An overhaul of the broken federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) announced on Wednesday is meant to restore the promise made to educators and other public service employees who have suffered under the program’s 98% rejection rate. Changes include a limited one-year waiver that allows all payments by student borrowers to count toward PSLF, […]
The House Education Committee voted along party lines Tuesday to forward a bill to the House floor seeking to bar discussion in schools about important issues of race and gender in classrooms and limit the professional expertise of educators to help students develop important critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Sponsored by Rep. Andrew Beeler (R-Fort Gratiot), […]
Engagement * Bargaining * Advocacy * Justice * Empowerment * Support by Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor One philosophy of the union bargaining team at Clarkston Community Schools says if it’s a problem for one, it’s a problem for all. For local president Daryl Biallas, that value now extends to a spate of attacks on […]
This week, the Legislature and Governor reached an agreement on remaining state budget legislation (aside from the K-12 budget adopted this summer), including additional funding for higher education and child care. For higher education, HB 4400 includes $2.2 billion in higher education funding – including increases for community colleges and universities of 1% in state […]
MEA members who identify as people of color are invited to upcoming roundtable discussions to explore concerns, interests and preferences among this important group of educators. These events will be held throughout October at MEA offices in Lathrup Village (Oct. 7), Kalamazoo (Oct. 14), Grand Rapids (Oct. 20), Flint (Oct. 21) and East Lansing (Oct. 28). […]
MiNE, MEA’s networking and support group for new educators, is rolling out several events to engage early career members in October. Register and secure your spot today! A virtual book study offers 15 SCECHs and engages the book “Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy.” The online book study will run […]
School visit highlights the district’s Resilient Schools Project, expanded by COVID-19 funds LINCOLN PARK, Mich. — National Education Association President Becky Pringle, Michigan Education Association President Paula Herbart, and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel visited Raupp Elementary School Friday afternoon to learn about Lincoln Park Public Schools’ Resilient Schools Project. The Resilient Schools Project supports […]
FARMINGTON, Mich. – Following the largest education investment in Michigan’s history of $17 billion – which closed the funding gap between the highest- and lowest-funded school districts all without raising taxes – National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle met with Michigan Education Association (MEA) President Paula Herbart, educators, school administrators, and students from Farmington […]
On Tuesday, the Republican-controlled Senate Education Committee advanced a series of bills that would bar local school districts from requiring masks and other measures to keep students and educators safe. SBs 600-603 now go to the full Senate for their consideration – the bills prohibit a variety of health and safety mandates from the state, […]
With just 15 days to go before the state’s fiscal year deadline, budgets for universities and community colleges for this school year are waiting to be finalized in the Legislature. Votes are expected in coming days and MEA members are urged to contact their lawmakers to support the Senate and Governor’s funding plan. Earlier this […]
