As we approach the new school year, we’re still faced by challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and the priority of keeping students, educators and communities safe. With the right virus mitigation measures, Michigan has shown in-person school can be safe – and many families and educators are looking forward to the academic and social-emotional support […]
The solution to the severe shortage of educators in Michigan is as familiar as Aretha Franklin’s anthem: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Educators deserve not only words of respect for the job they do, but actions to prove that respect is real. Through our Michigan Educator Project, MEA has asked teachers and other school employees what is driving decisions […]
The concept of social justice – and addressing injustice – has always been essential in public education. In the past year, it’s taken on new weight for students, however, as the global pandemic both exposed and exacerbated the injustices faced for decades by many low-income and students of color. Educators have an obligation to fight […]
Amid our life-and-death fight against COVID-19, we must prepare to wage another high-stakes battle against a dire crisis that is worsening in its wake: the educator shortage. Ask school administrators and they’ll share their struggles to find enough teachers for every classroom. Similarly, there are fewer applicants for counselors, bus drivers, paraprofessionals and other education staff. A complete return […]
April 14, 2021 By PAULA HERBART/President – Michigan Education Association The return to in-person learning in most districts means increased vigilance around safety measures is imperative. Michigan’s recent surge in COVID-19 cases is a danger to our students, families and communities. Case numbers for kids 10-19 years old have skyrocketed. School outbreaks rose 47% over the last week […]
March 10, 2021 By Paula Herbart/President – Michigan Education Association In sports, teamwork is valued by coaches, players and fans because we are stronger working together than alone. The same is true in education. During the pandemic, a strong team bond has formed between educators, students and families. Working together like never before, that team […]
February 10, 2021 By PAULA HERBART/President – Michigan Education Association If one positive thing comes out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it could be the crystallization for millions of Americans about what in our lives is truly important. For students and educators, standardized tests do not make the list. That’s why it was welcome news when […]
January 13, 2021 By PAULA HERBART/President – Michigan Education Association Since the beginning of the pandemic, educators have longed to safely return to the classroom for in-person learning. Virtual learning options — while vastly-improved thanks to the hard work of educators — are no match for the academic and overall benefits that come with face-to-face […]
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 PAULA HERBART/President – Michigan Education Association The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us how connected we are to the world around us. Nowhere has this been more evident than in our reliance on essential, frontline workers who staff our hospitals, keep our communities running and, yes, educate our students. This public health crisis has also […]
