Local educator speaks at international conference

Sean Cotherman of Minnetonka was one of two education leaders from MTS Minnesota Connections Academy to present recently at an international conference on online, blended and competency-based learning, where leading practitioners and educators, policymakers, researchers and innovators from around the world explored next generation learning in K-12 education. Cotherman, Assistant Principal at Minnesota Connections Academy, has been with the tuition-free, K-12 online public school since 2011. MTS Minnesota Connections Academy opened nearly ten years ago during the 2004-05 school year.

Cotherman holds a B.A. in Music Performance and Music Education from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH; an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Concordia University in St. Paul; and a Masters of Education from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Cotherman taught vocal and general music at the elementary and middle school levels prior to becoming an administrator for Connections Academy. His presentation was part of the Blended and Online Learning Symposium hosted by the International Association for K-12 Online Learning, Nov. 4-7, in Palm Springs, Calif. More than 2,500 guests from across the U.S. and around the world attended the annual conference, including representatives from national, state, district, private, and other online education programs.