The Aspiring Educators of Michigan (AEM) wrapped up their latest reading/writing competition with an awards ceremony for students who were asked to analyze which voices were missing from their school’s book collections. The “Growing Libraries with Representation” project, funded by a CREATE grant from NEA, asked secondary students in Mason to survey their classroom and […]
The young leaders of MEA’s Michigan New Educators—MiNE—are presenting a virtual series called “Tackling Tough Topics,” professional development they designed to help newer educators survive the cold, dark days of winter. Register now! While early-career educators may have attended other professional learning opportunities centered around these topics, this one is tailored to their needs, facilitated […]
After many years under a punitive teacher evaluation system, Michigan educators got back the right to bargain the subject in 2024. MEA staff and union bargaining teams have worked tirelessly to negotiate local improvements and ensure districts are following the new law. Read your collective bargaining agreement for specifics of your district’s evaluation system, but […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor MEA member Raychel Figurski uses humor and encouragement to help her Hudsonville math students learn to trust that hard work pays off—a philosophy she lives as a distance runner pursuing her goal of completing the world’s six major marathons despite big obstacles in her path. “I keep reminding them, […]
Aspiring educators who are stepping up to lead in their chosen profession gathered to learn, plan and play at a leadership retreat for members from MEA’s college ranks to kick off this academic year. About 30 students from 10 colleges and universities joined the two-day retreat. The students all belong to MEA’s Aspiring Educators of […]
MEA members build the future of public education and our union, but at times generational differences get in the way. Members from MEA’s early-career ranks of MiNE (Michigan New Educators) have ideas for bridging the divide. Studies show that Millennials (born 1981 – 1996) and Gen Z (born 1997 – 2012) are activists interested in […]
By Chandra Madafferi Ever since I could stand, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. My dad bought a few desks and an old chalkboard and put them in our basement. I even have funny memories of creating “lesson plans” for my sister, and yes, she will tell you I gave her homework. I […]
“Thinking about the teacher who inspired you… it will be your responsibility to be that teacher for a student you work with. You get to inspire future generations. You get to be the reason why Michigan students love learning.” That was Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s message to more than 400 aspiring educators attending the first-annual Educators […]
Teaching is hard. Being a student is hard. It’s important for mental and physical health to remember to still have fun, so we are highlighting fun activities enjoyed by Aspiring Educators of Michigan (AEM) and Michigan New Educators (MiNE) members across the state. In July, Aspiring Educator leaders from college campuses throughout Michigan came together […]
Save the Date for our first annual Educators Rising Competition and Conference to be held on March 13, 2024 from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Wayne State University. MEA is newly affiliated with Educators Rising, a program for middle and high school students interested in education careers to learn about building content knowledge, responsive planning, implementing […]
