2026 | MMEA Mentoring Conference: Schedule
12th annual mmea mentoring conference
september 27-28, 2026 * Tan-tar-a conference center
2026 Mentoring Conference
Schedule
sunday
12:15pm – 1:00pm
Conference Registration
Registration for all teachers.
1:00pm – 1:30pm
“Opening Remarks and Introductions”
Mentors will introduce themselves, share what and where they taught, and a past mentoring story.
1:30pm – 2:00pm
“It’s Good! I’m Great! Everything’s Okay!”
Presenters: Paul & Alisha Baur
Embarrassing moments? Epic fails? We’ve all been there. Join us for a hilarious group therapy disguised as PD. You’ll find that all of us, from newbies to master teachers, have had these moments and survived them.
2:00pm – 3:30pm
Presiding: Mentors
Content Area Sessions: “Common Questions Answered-Part 1″
In this session we will discuss questions common to all teachers. Subjects such as classroom management, organization, and practical tips will be explored.
K-12: Elizabeth Betts, Tyson Jackson
Elementary: Stephanie Brueggeman, Vicky Scott
Band: Alisha Baur, Paul Baur, Kyle Donnelly, Chris Sacco, Chelsea Silvermintz
Choir: Sarah Cook, Patrick Dell, Jodi Kratzer, Jason Martin, Aaron Neff
Orchestra: Daniel Henderson
These breakout sessions are designed to address specific issues in the K-12, elementary, band, choir, and orchestra disciplines. All sessions will provide the opportunity to ask questions of our experienced MMEA Mentors.
3:45pm – 4:15pm
“MSHSAA Update”
Presenter: James Melton
This session will help new teachers navigate the rules and regulations of the MSHSAA Music Festivals.
3:45pm – 4:15pm
“Elementary Breakout Session”
Presenter: Vicky Scott
This session by discipline will give new teachers the chance to ask questions of experienced mentors and hear advice from teachers early in their careers.
√ 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Presiding: Mentors
Content Area Breakout Sessions
In this session we will discuss questions common to all teachers. Subjects such as classroom management, organization, and practical tips will be explored.
K-12: Elizabeth Betts, Tyson Jackson
Elementary: Stephanie Brueggeman, Vicky Scott
Band: Alisha Baur, Paul Baur, Kyle Donnelly, Chris Sacco, Chelsea Silvermintz
Choir: Sarah Cook, Patrick Dell, Jodi Kratzer, Jason Martin, Aaron Neff
Orchestra: Daniel Henderson
These breakout sessions are designed to address specific issues in the K-12, elementary, band, choir, and orchestra disciplines. All sessions will provide the opportunity to ask questions of our experienced MMEA Mentors.
5:45pm – 6:30pm
JB’s Boathouse Deck
DINNER
*Provided by MMEA
6:45pm – 8:00pm
Presiding: Mentors
Content Area Breakout Sessions
In this session we will discuss questions common to all teachers. Subjects such as classroom management, organization, and practical tips will be explored.
K-12: Elizabeth Betts, Tyson Jackson
Elementary: Stephanie Brueggeman, Vicky Scott
Band: Alisha Baur, Paul Baur, Kyle Donnelly, Chris Sacco, Chelsea Silvermintz
Choir: Sarah Cook, Patrick Dell, Jodi Kratzer, Jason Martin, Aaron Neff
Orchestra: Daniel Henderson
These breakout sessions are designed to address specific issues in the K-12, elementary, band, choir, and orchestra disciplines. All sessions will provide the opportunity to ask questions of our experienced MMEA Mentors.
8:15pm – 9:00pm
“Ask Me About…”
Presenters: All Mentors & Mentees
This session is designed to share practical and successful ideas with each other. Bring your best tip and let’s learn from each other!
9:00pm – 10:00pm
License To Chill
Social Networking
monday
7:45am – 8:45am
Continental Breakfast / “Bagels and Basics”
Starting your teaching journey comes with excitement—and a lot of questions. This informal, open Q&A clinic is designed specifically for new teachers who want real talk, practical tips, and honest advice. Whether you’re wondering about classroom management, parent communication, lesson planning, or simply surviving the first month, bring your questions and ask experienced educators who’ve been there. No question is too small or too big.
9:00am – 9:30am
“We Are All In This Together! Bingo!”
Joint activity with NAfME-C and Tri-M members.
9:30am – 10:30am
“What I Know, What I Wish I Knew, What I Need To Know”
Joint activity with NAfME-C and Tri-M members.
10:30am – 11:15am
Presiding: Mentors
Content Area Sessions: “Common Questions Answered-Part 2.”
K-12: Elizabeth Betts, Tyson Jackson
Elementary: Stephanie Brueggeman, Vicky Scott
Band: Alisha Baur, Paul Baur, Kyle Donnelly, Chris Sacco, Chelsea Silvermintz
Choir: Sarah Cook, Patrick Dell, Jodi Kratzer, Jason Martin, Aaron Neff
Orchestra: Daniel Henderson
These breakout sessions are designed to address specific issues in the K-12, elementary, band, choir, and orchestra disciplines. All sessions will provide the opportunity to ask questions of our experienced MMEA Mentors.
11:30am – 12:15pm
“Ask Us Anything!”
Presenters: All Mentors/Mentees
Ask your final questions in a panel discussion.
12:15pm
Closing Remarks – Conference Wrap-Up