Fifth-grade teacher Ryan Oleson could relate when he heard about a student at Brandywine Elementary who felt self-conscious about losing his hair from chemotherapy treatments—hair loss that would reveal a surgical scar on the back of his head.
This year 15,898 graduates from Schools of Education throughout the U.S. were members of the NEA Student program – and statistics show these soon-to-be first-year educators are more than TWICE as likely to join their local union if a colleague speaks to them over the summer.
MEA members support enhanced school safety, oppose allowing more guns in schools
LANSING – The Michigan Education Association (MEA) today released results from a new statewide survey of its members that found an overwhelming majority oppose arming educators. Legislation to allow school personnel to carry guns or keep guns in locked boxes in schools has been proposed by politicians at both the state and national level.
EAST LANSING – The following statement can be attributed to MEA President Paula Herbart regarding the passing of Brian Whiston, Michigan’s state superintendent of public instruction:
An inconvenient rain delay became a bright spot for aspiring educators from Michigan State University completing a service project at a Lansing elementary school.
Dual school safety measures proposed by lawmakers in the Michigan House and Senate would provide a modest grant fund to pay for enhanced building security in schools across the state, but neither plan includes money to boost mental health supports that many educators say are most needed.
K-12 schools are expected to receive a per-pupil spending boost of approximately $120-$240 in next year’s state budget, based on separate spending plans moving through the House and Senate which closely align with Gov. Rick Snyder’s proposal for increased foundation allowances.
Even though we have collective bargaining and local contracts, we know the struggles faced by our colleagues in Arizona, West Virginia, Oklahoma and everywhere else in the country where educators are rising up in protest. Stifling standardized tests. Aging textbooks and technology. Shrinking take-home pay for school employees. Lack of respect for our profession. And systematic shortchanging of students and their education.
Just glancing at Facebook pictures yesterday showed the huge number of Michigan educators who participated in #WearRedForPublicEd. Those numbers are sure to grow next Wednesday – and every Wednesday through the end of the school year – as MEA members are asked to wear red to show solidarity for their profession and their students.
MEA members are getting strong representation in the game show circuit this week and next.
