The State Legislature returns to Lansing this week after Spring Break to a long “to do” list of important topics for public education. Federal COVID Relief and 2021-22 Education Budgets With COVID-19 cases on the rise, ensuring safety and student learning assistance are critical. The Legislature still has $841 million in federal COVID relief funding […]
EAST LANSING — The following statement can be attributed to MEA President Paula Herbart regarding the need for a post-Spring Break suspension of in-person learning: “When we say that the health and safety of our students must be our priority, that’s not just lip service or a catchy message. As educators, nothing is more important […]
The Michigan Department of Education has informed school districts that during the COVID-19 pandemic, it does not support requiring otherwise remote or virtual students to be brought into school solely for the purpose of state assessment. That policy guidance was issued in light of the U.S. Department of Education’s denial of Michigan’s request to waive mandated […]
In an annual tradition made difficult by the pandemic, aspiring educators from Michigan State University have again completed a service project at an area school to show appreciation to educators and see firsthand the power of community in education. The group of about 20 future educators spruced up a staff lounge at Waverly Middle School […]
If knowledge is power, then MEA member Timmery Foster figures she is helping to make a stronger union by attending this year’s ESP Statewide Conference. Not only did the Howell paraeducator spend time attending sessions at the conference for Education Support Professionals – held virtually this year because of the pandemic – but she also […]
Republican lawmakers’ politically motivated withholding of federal funds for safe reopening of schools is an immoral – and legally questionable – stance amid a COVID-19 surge in Michigan that is among the highest in the nation, four State School Board members said this week. The situation is especially stark in traditionally marginalized communities of color, […]
MEA member Owen Bondono may have been the keynote speaker at MEA’s Aspiring and Early Career Educator conference in March, but Michigan’s reigning top teacher began his speech by acknowledging he just as easily could have been an attendee. “I have now had the honor and privilege and terrifying responsibility of being Michigan Teacher of […]
In marking the one-year anniversary of Michigan’s first COVID-19 case, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shared several stories last week about the inspiring work done by a variety of Michiganders during this pandemic. One person highlighted was MEA member and Warren Woods teacher Todd Bloch – the governor shared his experiences as an educator over the past […]
A new round of SCECH-eligible virtual book studies is now open for member signups! Brought to you by MEA’s Center for Leadership & Learning, these five-week online group discussions center on two important books to help educators improve their skills as advocates for social and racial justice for our students and our society: “White Fragility” […]
EAST LANSING — The following statement can be attributed to MEA President Paula Herbart marking the anniversary of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Michigan: “As we mark this solemn anniversary, educators across Michigan first and foremost want to thank the medical professionals, first responders, scientists, public health officials and every other worker who […]
