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 […]
Two important news stories are worth your attention as the New Year is underway: – Bridge Magazine talked with a cross-section of Michigan teachers about the burnout they and students are experiencing during this unprecedented school year. The story featured MEA members from across the state, discussing challenges in virtual teaching and learning and how educators […]
School employees who regularly are in contact with students will be eligible to begin receiving COVID-19 vaccinations beginning next Monday, Jan. 11, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today. “This is great news for Michigan students and educators alike,” said MEA President Paula Herbart. “Ensuring our front line teachers and education support professionals can be vaccinated to […]
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 […]
By PAULA HERBART/President – Michigan Education Association This public health crisis has also driven home what many have known for some time: There is a direct correlation between education, income and the jobs we perform. So it should come as no surprise that we at the Michigan Education Association were gratified when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer […]
By Blake Mazurek On Monday I woke after a restless night of sleep with butterflies in my stomach. My excitement for casting an electoral vote for President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris was brimming over. To be honest, I also had an edge of concern about my and the other electors’ safety in […]
With yesterday’s announcement that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will require all high schools and colleges in the state to remain in a virtual format through Dec. 20, MEA continues to advocate for the order to also include K-8 schools. “While in-person learning is optimal and remains our end goal, right now we […]
The strength of MEA is in our solidarity—that’s why we’re inviting potential members to join us in a discussion of union values in action this Thursday evening at 7 via Zoom. At this town hall for potential members, educators who’ve not yet joined can learn from the comfort and privacy of home about why we […]
