Education alum inspires change through simple moments

The best award for entrepreneur, former principal, and MSUM alum Curtis Slater is a smile and heartfelt thanks. Being recognized by the MSUM Foundation with the Dragon Impact Award, however, is an honor that he would never have expected.

As a student, Slater never knew how to "play the game" of school. The support he found at MSU Moorhead, from the athletic community to educational opportunities, allowed him to find his way to success. The education program specifically gave him the hands-on experience he needed to lead a classroom.

"I loved my ability to experience student teaching and practicums early on in my educational journey," he says.

After graduating with an elementary education degree, Slater brought his unique perspective and positive thinking to his career as an educator.

"There are some kids who come to school every day and I'm their lifeline," he says. "As an educator that takes a lot of courage to be that for kids, but it's also one of the greatest honors any of us could have as teachers."

As a principal of Wyoming Elementary in Minnesota, Slater made smiles and laughter a priority. He started a project he calls "positive phone calls home" for the students at his school. Teachers would nominate a student to come down to his office and he would then call their parents and guardians to share good news about their students.

Even now, as a motivational speaker and founder of TILL360, Slater continues these positive phone calls in his regular life. For Slater, finding ways to make people smile - big and small - is what's most important.

"When you can make other people laugh - that is one of the greatest gifts you can give someone," he says.

Following his tenure as a principal, Slater decided it was time to find another way to impact the education field. He founded TILL360, which stands for Teach, Inspire, Listen, and Learn. With the slogan "We Fight For Kids," TILL360 collaborates with school districts in Minnesota and beyond to look at systems and professional development, with the goal of supporting all students, educators, and families. Instead of sending a speaker to school districts for a one-off speech, TILL360 helps districts by integrating specific processes that support social, emotional, and behavioral growth.

While Slater has found big ways to leave an impact, he also values those small, but not insignificant, moments. He encourages others to find those moments in everyday life, whether it's greeting someone with a smile or holding the door open for them. After all, "It takes more muscles in your face to frown than smile."