Supporting MEA’s Strategic Direction

February 19, 2024February 23, 2024

MEA staff and members are advancing racial and social justice in education as part of the MEA Strategic Plan. For future events, watch your email inbox for the Center for Leadership & Learning’s new monthly newsletter: AT THE CENTER.

GOAL: HELP RECRUIT, ENGAGE, AND RETAIN A DIVERSE POPULATION OF EDUCATORS THAT ARE REFLECTIVE OF THE STUDENTS WE SERVE.

Educators Rising

Our first annual conference and competition for middle and high school-age aspiring educators will be March 13 at Wayne State University. Register now or learn how your class or club can compete.

Are you a teacher supporting a course or club for middle or high school students? Reach out so we can share the competition information and you can help your class attend and compete. Contact Annette Christiansen at achristiansen@mea.org

Next Gen

We will again partner with WSU to host a summer residency program for aspiring educators in high school to experience campus life; learn about college readiness, cultural competency, and instructional practice; and teach a lesson to students. Register now.

Windows and Mirrors Grant

This grant supports current and aspiring educators around the four Aspiring Educator Pillars: Educator Excellence, Racial Justice, Political Action, and Community Engagement. We are seeking current practitioners from diverse backgrounds to support these future educators as they become culturally competent professionals. Contact Dorian Prier-Piloto at dprier-piloto@mea.org.

HBCU Recruitment Event

CLL staff are working with districts to recruit education majors from historically Black colleges and universities to teach in Michigan. We are planning to begin recruitment activities this spring and hoping to place our first recruits during the 24-25 school year. If you work in a district you think would be interested in guaranteeing an interview for a position, please reach out to Dorian or Annette at dprier-piloto@mea.org or achristiansen@mea.org

GOAL: OFFER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS AND STAFF TO INCREASE CULTURAL COMPETENCY.

Book Studies and Professional Learning

As part of our popular CLL book study series, a spring offering focusing on The Laramie Project and Suspended will involve training on restorative practices and mental health first aid.

GPS Grant

Part of the CLL Great Public Schools grant involved members developing a series of cultural competency workshops to be held in local districts. These three workshops focused on self, students and colleagues, and school systems and were tailored to the specific issues of these districts. We are hoping to expand these workshops, offer them at local offices, and recruit leaders interested in expanding this work. Stay tuned for more information on these opportunities.

GOAL: DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE FOR ALL STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS.

Social Justice Convening

Save the Date – April 27 – at MEA Headquarters for a CLL Social Justice Convening hosted by the Social Justice Committee and Aspiring Educators of Michigan.

Restorative Justice

CLL is partnering with the Restorative Justice Coalition to incorporate effective practices in schools and communities.

Michigan ACE Initiative

CLL staff are partnering with Michigan ACE Initiative to support those impacted by trauma. Look for a conference this spring to learn more about ACEs and how we can have a positive impact on those who have experienced trauma.

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