Blog
Rally (Virtually) for Federal Education Funding this Friday
While so much about the near future remains uncertain, one thing could not be more clear: Going forward our schools and our students will need more support – not drastic funding cuts. To get the help our students need, it’s time to raise our voices together in a virtual rally this Friday at 5 p.m.! Without […]
Applications due Monday for New Non-Partisan Redistricting Commission
If you’re interested in serving on Michigan’s new non-partisan redistricting commission, applications are due to the Secretary of State this coming Monday, June 1. Created by the passage of the Voters Not Politicians ballot measure in 2018, this commission will take over drawing legislative district maps for 2022, following the 2020 Census (if you haven’t already […]
Member’s Holland STEM Project Feeds Community
Last year, MEA member Bill Boerman launched an ambitious greenhouse project at Holland Middle School because he knew it would pay big dividends in his STEM students’ learning about design, gardening, and nutrition. Now it’s led to a benefit he didn’t imagine: delivering fresh produce to a local food bank for people thrust into need […]
MEA member art project helps area homeless, brings respite during quarantine
EAST LANSING — Through one art project, MEA member Julie Durocher has found a way to both alleviate stress for those quarantining at home and help homeless people in her community who lack safe shelter during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Durocher lined up visual artists in Jackson County — where she is a professional artist and elementary […]
Opinion: Federal relief is critical to lessen school budget blow
The global pandemic has wreaked havoc on state budgets, and Michigan is no exception; we face an estimated $6.2 billion shortfall through next year. To avoid catastrophic cuts, educators across the country are asking for help from Congress, like what has already been provided to such large corporations as airlines, cruise companies and banks. Specifically, […]
MEA Member Art Project Brings Respite and Community
Through one art project, MEA member Julie Durocher has found a way both to alleviate stress for those quarantining at home and to help homeless people who lack a safe place to hunker down amid the global coronavirus pandemic. Durocher lined up visual artists in Jackson County – where she is a professional artist and […]
Push for federal funding to address budget shortfall
Friday’s announcement of an over $6 billion pandemic-driven hole in the state budget reinforced the urgency of getting help from Congress to help maintain essential services, like public education. Following relief for big businesses like airlines and cruise operators, it’s time for the federal government to help schools and other state-funded essentials deal with the […]
Applications due tomorrow for Whitmer’s Return to Learning council
On Friday, Gov. Whitmer announced the creation of a new Return to Learning Advisory Council – comprised of students, parents, frontline educators, administrators and public health officials – to formalize a process for how schools can safely reopen. “It’s critical we bring together experts in health care and education, as well as students, educators, and […]
Lapeer lab tech, middle school teacher serving COVID-19 front lines in dual role
EAST LANSING — Patrick Lothrop is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic on two fronts. In a single day, Lothrop runs laboratory tests on patient blood and bodily fluid samples — including COVID-19 screenings — and helps keep the minds of his students sharp during the pandemic. Lothrop works part-time as a front-line health care worker at […]