SEEC
Education Spotlight: The Impact of Reading Corps: Solveig's Story from Tutor to Teacher
Administrative Updates: The Importance of Relationships in Education Organizations
PD, Programs, & Services: Time is Running out - Features of Effective Math Instruction: Retention
Teaching Resources & Tools: Behavior Pre-Correction from Behavior Advantage
Upcoming PD: Sign up for 2025 offerings
When Solveig Overturf’s youngest child started elementary school, so did she - as a Reading Corps tutor. Reading Corps tutors serve in elementary schools providing daily one-on-one, 20-minute intervention sessions with K-3 students who need extra support learning to read. As part of this AmeriCorps program, tutors receive training for this position and receive a monthly living allowance (stipend) and education award that can be used for college tuition or student loans. Overturf spent four years in the program at Bennett Elementary in Fargo, but when her service was complete, her career was just beginning.
After becoming a tutor, Reading Corps quickly became Overturf’s passion. Building connections with students is a key piece of the program, and she excelled. Amber Remark, an Instructional Coach at Bennett Elementary, said “[Overturf] was made to be with kids. Her natural ability to connect with kids and meet them where they’re at and see them for who they are is incredible.” As she reached the end of her four years of service with Reading Corps, Overturf didn’t feel like she was done making an impact. So, she shifted from possibly taking a few classes with her education award to applying for a college degree program. Overturf is now attending MSUM for elementary education and will student teach in the fall of 2027.
To read more about Solveig's story, click here! Check out the video below to see Solveig's early days of tutoring!
Site Applications for Reading and Math Corps (K-3) and (4-8) Are Now Open!
“Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.”– Helen Keller
This quote has been on my mind as I started another round of school visits in January, meeting with Superintendents and district leaders. This past week SEEC staff hosted the SEEC Principal meeting in Valley City. Our school liaisons continue their work making connections in the schools and our TSI/CSI liaison leaders are helping support their assigned schools with collaborative coaching and support. Medicaid billing as well as all the many other project areas at SEEC continue to offer connections to our stakeholder groups. All this work is a committed attempt to build relationships in our schools, working together toward a stronger education system with the flexibility to successfully meet the needs of all students.
Strong relationships foster collaboration among stakeholders. When stakeholder groups feel a personal connection to their organization, they are more willing to share ideas, take initiative, and support collaborative opportunities. Organizations who cultivate relationships create a culture of cooperation that enhances overall continuity and collaborative growth. At SEEC, we value relationships and encourage all perspectives, innovative ideas and open communication. This environment fosters creativity and helps us all grow. When school leaders feel empowered to share ideas and take advantage of collaborative opportunities to enhance student learning, we create a better education system. As SEEC continues to foster strong connections with their school teams, colleagues, and stakeholder groups, we will create a foundation for collaboration and long-term success for both our organization and our member schools.
Guiding the SEEC can only be done by connecting with our schools and other organizations. By prioritizing these relationships, we will enhance collaboration and inspire a culture of growth and innovation. In the ever-changing world of education, one constant remains: relationships are the heart of all great education organizations. As SEEC moves forward with exploring greater alignment with school district goals, strategic initiatives, and district priorities, the relationships we have with our key stakeholders and school district leaders will make the most impact on how we make forward progress together.
Looking forward to connecting with you as I make my way around to your district.
-John
We're gearing up for our next math-focused training on March 18th in Fargo! Join us as we:
Investigate features of effective math instruction through the latest research and best practices.
Understand the instructional hierarchy of mathematics learning.
Understand the curve of forgetting and develop the capacity to increase learner’s retention in mathematics through sound strategies.
"[This was] was one of the best professional development trainings I have ever had" - Secondary teacher, Hankinson
"Worthwhile!!! This [workshop] brought depth to any math classroom in which I teach. Information was substantial. Very excited!" - Elementary teacher, Langdon
"It was awesome!! I learned so much and feel much more confident. I am a first year teacher, and this opened my eyes so much. Thank you!" - Teacher, Central Cass
Time is running out to elevate your math instruction - sign up today!
The North Dakota Multi-Tier System of Supports (NDMTSS) is a comprehensive framework designed to enhance the educational experience for both students and staff. Through targeted trainings, NDMTSS helps educators and school-based leadership teams to LEARN, EMPOWER, and GROW, ultimately leading to improved outcomes across the board. This article explores how NDMTSS trainings achieve these goals by focusing on the alterable variables of Instruction, Curriculum, and Environment, and the efficient and effective use of data to make informed decisions.
Learn more about how NDMTSS trainings help LEARN, EMPOWER, and GROW here!
Sign up for The Weekly from CharacterStrong, and receive a 2-3 minute video in your inbox each week with a low-burden, high-impact strategy to transform your daily work! This free series includes timely information on topics like the importance of pre-correction!
Check out the video below for a 2 minute lesson on why pre-correction can lead to better classroom behavior.
Group chats are a popular way for students to socialize, but they can also bring drama, misunderstandings, and distractions. In this presentation, explore how to address the drama and empower students to navigate group chats confidently, fostering stronger friendships and self-confidence. In this session, explore:
Ways to equip students with strategies to handle group chat drama respectfully.
How to address common issues like cyberbullying, setting boundaries, and fostering self-confidence
Mission: The South East Education Cooperative is a collaborative organization that strives to enhance education in ND through quality services and visionary leadership.
Vision: SEECing solutions to provide value to our stakeholders and their communities through learning, collaboration, and innovation.
South East Education Cooperative