Like all educators, MEA member David Pelc didn’t stop learning once he started teaching. Several years ago, the mid-career Romulus elementary teacher began a journey of transformation in the way he taught children to read.

That expertise got Pelc invited to join a panel discussion at an all-day Literacy Summit at the Michigan Science Center in Detroit, part of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s push to make literacy a top priority of her last year in office.

“We teachers lose sleep over kids not making progress,” Pelc said. “The most frustrating feeling is not knowing how to help struggling readers.”

His experiences have taught him how policymakers and school leaders should approach implementation of new laws in Michigan aimed at improving reading instruction and literacy outcomes.

Educators need consistency, resources, support and respect, Pelc told state leaders at the summit.

“Everyone needs to get involved; it’s going to take a collective effort, but it gives me great hope for Michigan because this is what we’re doing today.”

Read more on how educators are preparing for changes and what they need to be successful in helping students become strong and joyful readers.

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