MEA is creating pathways for members to secure less expensive graduate credits, a move made more vital since the U.S. Department of Education announced plans to cap federal student loans available to pursue certain graduate degrees, including education and social work.

(The comment period on that proposed new rule — which is drawing concerns from associations representing education and health care professionals — is open through March 2. Submit a comment.)

A new MEA offering allows members to earn up to nine post-graduate college credits per year through an annual subscription for just $275 — and choose from a variety of online courses to address their professional development interests.

The PD Course Subscription gives MEA members access to online non-matriculated graduate courses for one low annual fee through a partnership with Lake Superior State University (LSSU) and Virtual Education Software, Inc. (VESI).

Members who purchase the $275 annual subscription can enroll in one course per term (or two courses during summer if fall or spring term is skipped) for a total of three courses and nine credit hours per year — less than the typical cost of one graduate credit hour.

Credits earned can be used to renew a credential or move lanes on a salary schedule, in addition to building professional knowledge and skills.

Course topics cover a wide range from classroom management to differentiated instruction; community building; reading, writing and math instruction; teaching students who are at-risk, have special needs, are gifted and talented or English language learners; early childhood development; and more.

Many MEA members have already taken advantage of this program. Melissa Nita, a Troy Schools teacher, has taken multiple courses with plans to advance a lane this summer.

The option was “very affordable and not too stressful to do while teaching and mommying two littles,” Nita said.

Another teacher from Troy, Corinn Puzzuoli, had a whirlwind year where she completed her Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and earned enough credits through this program to jump two lanes on the salary scale.

“I was eager to shift my focus and explore the behavioral, social, and emotional aspects of student development,”

Puzzuoli said. “I selected Behavior Is Language, Understanding Aggression, and Social and Emotional Learning (courses).

“Through these courses, I gained a deeper understanding of the ‘why” behind common student behaviors, along with practical strategies to better support students’ needs. I also strengthened my approach to social and emotional learning, helping me create a more inclusive, supportive, and well‑rounded classroom community.”

Leanne Cockrell, who teaches at Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District, has taken courses entitled “Behavior is Language” and “Typical and Atypical Child Development.”

Cockrell liked that the courses were flexible, requirements were clear, communication with the professors and submitting work is easy, and the courses are directly related to her current teaching position, which is first- and second-grade mildly cognitively impaired students.

Cockrell said , “In taking these courses, I have moved over lanes, going from a Masters to a Masters +15.  My salary has increased and I’ve gained valuable knowledge. It’s been a win-win for myself and my family.”

For additional information or to register, go to mea.org/earn-graduate-credit-through-new-mea-partnership.