Legislative and political landscapes in Michigan and Washington, D.C. are changing every day, and this magazine takes a few weeks to print and arrive to you, so timely updates are challenging. In general we can say this: At the federal level, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon is cutting funding for public schools, while trying to […]
QUOTABLES “Now we just need to get the word out that this opportunity is available statewide for prospective educators in our rural regions.” — MEA member Kathryn Dirkin, a faculty member at Central Michigan University and director of Partnerships and Programming at MiCAREER Resource Hub, a new initiative offering no-cost credentialing to current and prospective [...]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor In the early 1980s, when Roy Freeman first became a school custodian following a post-high school stint in the U.S. Navy, strong health benefits kept him on stable footing when his newborn child spent time in neonatal intensive care. But over a long career Freeman has seen pay and […]
Stories by Brenda Ortega, MEA Voice Editor This report features MEA members combating Michigan’s educator shortage. Holland High School graduate Liebbe Martinez (left) and teacher Sarah Le Febre graced the August-September MEA Voice cover in a story on high school classes for students interested in teaching careers. Their story is one part of our Special [...]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Over a 45-year career as a paraeducator in Ann Arbor Public Schools and a union leader in Michigan, MEA member Percy Brown has traveled the country teaching others in his role how to build strength and respect for school support staff and the important work they do. An early […]
MEA member Gabby Marderosian set a goal for 2025 to collect rejection slips as a means of pushing herself to complete personal art projects amid the demands of working as a traveling elementary art teacher in Farmington Public Schools. “It’s a fun way of making yourself put yourself out there and not being afraid of [...]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor When MEA member Corey Rosser first sought a teaching job after college 20 years ago, the landscape was competitive and his only offer came from a school that didn’t fit the dream he’d once imagined. “I was going to teach AP (Advanced Placement) classes and coach varsity basketball and […]
Dr Charles Hulme, CEO & Founder of OxEd & Assessment, Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Education, University of Oxford Oral language is the heart of literacy and learning. It’s fundamental to a child’s educational journey, serving as the foundation for reading, comprehension, communication, and social interaction. Students need to understand and be understood to thrive. [...]
A paraeducator wants to grow in the role. A veteran high school teacher seeks targeted professional development. A school counselor aspires to strengthen supports for a diverse student population. Where can educators turn to fulfill their desire to learn, lead and be valued? The MEA LearnCenter is a new online learning platform launched this year […]
A new statewide Bill of Rights campaign aimed at improving the wages, benefits and working conditions of school support staff was rolled out recently at the annual MEA conference for Education Support Professionals (ESP). Modeled after similar campaigns launched in other states, including Maryland, Illinois and Massachusetts, the Michigan ESP Bill of Rights calls for [...]
