MnMTSS

Minnesota Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MnMTSS) is a systemic, continuous improvement framework for ensuring positive social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and academic outcomes for every student.

MnMTSS provides access to layered tiers of culturally and linguistically responsive, evidence-based practices and relies on the understanding and belief that every student can learn and thrive. In addition, it engages an anti-bias and socially-just approach to examining policies and practices and ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunity.

BrightWorks’ MnMTSS Team is dedicated to fostering effective, inclusive, and supportive educational environments across the Twin Cities Metro Area. As part of the statewide COMPASS initiative, our team collaborates closely with the Minnesota Department of Education to implement the Minnesota Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MnMTSS) framework, empowering schools with data-informed strategies and systems that support each student's academic, behavioral, and social-emotional success. Through professional coaching, continuous data analysis, and aligned, localized support, the MnMTSS team works with educators and administrators to enhance instructional practices and facilitate sustainable, equity-driven systems change.

By addressing historical inequities and helping schools implement evidence-based practices, our MnMTSS team equips districts with the resources, technical assistance, and actionable insights they need to create positive, developmentally appropriate learning experiences. This partnership-driven approach ensures that each school can build robust support systems, improve outcomes for all students, and achieve lasting impact across all levels of learning.

2025-2026 Pathways

Expand/collapse the sections below by clicking on the title or the '+' symbol.

Find more information about COMPASS PD opportunities, including MnMTSS Framework Alignment and Aligned Support, in the 2025-2026 COMPASS in MnMTSS catalog (scroll to the bottom of the MDE COMPASS web page).

MnMTSS Canvas Course

Overview of MnMTSS

Audience: Groups with district-level leadership roles (e.g., district, or single charter/tribally controlled school leadership teams, administrator, or communities of practice.

This presentation is ideal for audiences that are new to MnMTSS and not familiar with the kind of support districts can receive through COMPASS.

Dates and Times

Use this MnMTSS Pathways Interest Form to request this offering (virtual or in person). A member of the MnMTSS Statewide team will reach out to schedule a pre-session consultation.

Introduction to MnMTSS

Audience: District or single charter/tribally controlled school leadership teams that are interested in beginning to implement MnMTSS. New team members who have previously completed the pathway and teams seeking a refresher may also benefit from this training.

Dates and Times

Synchronous meetings take place on Wednesdays from 9:00-11:30 am on the following dates: 9/10/2025, 10/1/2025, 10/22/2025, 11/12/2025, 12/10/2025, and 1/14/2026.

Please note: In-person offerings may be scheduled regionally based on interest. Use this form to express interest in these options. Summer 2026 dates are not yet scheduled.

System Leadership for MnMTSS Implementation

Audience: District-level leadership teams inclusive of Superintendent and Executive Leadership that recognize MnMTSS leadership and infrastructure are essential to the success and sustainability of their system. It is also required for MnMTSS grant districts.

Prerequisite: "Introduction to MnMTSS" Pathway

This course is highly recommended for district, charter and tribally controlled schools interested in deep and sustainable implementation of MnMTSS and is required for districts receiving a MnMTSS grant. The course includes essential content for establishing a sustainable pre-K through grade 12 infrastructure. These include braiding funding streams, data-systems, handbook development, system-wide professional development, engaging all sites, communication, and system integrity.

Dates and Times - Choose Fall Start or Winter Start

In the fall, synchronous meetings take place on Thursdays from 9:00-11:30 am.

Fall Start: 9/11/2025, 10/23/2025, and 11/13/2025

In the winter, synchronous meetings take place on Wednesdays from 9:00-11:30 am.

Winter Start: 1/28/2026, 2/18/2026, and 3/18/2026

Developing Success Teams for MnMTSS Implementation

Audience: District level leadership teams that recognize MnMTSS team infrastructure is essential to the success and sustainability of their system. This training is also required for MnMTSS grant districts.

For teams interested in improving implementation of a successful linked team structure, this course builds on the team inventory started during the Introduction to MnMTSS six-session course, takes a deep dive into how teams need to be functioning for successful implementation of MnMTSS, and provides opportunity for local planning.

Dates and Times - Choose Winter Start or Spring Start

In the winter, synchronous meetings take place on Thursdays from 9:00-11:30 am.

Winter Start: 1/08/2026, 1/22/2026, and 2/12/2026

In the spring, synchronous meetings take place on Wednesdays from 9:00-11:30 am.

Spring Start: 4/15/2026, 4/29/2026, and 5/13/2026

Learn about additional MnMTSS trainings

Learn about these opportunities on pages 15-19 2025-2026 COMPASS in MnMTSS catalog (scroll to the bottom of the MDE COMPASS web page).

Unpacking Family and Community Engagement in the MnMTSS Framework
Leading School-Level Implementation of MnMTSS
Establishing Effective Tier 2 and Tier 3 Teams and Programming
MnMTSS Handbook Consultation and Support
Facilitated Self-Evaluation of MnMTSS for District Leadership Teams (SEMI-DLT)
High Quality Tier 1 Instruction within the MnMTSS Framework

David Bernard, Ed.D., has been engaged with school improvement and MTSS leadership in Minnesota districts for the past 17 years. A former language arts teacher, Director of Teaching and Learning, and graduate education program director and associate professor, David engages district and school leaders with systems and data-focused continuous improvement to support educator effectiveness and equitable student outcomes.

Jessica Dreyer has a background as a school psychologist and brings a deep understanding of how systems can empower educators, expand equitable access, and improve student engagement and outcomes. She is passionate about the transformative power of relationships and believes that authentic connection is key to sustainable change. Jessica is committed to helping schools build capacity through collaborative, data-informed practices that center student success.

Erin Potter brings a training background in school psychology and eight years as a PBIS trainer for the state of Iowa, Erin has a wealth of experience supporting equitable outcomes for students and their families in Colorado, Iowa, and now, Minnesota. By combining her passion for supporting the adults in schools with her expertise in building data-centered, whole-child support systems, Erin helps schools create environments where both students and adults can thrive.