The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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September 2, 2009

Morrow begins teacher program

By Tanner Kent

MANKATO — Terry Morrow is taking teachers to the state Capitol.

The St. Peter Democrat, who is himself an instructor of speech communications at Gustavus Adolphus College, has started a teacher fellowship program that will begin with the 2010 legislative session.

The program will bring in several teachers throughout the session to have a first-person look at the inner workings of state government. Morrow said each selected teacher will have the chance to spend a day or two at the state Capitol and will be able to interact with policy makers, state officials and advocacy groups. In addition, Morrow will make a visit to the teacher’s class and continue a dialogue with students throughout the school year.

“I want to connect my role as a representative with the students in our area,” Morrow said. “And I want to bring the Capitol back to my home district.”

In preparation, Morrow said he has sent a letter to each school in his legislative district, which covers almost all of Nicollet County and parts of Sibley County. He also purchased a web cam — with personal funds, he reminded — and is planning to use the camera for live, face-to-face interaction with classrooms.

Morrow said the program is available to teachers in all grades and disciplines. And the ultimate goal, he said, is to make government accessible to the youngsters who will be casting ballots in future elections.

“An important part of a representative’s job is to make government understandable,” Morrow said before adding later: “This should be a lot of fun.”

Morrow said no state funds were used to create the program which, to his knowledge, is unique among state legislators.

For more information or to apply to be involved in the program, email Rep. Morrow at: rep.terry.morrow@house.mn.

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