Lisa Mer counts herself lucky to have taught in a district that engaged the services of the NUA many years ago. The beliefs and practices were transformational in the Eden Prairie, Minnesota schools. The entire district was trained, cohort by cohort, which resulted in teachers having common language and practice. Along with teaching French, Lisa mentored new teachers, led a district group of team building facilitators and was an instructional coach, sharing the NUA learning with staff one-on-one, in PLCs and in full staff professional development.
Equity and social justice, in all its intersectionality, drive Lisa to seek out opportunities for inclusion and breaking down the -isms. One of Lisa’s passions is student voice. She has facilitated teachers and students coming together for shared learning to build relationships and help students rise to their potential. She is a SEED (Seeking Educational and Equity) facilitator and began a sexuality and gender alliance group for students. Lisa is a certified cognitive coach, spiritual guide, and also completed training in consensus building and Parker Palmer’s Courage to Teach program. All have enhanced her desire and ability to listen deeply, reflect, and lean into open ended questions. Lisa is also a clinical supervisor of student teachers at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.