Addressing students’ academic and mental health needs, while lightening the load for overstretched educators, are among the most urgent uses of federal school rescue funds prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to one local union leader in west Michigan. Theresann Pyrett, president of the West Ottawa Education Association, took that message to the White House […]
MEA has compiled answers to these frequently asked questions about the new COVID-19 vaccine as it relates to school employees. For general Q&As (including about vaccine distribution, phases, safety, and more) check out the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) COVID-19 Vaccine webpage and the Michigan Public Vaccine FAQ. Q: Are school employees […]
MEA members’ lobbying efforts helped to score a victory in the Michigan Legislature’s abbreviated lame duck session in December – winning hazard pay grants for some school employees left out of the original legislation, including preschool and adult education teachers. Despite having numerous scheduled session days cancelled because of coronavirus exposure, before they left for […]
A COVID relief package passed in the waning hours of the 116th U.S. Congress could deliver a significant boost to Michigan school districts looking to pay for additional costs of operating amid a global pandemic – if President Trump signs the bill into law. According to MEA Economist Tanner Delpier, the median Michigan district should […]
MEA member Rachel Niewiada already knew her Grandville Middle School choral music students were wonderful singers, but after she appeared last week on the ABC television program The View the seven-year teacher now knows they’re incredible actors as well. Niewiada says she had no idea several of her students would appear in taped interviews to […]
A message from the MEA President about efforts to keep students and school employees safe MEA members, This evening, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced new restrictions across Michigan to fight the growing COVID-19 outbreak. While difficult, these steps are necessary to stop the spread of this virus and save lives. Relative to schools, the governor announced […]
The stress of this unprecedented moment is like nothing we’ve ever experienced. MEA President Paula Herbart has been hearing that truth and other consistent messages from members all over the state, and MEA continues to use every tool and resource to lift up those voices so educators’ concerns are heard and addressed, she says in […]
The state House on Monday approved a compromise package of bills that provides answers about student counts for school funding, benchmark testing and other important matters as the 2020-21 school year begins amid the COVID-19 pandemic. House Bills 5911-13 now go to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for a signature after passing the state Senate in a […]
To safely reopen for in-person learning next fall, schools across the state will be required to enact one of a range of safety plans based on the COVID-19 threat level their particular region is facing at a given time, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Tuesday. The MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap resulted from the […]
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and legislative leaders announced a deal on Monday evening to address the current year (Fiscal Year 2020) budget shortfall in part by allocating funds from the federal CARES Act sent to Michigan earlier this year. Monday’s announcement only deals with the current year budget gap – this does nothing to solve next […]
