Summer Conference

The Minnesota Association of School Office Professionals sponsors a conference each year prior to the start of the school year. School office professionals from across the state gather for two (2) days of learning, laughter and networking.

This conference is open to all school office professionals. The program will offer current information on issues affecting the schools as well as an opportunity to enhance professional development. Our intent is to energize, provide information on thought provoking topics, and encourage networking among the participants.

8:30 – 9:00 AM: Check In – Rolls and Refreshments – Lobby

9:00 – 10:00 AM: Conference Kick-Off – Glacier Park

  • Greetings: 
    • MASOP  – Kim Sievert
    • MASSP – Bob Driver
  • Happy Birthday MASOP
  • MINGO
  • Advisor Committee Voting

10:00 – 11:30 AM: First General Session – Glacier Park

    • Address: Sherlonda Sharp, Speaker and Comedian
  • Minnesota Not So Nice: Navigating Difficult Personalities. 
  • This will be a TEAMwork-Focused Keynote Experience that offers a timely, engaging, and practical exploration of how personalities, communication styles, and stress impact how teams function—especially in fast-paced, people-facing roles.
  • This high-energy keynote blends humor, real-life workplace scenarios, and actionable strategies to help teams work better together, even when personalities clash. It will also energize the room, create shared language, and set a strong foundation for the conference’s TEAMwork theme.
  • Attendees will:
    • Recognize common “challenging personality” patterns that show up on teams
    • Understand why well-intended teamwork advice often breaks down under pressure
    • Learn how stress, roles, and unspoken expectations affect collaboration
    • Gain practical tools for responding—not reacting—when tensions rise
    • Strengthen communication and trust across roles, responsibilities, and work styles

This session is intentionally designed to deepen learning without fatigue, reinforcing key concepts and helping teams leave with confidence and clarity.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch – Yellowstone

12:35 – 1:05 PM: First General Session Continued- Glacier Park

  • Address: Sherlonda Sharp, Speaker and Comedian
  • Why This Matters for TEAMwork: Strong teams aren’t built by avoiding difficult people—they’re built by knowing how to work through differences effectively.
  • This keynote experience:
    • Creates a shared understanding of team dynamics
    • Encourages empathy while maintaining accountability
    • Strengthens collaboration across personalities and roles
    • Supports healthier, more resilient teams long after the conference ends

Attendees will walk away not just inspired, but better prepared to contribute positivity to their teams and workplace culture.

1:05 – 2:15 PM: Second General Session – Glacier Park

  • Address: Kristy Gosch
  • TEAMwork Escape Room – School Office Edition

2:25 – 3:30 PM: Third General Session – Glacier Park

  • Address: Stacy Martin, PERA Rep.
  • From Hire to Retire is designed for new PERA members, those who are close to retirement, and everyone in between. The PERA pension is discussed in detail, including how it fits into an overall retirement plan. PERA’s pension benefit options, life changes that affect PERA, decisions members must make, and self-service tools are highlighted.

3:30 – 4:30 PM: Fourth General Session – Glacier Park

  • Address: Kim Sievert
  • Collaborative Sharing

5:30 PM: Banquet

7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast – Lobby

8:15 AM: Concurrent Sessions

  • 8:15 – 9:10 AM – Session 1
  • 9:15 – 10:10 AM – Session 2
  • 10:10 – 10:30 AM Break
  • 10:35 – 11:30 AM – Session 3

Concurrent Option Descriptions

Shawn Brandt, Director of Technology Services & Innovation, New Prague Area Schools

The Google Guy

  • Beginner Tips from the Google Guy – Boost your daily productivity with the most common Google tools. We will dive into Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and more to simplify your office tasks. Bring a fully charged laptop for hands-on practice. This session focuses on quick tips for Google beginners.
  • Power User Pro Tips from the Google Guy – Level up your school office workflow. This session dives deeper into the Google tools you use every day. We will explore Gmail filters, the power of Google Tasks, and data organization with Forms and Sheets. Bring a fully charged laptop for hands-on practice for intermediate and advanced Google users.

Dr. Nuhu Sims , Restorative Practices Consultant, Minnesota Department of Education

High Structure, High Warmth: Implementing Intersectional Equity and Restorative Practices in Schools 

  • This session will go over the principals and practices of a restorative school and what it means to embody and practice equity while holding adults and students accountable for treating each other lovingly and respectfully.

Bob Driver – MASSP Executive Director

Happiness is Contagious 

  • Administrative assistants help shape every school’s culture and first impressions. In this interactive session, discover practical strategies for bringing more joy, positivity, creativity, and hospitality into your daily work while strengthening relationships with students, staff, families, and visitors. Inspired by leading books and real-world examples, you’ll leave with simple ideas to create meaningful experiences and make an even greater impact in your school.

Amanda Diercks; Special Education Case Manager/Coordinator and Crisis Prevention Institute Trainer for New Prague Area Schools

Trauma Informed Response to Crisis & De-Escalation Strategies

  • Understand the “why” behind challenging behavior through a trauma-informed lens. We will explore brain development and staff approaches that foster supportive communication. Understand directive strategies that de-escalate verbal tension while maintaining personal boundaries. Master the art of rational detachment to stay calm and consistent in times of crisis. This session includes Q&A and time to problem-solve for your specific students. Bring a student or parent case study to help customize these strategies to your needs.

Terry Morrow

School Law

  • Xxx

11:35 AM: Fourth General Session & Luncheon – Glacier Park

  • Address: Laurie Putnam, Superintendent – St. Cloud Area School
    • The Work Behind the Work: The invisible Leadership of School Office Professionals

Closing: Committee Selection and Door Prizes