DECC Hosts Annual MCEA Conference

DULUTH, Minn. — 500 community educators from all over the state gathering at the DECC Wednesday.

They got to learn from one another and improve local school districts and communities.

The Minnesota Community Education Association meets every year.

In 2020, the most recent Duluth conference was cancelled. But now, the DECC is hosting the largest MCEA since the pandemic.

Breakout sessions, and keynote speakers are discussing topics like early childhood to adult enrichment care.

People attending are also able to learn about themselves as well.

“Then we’ll also get you know, general trainings, leadership training. How to be a better coworker, improve your own mental health while working. All sorts of things to make you a better rounded out professional,” said MCEA President Bob Sumner.

Being able to share stories and ideas is key to solving problems with Community Ed.

“This is an opportunity to network with others in the field. That they can reach out to, to learn. And to have that support, that camaraderie. We as an association like to learn, what are the needs our districts across the states are experiencing, and how we can serve them better as an association,” said MCEA Executive Director Matt Dickhausen.

The MCEA has been holding gatherings annually since the 1970s.

Before this year, they haven’t met in Duluth since 2012.