as an art teacher and, for a time, I was a stay-at-home mama, dedicating myself to raising my children while they were young. Outside of work, I’m a proud mother to four children—Annika (27), Wyatt (25), Tenneyson (23), and Harper (20)—and married to Evan, a sports fanatic, coach, and physical education teacher. Watching our children grow into amazing adults has been one of my greatest joys. Two are married and have brought their spouses into our family, which has been a true gift. The other two are on their own exciting paths—one is establishing her new law career, and the other is still in college at ASU. They are my world, and I’m incredibly proud of each of them. I absolutely treasure my time at our cabin on Rainy Lake—my true happy place—where I can unwind and reconnect with nature. When I’m not there, I love traveling to new places, losing myself in a good book, and making lasting memories with family and friends. Work is my passion, and I’m truly dedicated to the difference we make through community education. I’m incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a work family that supports, inspires, and challenges me every day—I truly love what I do and the team I get to do it with!

First, I am truly honored to serve as your MCEA president. I’ve seen firsthand the incredible power community education holds to change lives, and I’m deeply committed to supporting the important work each of you is doing in your communities. Together, we are making a lasting impact, and I am excited to work alongside you to continue this meaningful journey. Our MCEA mission – to provide leadership, resources, and support to sustain innovative Community Education programs across Minnesota – is more vital now than ever.

Our mission, to provide leadership, resources, and support to sustain leading-edge Community Education programs, is more vital now than ever. As your president, I’m committed to fostering a collaborative environment where each of us can learn, grow, and contribute to the success of our communities. Our work has a profound impact, and the pillars that guide us—Engagement, Sustainability, and Professional Growth—will serve as the foundation for our goals in the year ahead.  I’m excited to share with you the plans we have in place to further these goals and work together to make a lasting difference. Together, we will build on these pillars to create even more opportunities for growth and success in our communities.

MCEA Board Initiatives and Goals for 2025:

Engagement

1. Strengthen Outreach to Diverse Communities:
   We must expand our efforts to connect with underserved and culturally diverse groups. By ensuring broader inclusivity and representation in our programs, we can ensure that every individual has access to the benefits of community education.
2. Develop Regional Ambassadors Program:
   We are excited to introduce a new initiative to appoint representatives from each region. These ambassadors will lead networking efforts, enhance engagement with the MCEA HUB, and offer localized support. This will help address the need for regional equity and strengthen our sense of community.
3. Engage K-12 Leadership in Community Education Conversations:
   Increasing visibility and alignment with K-12 education is crucial. We will work closely with superintendents and principals to engage them in MCEA initiatives, ensuring that community education is integrated into the broader educational system, benefiting students, families, and communities alike.

Sustainability

1. Address Staffing Challenges:
   The staffing shortage is one of the most pressing issues facing our field. We are committed to advocating for alternate pathways to administrative licensure and developing innovative strategies for hiring and retention, particularly in rural areas where the need is greatest.
2. Advocate for Funding Stability:
   We must work together to protect Fund 04 and explore alternative revenue streams. As ESSER funds begin to decline, ensuring financial stability for community education programs is more important than ever. We will be a strong advocate for securing the resources we need to continue our vital work.
3. Enhance Partnerships with State Agencies:
   Strengthening our partnerships with state agencies like the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) will reinforce the role of community education in legislative and funding decisions. These relationships are key to ensuring our sustainability in the years ahead.

Professional Growth

1. Expand Professional Development Opportunities:
   We will work to expand our professional development offerings, including role-specific training for School Age Care (SAC) staff, coordinators, and advisory councils. Continuing to offer hybrid and on-demand formats ensures that all members have access to valuable resources at their convenience.
2. Establish a Mentorship Program:
   Building leadership capacity is essential for our growth. We are excited to launch a formalized mentorship initiative aimed at supporting new directors, emerging leaders, and those in underserved regions. This program will foster the next generation of leaders in community education.
3. Develop Specialized Training Tracks:
   In order to support growth across various roles, We will work to develop targeted training in areas like conflict management, customer service, and advanced leadership. These specialized tracks will address the unique needs of different programs and help us grow as professionals.

Together, we will continue to foster innovation, strengthen connections, and build sustainable practices to ensure that community education remains a powerful tool for positive change in Minnesota. I look forward to collaborating with each of you, hearing your ideas, and working together to achieve our goals.

Thank you for your commitment to this essential work. I’m honored to lead MCEA into the next chapter, and I am excited to see what we can accomplish together!

With gratitude and excitement,
Rachel Amdahl                                                                                                                                                                    President, Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA)                                                                                    Community Education Director for ISD31, Bemidji Area Schools