The Collaborative

January Collaborative Office Hours
2026-01-09 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Invenshure, 1015 Glenwood Ave, Fourth Floor, Minneapolis, MN, 55405, United States
**Please let us know you are coming by registering for a free ticket above.**
What is “Collaborative Office Hours”?
Office Hours offer dedicated, uninterrupted time for school leaders like you to focus on the projects and initiatives that matter most. Whether you’re looking to strategize, create, or get inspired, this is an ideal setting to connect with other leaders and The Collaborative team for feedback and fresh ideas.
What should I bring with to work on?
Some ideas of projects you could bring with you are strategic planning, program development, PD prep, community engagement initiatives, complex challenges you want to problem-solve, event planning…the time is yours!
Who will be there?
EdLeaders who have been at past Collaborative events, Collaborative Mastermind members, the Collaborative Team, and anyone else you want to extend the invitation to.
Is there a cost?
No! Collaborative Office Hours is a free opportunity to take a break from your campus and spend the afternoon in downtown Minneapolis!

Lunch & Learn: Creating Efficient Admissions Systems & Time for Personalization Using Data + AI
2026-01-28 12:00 - 12:30
Virtual Admissions Lunch & Learn
Featuring: Kirsten Beard, Chief Admissions Officer, The Mount Vernon SchoolHosted by: The CollaborativeDate: Wednesday, January 28, 2026Time: 12:00–12:30 PMLocation: via Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/97026418465)
Admissions teams are busier than ever balancing data management, communication, and relationship building. In this session, Kirsten Beard will share how The Mount Vernon School uses data and AI tools to create more efficient admissions systems that free up time for what matters most: connecting personally with families. You’ll leave with practical insights for using analytics, automation, and personalized messaging to strengthen your funnel and streamline your workflows.

February 26 - EdLeader Collaborative
2026-02-26 08:30 - 13:00 | Continua, 9800 8th Ave N, Plymouth, MN, 55441
Cost: $70Location: Continua, 9800 8th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55441
This Year’s Theme:
#PowerofTogether: United in Purpose, Strengthened by Community
Gathering is one of the most common experiences in every school, yet its influence on learning is often overlooked. Join us at our next Collaborative event where we’ll be hearing from Jill Ackers, Director of Education with VS America on creating spaces that enhance learning environments. This session explores how the ways people come together in a space can strengthen engagement, connection, and the overall feel of a campus down to the classroom. When environments support movement, communication, and belonging, students and educators experience an ease and sense of joy that elevates daily learning.
Participants will reflect on how space shapes culture, how simple spatial decisions can enhance teaching practices, and how campuses can become places that feel alive with purpose. The session opens a fresh way of thinking about environments as part of the instructional story and invites deeper curiosity about what becomes possible when gathering is designed with intention.
What is The Collaborative?The Collaborative is a half-day event designed for Christian educators in Minnesota to connect, learn, and engage in meaningful collaboration. This gathering brings together school leaders who share a commitment to faith-based education, offering a space for networking, professional development, and discussions on the most pressing topics in Christian education.
What to Expect:

Networking & Connection – Meet and engage with other Christian education leaders who share your mission and challenges.
Interactive Workshops & Presentations – Gain practical insights and strategies from experts in education, leadership, and spiritual development.
Keynote Speakers – Learn from thought leaders who will share wisdom on faith-centered leadership and education.
Earn CEUs – Attendees will receive CEUs to support their professional growth.

Why Attend?Christian school leadership is a calling, but it doesn’t have to be a journey taken alone. The Collaborative provides an opportunity to grow, reflect, and build lasting connections with peers. Leave equipped with new ideas, strengthened by shared experiences, and encouraged to lead your school with clarity and confidence.
We hope to see you there!
