Among the many advantages enjoyed by MEA members is access to a variety of career advancement resources through MEA’s Professional Development/Human Rights Department, including online professional development, certification guidance, conferences and trainings, and National Board Certification.

Online professional development

Teachers and education support professionals who are MEA members receive free access to numerous online professional development opportunities that can help advance their careers.

MEA offers the courses via the “My Education Connection” portal. Courses are offered through an easy-to-use, self-paced format and are arranged in libraries specially designed for new teachers with less than five years of experience, classroom teachers, and education support professionals.

Graduate credits are available for completing the equivalent online learning library modules. SCECHs (formerly SBCEUs) are also available.

MEA members can log on to the Members Only section of MEA.org and choose their course options.

Certification guidance

MEA provides members with up-to-date information on state requirements for maintaining a teaching certificate in Michigan, and provides assistance to members when individual questions arise.

MEA also assists members with compliance issues related to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Conferences and Trainings

MEA coordinates training in professional development, advocacy, member engagement, leadership, bargaining, communications and political action at our two major conferences — the Bargaining and Public Affairs Conference and the Summer Leadership Conference.

At these conferences, MEA members have the opportunity to develop new skills and connect with colleagues from across the state.

MEA’s PD/HR Department provides training on professional development issues, along with topics such as KEYS, team building, personality and behavioral assessments, diversity and other education-related issues. Staff members are also available to conduct local trainings upon request.

“MEA has the reputation of providing quality training and skill development at its conferences and training sessions,” said Marty Lankford, director of MEA’s Professional Development/Human Rights Department. “Not only do all MEA members get the benefit of sessions covering a wide variety of topics, they also get top-notch trainers and the opportunity to earn credit towards an advance degree or professional learning.”

National Board Certification

MEA provides mentoring assistance to members who apply for National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The mentor conducts informational sessions to help participants complete the sometimes-complicated certification process.

MEA also provides grants to assist members who must retake sections of the written assessments. These grants are available on a limited basis.

Special education training

MEA provides assistance to members in addressing specific questions related to special education rules and services, including topics involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) rights.

MEA also provides training to both EA members and ESP members on special education issues as they arise.