New MEA benefit offers low-cost graduate credits
A new MEA offering allows members to earn up to nine post-graduate college credits per year for just $275 — and choose from a variety of online courses to address their professional development interests.
The PD Course Subscription gives MEA members access to online non-matriculated graduate courses for one low annual fee through a partnership with Lake Superior State University (LSSU) and Virtual Education Software Inc. (VESi).
Members who purchase the $275 annual subscription can enroll in one course per term (or two courses during summer if fall or spring term is skipped) for a total of three courses and nine credit hours per year — less than the typical cost of one graduate credit hour.
Credits earned can be used to renew a credential or move lanes on a salary schedule, in addition to building professional knowledge and skills, said Annette Christiansen, the MEA professional issues organizer who led the program’s development.
“The idea behind it is to help our members inexpensively get additional education credits they need to both continue their certificate and advance lanes on their contract,” Christiansen said. “Lanes are the best way to build income — both short-term and over the long haul — to stay in the profession.”
Course topics cover a wide range from classroom management to differentiated instruction; community building; reading, writing and math instruction; teaching students who are at-risk, have special needs, are gifted and talented or English language learners; early childhood development; and more.