Much of the tireless work that goes into educating our public school students happens behind the scenes. Michigan’s support staff professionals are the heartbeat that keeps our public schools running. Far too often, they go without thanks or recognition, yet our schools could not operate without them — and this year in particular they’re working […]
Next January 8 will mark 20 years since President George W. Bush signed No Child Left Behind (NCLB) – federal legislation that ushered in a destructive era of high-stakes standardized testing and so-called “accountability” for educators and public schools. Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice noted the upcoming anniversary during a wide-ranging, hour-long virtual chat last […]
EAST LANSING — The following statement can be attributed to MEA President Paula Herbart regarding the announcement of an unconstitutional school voucher ballot campaign that tries again to end run Gov. Whitmer and voters: “Michigan voters have resoundingly opposed attempts by mega-donors like Betsy DeVos to enact voucher schemes in our state. We value our […]
The Republican-controlled Legislature recently fast-tracked legislation that would set up a $500 million voucher program, pulling money from our public schools to funnel money to private schools. This Betsy DeVos-inspired scheme is in direct conflict with the Michigan Constitution’s ban on public support for private schools – a ban voters have consistently supported. Gov. Whitmer […]
In addition to pushing an unconstitutional voucher bill, Republican leaders in the state House and Senate have been moving a number of controversial measures that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is likely or promising to veto. From bans on mask mandates to bills restricting educators’ speech on issues of race, to a resolution condemning U.S. Justice Department […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor MEA member Mariah Gaither had a challenging entry into her teaching career in 2020, having to adapt her secondary science curriculum for remote learners through the full school year in Lansing. Now Gaither is working in-person and getting an eye-opening lesson of her own: she’s discovering how much educators […]
From granting collective bargaining rights to deciding how much money is spent for students, public education is an inherently political profession, but educators are often missing from policy discussions and decisions. Research has shown this lack of respect for educators’ expertise and professionalism is a big factor driving the educator shortage. Our next generation of […]
This month two new laws went into effect aimed at keeping students safer on buses. The first makes it easier to ticket drivers who ignore the red flashing lights and extended stop arm of a school bus, and the second prohibits any unauthorized person from entering a school bus without the driver’s permission. The changes allow […]
Early-career teachers who work in lower-income school districts would be eligible to receive up to $20,000 in total student loan debt relief over 10 consecutive years, under a state Senate bill introduced by several Democratic lawmakers. Senate Bill 673 would apply fully for newer teachers in districts where at least 45% of students qualify for […]
Following federal approval of Michigan’s plan to spend federal COVID-relief money, the state will receive the final one-third of $3.7 billion in its education funding approved by Congress in the American Rescue Plan. The U.S. Department of Education approved Michigan’s priorities for the rescue funds earlier this month: expanding early childhood learning opportunities, improving early […]
