We have a big problem in Michigan schools, folks, and it has nothing to do with test scores or differentiated instruction. It has everything to do with treating teachers like professionals and human beings. Most recently, this came to the forefront for me as a union president assisting an employee who had requested additional time to express […]
Three MEA members who launched an innovative “Incubator” class last year at Novi High School achieved their “moon shot” this week—they paid it forward by donating $5,000 in profits from product sales to help start a similar class at Dearborn’s Fordson High School. Macy’s matched their gift. Novi’s incubator class is all about students taking […]
Six members who signed up for MEA’s new Staples discount program this summer were randomly drawn to win a “classroom refresh” featuring $250 in 3M products: Betsy Spray-Comstock, teacher, Atherton Amanda Feyen, teacher, Manistee Erin Michalak, teacher, Clawson Heather Skulan, teacher, Wakefield-Marenisco Katherine Sibalwa, teacher, Byron Center April Switzenberg, paraeducator, Mason Winner Amanda Feyen (pictured) […]
A bill package to revamp Michigan’s gambling laws to allow internet gaming and sports betting passed the state House and Senate this week. It is now on its way to the governor for her signature. Some research claims the changes could bring well over $50 million additional for schools each year. More realistic estimates, using […]
This Saturday, December 14, NEA will be co-hosting a public education forum with presidential candidates focused on economic, racial, and social justice. Answering questions from educators, parents, and students about how they will support strong public schools will be Sen. Michael Bennet, Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Cory Booker, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, […]
A supplemental budget bill awaits Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature after lawmakers this week approved a deal that restores money for isolated schools and autism services and increases funding for school literacy coaches. The spending measure ends a two-month standoff between Whitmer and legislative leaders. It increases the total budget by $573.5 million, including an additional $70.5 […]
Earlier this year, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made good on her campaign promise of creating a Governor’s Educator Advisory Commission to hear directly from front-line educators – a commission which includes eight MEA members working in schools across the state. Since then, the governor has also appointed several MEA members to other important commissions to ensure […]
As part of its commitment to making public education a top issue in the 2020 election, NEA is partnering to co-host the “Public Education Forum 2020: Equity and Justice for All” on Saturday, Dec. 14, where member questions will be featured in a panel discussion moderated and livestreamed by MSNBC. Exact details about the streaming […]
Lawmakers expect to return next week to finalize a tentative budget deal with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that would end a two-month standoff over funding priorities in the state, restore money for isolated schools and autism services, and increase funding for school literacy coaches. The deal moving forward in supplemental appropriations bills in the House and […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Rockford bus driver Russ Clark thought he was picking up children at Lakes Elementary School for a field trip on Tuesday morning, so he was concerned when Transportation Director Jacquie Fase asked him to turn off his bus and step inside the gym to observe an assembly. “That […]
