On October 15, 2025, educators from Lanesboro Schools came together for the 4th Annual Small Schools Teaching Conference, a professional learning event dedicated to sharing innovative strategies and strengthening collaboration. Hosted locally, the conference brought together teachers, paraprofessionals, and daycare staff for a full day of learning and connection.
This year’s sessions focused on timely topics shaping today’s classrooms, including artificial intelligence in education, student engagement, digital literacy, classroom behavior management, and fostering a growth mindset. Participants also took part in collaborative breakout sessions organized by grade level and content area, allowing educators from similar roles to exchange ideas and resources tailored to their unique school settings. A special thank you to the Education Department staff at Winona State University for their continuing role in presenting on so many important topics.
The conference featured keynote speaker Dr. Jenny Severson, who inspired attendees with her presentation on strategies to keep students actively engaged in learning. Her message emphasized the importance of relationships and purpose in the learning process—core values that resonate deeply with small schools. Her focus on movement in the classroom also added new or reinforced strategies that can be impactful for today's learners.