In a State of the State speech like no other – following a year of historic events, unprecedented challenges, and difficult choices – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vowed on Wednesday evening to put forth an education budget in coming weeks that addresses the fallout. “I want to say thank you—thank you to our incredible educators, administrators, […]
EAST LANSING — The following statements can be attributed to MEA President Paula Herbart in response to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address and related developments in Lansing today. Regarding investment in education to meet the diverse needs of students: “The pandemic has laid bare many of the inequities in our education system. […]
UPDATE: You can watch a recording and read a recap of the event with Dr. Fauci here. NEA and AFT are hosting a national “fireside chat” with Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the leading experts on the American response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. NEA President Becky Pringle and AFT […]
EAST LANSING — The following can be attributed to MEA President Paula Herbart about the Michigan Department of Education’s request for a federal standardized testing waiver for 2021 that was filed today with the U.S. Department of Education: “MEA applauds Superintendent Rice and the Michigan Department of Education for continuing efforts to obtain a federal […]
This week has marked major news on several fronts in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic: – New President Joe Biden has made good on promises for swift action to fight the pandemic, including another COVID relief package to fill in the gaps left by the last Congress and provide essential federal funding and support, […]
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 […]
South Lake Public Schools in Macomb County was cited and fined $9,800 last week by the state for COVID-19 safety violations. According to MIOSHA, the district was among eight workplaces cited and fined for violating workplace rules to protect employees and the public from the coronavirus. From the department’s Friday news release: “South Lake Public […]
The following statement is from leadership of organizations representing Michigan’s PK-12 Schools: David Hecker, AFT-Michigan President; Don Wotruba, MASB Executive Director; Tina Kerr, MASA Executive Director; Ray Telman, Middle Cities Executive Director; Paula Herbart, MEA President. Since this pandemic began, it has been our most fervent wish to safely reopen our schools for in-person learning. […]
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 […]
