2025 | MMEA Mentoring Conference: Schedule
11th annual mmea mentoring conference
september 14-15, 2025 * Tan-tar-a conference center
2025 Mentoring Conference
Schedule
sunday
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Conference Registration
Registration for all teachers.
1:00pm – 1:30pm
“Don’t Question Your Life Choices Just Yet…”
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.
1:30pm – 2:00pm
“Everything’s Fine. Probably. IDK.”
After a month in the classroom reality has set in that this career is HARD. The overwhelming weight of lesson planning, classroom management and the many other things you weren’t prepared for cause many young teachers begin to question whether this is the career they wanted after all. In this session you will be reminded that this truly is the greatest profession.
2:00pm – 3:30pm
Content Area
Breakout Sessions
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, Chris Sprague
Elementary: Sheila Baer Vicky Scott, Rene’ Spencer
Band: Kyle Donnelly, Chris Sacco, Chelsea Silvermintz
Choir: Sarah Cook, Patrick Dell, Jodi Kratzer, 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
Island
Presiding: Sheila Baer
“Elementary Breakout Session”
Presenters: Sheila Baer Vicky Scott, Rene’ Spencer
These breakout sessions by discipline will give you the chance to ask your questions of our experienced mentors.
4:30pm – 5:30pm
Breakout Sessions
Content Area Sessions: “Common Questions Answered-Part 2.”
“Tech That Works”: Elizabeth Betts, Chris Sprague (Cedar Cove)
“Play Parties and More!”: Sheila Baer Vicky Scott, Rene’ Spencer (Island)
“Instrument Repair Clinic/MSHSAA Sightreading Clinic”: Kyle Donnelly, Chris Sacco, Chelsea Silvermintz (Parasol 2)
MSHSAA Sight Reading Clinic/MMEA Mentor Sight Reading Clinic”: Sarah Cook, Patrick Dell, Jodi Kratzer, Aaron Neff (Compass Rose)
“Common Questions Answered – Orchestra: Daniel Henderson (Port)
5:45pm – 6:30pm
JB’s Boathouse Deck
DINNER
*Provided by MMEA
6:45pm – 8:00pm
Content Area
Breakout Sessions
Content Area Sessions: “Common Questions Answered-Part 3.”
K-12: Elizabeth Betts, Chris Sprague (Cedar Cove)
Elementary: Sheila Baer Vicky Scott, Rene’ Spencer (Island)
Band: Kyle Donnelly, Chris Sacco, Chelsea Silvermintz (Parasol 2)
Choir: Sarah Cook, Patrick Dell, Jodi Kratzer, Aaron Neff (Compass Rose)
Orchestra: Daniel Henderson (Port)
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
Compass Rose
Presiding: Sarah Sacco
“Harmonizing Together: Because Music Isn’t a Solo Act”
Joint activity with NAfME-C and Tri-M members.
9:45am – 11:15am
Content Area
Breakout Sessions
Content Area Sessions: “Common Questions Answered-Part 4.”
K-12: Elizabeth Betts, Chris Sprague (Cedar Cove)
Elementary: Sheila Baer Vicky Scott, Rene’ Spencer (Island)
Band: Kyle Donnelly, Chris Sacco, Chelsea Silvermintz (Coral Reef)
Choir: Sarah Cook, Patrick Dell, Jodi Kratzer, Aaron Neff (Compass Rose)
Orchestra: Daniel Henderson (Port)
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
Ask your final questions in a panel discussion. Use your device if you want to ask anonymously!
12:15pm
Closing Remarks