• DISTRICT MISSION
    Inspire a Caring Community to Ignite Learning, Innovation, and Success for ALL. 

    EQUITY EDUCATION MISSION
    In equity education, Jordan Public Schools accepts and values others for who they are and is committed to producing the structures and resources learners need to thrive in a safe and affirming environment. The long-term effect of educating globally aware and engaged citizens is creating a more just and equitable world through the learning journey. Equity Education focuses on opportunity and access in all realms of student life -- social and emotional needs and academic success -- for ALL.

    EQUITY EDUCATION CORE VALUES

    • Excellence: Setting a high bar for learning, behavior, commitment and service 
    • Integrity: Doing the right things at all times with honesty, trust, and respect
    • Innovation: Finding courageous ways to excel through research and action
    • Collaboration: Working in partnership for shared goals
    • Respect: Showing pride in who we are and celebrating our differences
    • Diversity: Strengthening through our many stories and backgrounds

  • EQUITY EDUCATION LEADERSHIP TEAM

    Erin Hjelmeland
    Dr. Erin Hjelmeland
    Director of Teaching and Learning/
    Achievement and Integration Coordinator
    ehjelmeland@isd717.org
    952-492-4486  direct
    952-492-6200  main

    Chad Williams
    Chad Williams
    Special Services Director/
    AIPAC Coordinator
    cwilliams@isd717.org 
    952-492-4230  direct
    952-492-6200  main

    Sarah Miller Photo
    Sarah Miller
    Culturally Responsive Teaching Specialist
    smiller@isd717.org
    952-492-4305  direct
    952-492-2336  main

    Malik Peer Photo
    Malik Peer
    Equity & Outreach Specialist
    mpeer@isd717.org
    612-401-8220  cell
    952-492-6200  main

  • HIGHLIGHTS OF EQUITY EDUCATION

    Mr. Peer opening a Caring and Committed Conversation
    Mr. Peer welcoming students and staff to a "Caring and Committed Conversation" (2017)

    student mentoring during committed conversation
    Students mentoring others during caring and committed conversation (2019)

    CCC
    Ms. Miller opens the "Caring and Committed Conversation" hosted by Jordan with two surrounding schools, Shakopee and Prior Lake Savage. (2019)

    CCC
    Lots of listening AND laughter at the "Caring and Committed Conversation" (2019)

    CCC
    An amazing day hosting these students from Shakopee and Prior Lake Savage Schools! (2019)

    Active listening during a Caring and Committed Conversation
    Active listening during a "Caring and Committed Conversation" (2017)

    READO
    The READO program is an independent reading project aligned to Minnesota academic standards with three purposes: 1) Create reading habits, 2) Incorporate diverse perspectives through literature that celebrates differences, and 3) Foster a love for reading. Learn more about READO.

    Harambee
    Student recognition during Harambee monthly school celebration (2018)

    Harambee reflection
    Harambee reflection (2018)

    CCC and AIPAC
    Native Dancer performs for Jordan Students (2018) (event sponsored by JPS American Indian Parent Advisory Council and our Equity and Outreach Team)

    Grade 5 Celebration of Learning
    Grade 5 "Celebration of Learning" (2019)

    International Dinner
    One of our favorite nights of the year – student talent and delicious food! (2018, 2019)

    tamales
    Learning to make tamales from scratch! Served over 200 at the DLC/ELC Dinner (2018)

    Serving international foods at DLC activity night
    Serving international foods at DLC Activity Night (2017)

    refugee unit
    8th grade students had the privilege of hearing Gospel Kordah share his refugee experience. In Language Arts and Social Studies, students have been reading the novel, "Refugee" by Alan Gratz and researching different refugee crises both historical and current. (2017, 2019)