MNSELF: Minnesota Special Education Leaders Foundation
Who We Are
The Minnesota Special Education Leaders Foundation (MNSELF) is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening special education leadership across Minnesota. We work in partnership with Minnesota Administrators of Special Education (MASE) to build a stronger, more capable network of special education leaders who can better serve students with disabilities.
🎓Leadership Training
We provide funding opportunities for comprehensive training programs for current and aspiring directors of special education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles.
🤝Community Building
Our programs foster connections among special education leaders, creating a supportive network for sharing best practices and innovative solutions.
💡Professional Development
We sponsor ongoing professional learning opportunities that keep leaders at the forefront of special education policy, practice, and advocacy.
Check out our PowerPoint for more information!
Our Mission
MNSELF promotes opportunities for leaders in special education by supporting innovative professional development to enhance leadership skills.
How to Apply
MNSELF provides reimbursement-based funding for high-quality professional development. Review a flyer here. Applicants pay costs upfront and receive reimbursement after submitting required documentation. Use the links below to submit your proposal or your final report and reimbursement request.
Reimbursement Process
- Submit your RFP proposal and receive board approval
- Pay all costs upfront and complete your professional development
- Collect data on effectiveness and summarize your implementation
- Submit the Final Report & Reimbursement Request form with receipts
- Receive reimbursement following MNSELF Board review (approximately 4–6 weeks)
How Funds Are Raised & Used
💰Fundraising Activities
We raise funds through various activities, including:
- Special events and conferences
- Individual donations from supporters
📊Financial Stewardship
As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, we maintain the highest standards of financial accountability. Our board of directors oversees all financial matters, and we conduct annual audits to ensure transparency.
🎯How Funds Are Used
100% of donations directly support:
- Leadership training programs
- Professional development workshops
- Scholarships for emerging leaders
- Resources and materials for participants
- Partnership programs like the Stenswick-Benson Scholarship Foundation
Tax-Deductible Giving: All contributions to MNSELF are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. No part of our net earnings benefits any private individual, ensuring your donation makes a direct impact on special education leadership in Minnesota.
Our Impact
Through our leadership training programs, MNSELF is building a stronger future for special education in Minnesota. Our trained leaders go on to positively impact thousands of students, families, and educators across the state.
📚Leadership Training Programs
👥Directors & Aspiring Leaders Served
🏫Districts Impacted Across Minnesota
💙Students Better Served
Leadership & Governance
MNSELF is governed by a dedicated board of directors, all of whom are members in good standing of Minnesota Administrators of Special Education (MASE). Our board includes representatives from the Stenswick-Benson Scholarship Foundation and ex officio members from MASE leadership.
Board of Directors
Tanya Tacker
President
📧 ttacker@rrsec.org
Christian Wernau
Vice President
📧 cwernau@zumbroed.org
Nicole Bolduan
Treasurer
📧 ntbolduan@rwps.org
Lindsay Engberg
Board Member
📧 Lindsay.Engberg@district196.org
Ryan Rehnstrand
Board Member
📧 rrehnstrand@lgamn.org
Michelle Bethke-Kaliher
Secretary
📧 mkaliher@alexschools.org
Jill Skarvold
Board Member
📧 jskarvold@gmail.com
Melissa Schaller
Board Member
📧 melissa.schaller@isd917.org
Malai Turnbull
Board Member
📧 TurnbullM@district112.org
Erin Hoffman
Board Member
📧 ehoffman@wced6026.com
Melissa Hanson
Board Member
📧 mhanson@mawseco.k12.mn.us
MASE Ex-Officio Members
Erin Toninato
📧 erin.toninato@mnase.org
Laurie Pumper
📧 laurie.pumper@mnase.org
Cherie Johnson
📧 cjohnson@gced.k12.mn.us
Strategic Leadership
Our Commitment: MNSELF adheres to all federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. We are committed to creating inclusive leadership training opportunities for all qualified individuals.
Get Involved
Whether you're interested in supporting our mission through a donation, participating in our training programs, or learning more about partnership opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.
