Focus on Retaining Educators During the Pandemic

Stress and burnout for educators and students is at an all-time high during the pandemic, as everyone struggles with the ever-changing learning requirements brought on by COVID-19. But the shortage of educators (both teachers and support staff) was already at a crisis point before the virus changed our world last March – and the current […]

Career & Technical Programs Making A Difference

Despite the pandemic, career and technical education programs are still an important option for students – and a critical training pathway for our economy. That’s why Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed February to be Career and Technical Education Month. “There are many career pathways that can lead to a rewarding future, and it’s important that Michigan students […]

MEA President statement on Gov. Whitmer budget recommendations

EAST LANSING — The following statement can be attributed to MEA President Paula Herbart regarding the state budget recommendations announced today by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: “Gov. Whitmer has once again shown her commitment to public education by proposing the largest investment in public schools in Michigan history. Increased per-pupil support is badly needed after decades […]

Virtual Winter Conference a Success

It’s not a surprise that registrations for this year’s virtual MEA Winter Conference were down by about one-third from normal times when our union’s biggest event of the year is held over three February days in Detroit. That makes it even more impressive that requests for State Continuing Education Clock Hours – SCECHs needed to […]

Governor Unveils Budget Proposal

Updated 2/11 On Thursday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released a proposed state budget for next year which includes per-pupil funding increases for K-12 schools, a 2% bump in overall higher education spending, and one-time expenditures to address fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. “Gov. Whitmer has once again shown her commitment to public education by proposing the […]

MEA survey shows majority of educators in process of receiving COVID vaccine

Based on over 22k responses, about 37% of educators still waiting to be vaccinated; nearly 90% want to receive vaccine EAST LANSING — An online survey of MEA members reveals that nearly two-thirds of Michigan school employees are either vaccinated or in the process of being vaccinated against COVID-19. Another third of the more than […]