Minnesota Learner-Centered Network

ABOUT US | Mission

The mission of Minnesota Learner Centered Network is to connect and empower educators and students to disrupt systemic racism and to transform learning environments to be student-centered; equitable, relevant, engaging and designed with and for all students.

The Minnesota Learner Centered Network envisions an anti-racist society and a just world through an equitable, anti-racist education.

ABOUT US | What does the MLCN do?

Connect Educators  |  Equip and Encourage  |  Elevate and Accelerate

MLCN is a grassroots network that is a catalyst to promote equity within education and to accelerate the learner-centered movement in Minnesota.  MLCN elevates the quality work of the members who are moving towards an anti-racist, student centered educational system.

The MLCN will bring fidelity, resilience and sustainability to learner-centered environments within schools, communities and districts across MN.

The MLCN logo

ABOUT US | Board

The MLCN is a 501c(3) registered non-profit.

Board Leadership

Member
Org
Position
Gina Morken
Spring Grove Public Schools
Board Member
Renee Swanson
St. Paul Public Schools
Board President
Joey Cienian
Minnesota Association of Charter Schools (MACS)
Board Member
Ann Mitchel
MDE
Secretary

Board Meetings and Minutes

The MLCN Board of Directors meets twice per the year, in September and May.

September, 2025 - Board Meeting Minutes

ABOUT US | Membership

Membership to the MLCN is completely free! Sign up today to get our monthly newsletter and stay in-the-know about opportunities to support and engage with Learner-Centered Environments around Minnesota and beyond.

What are members commited to?

  • Members reflect, acknowledge, and examine practices, policies, and curriculum to disrupt the current system and to build an equitable student centered education system.
  • Members honor the humanity of student-centered learning; recognizing and valuing the uniqueness of each person and school they represent; inclusive of public district, public charter and private sectors.
  • Members contribute to the network and utilize the network to actively dismantle the hierarchical power of the current system and distribute the power to the student and teacher leaders
  • Members lift stories of students and teachers to create the narrative of the student-centered learning, equity movement in MN.

ABOUT US | Leadership

A note from Tim Quealy

Executive Director, MLCN
I’m incredibly excited to continue the great work of Julene and the MLCN team as we look ahead. Since beginning my career at Avalon School in St. Paul almost fifteen years ago, I’ve found tremendous strength, support, and inspiration through the network of like-minded educators that has existed for so long across Minnesota.

Whether it’s problem-solving, sharing best practices, finding inspiration, or simply offering a sympathetic ear - there is enormous value in community. As we move through the year, we’ll be looking for ways to do just that: to connect, to grow, and to inspire.

ABOUT US | Contact

Connect with us!

The easiest way to get in touch is email: MNLCNetwork@gmail.com

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