As an educator and public school employee, what you would say if a state lawmaker asked you to share your biggest concerns about public education in Michigan? Think on it—we’ll come back to your ideas in a moment. Meanwhile, take a look at the some of the issues raised by one group of about a…
DetailsBy PAULA HERBART/President – Michigan Education Association
For many, education is a calling — but that doesn’t mean a career in education should come with a vow of poverty.
That’s the case for too many educators who are struggling with low and declining pay, according to recently released national figures.
Studies have shown – and logic dictates – that the number one variable in student achievement is the presence of a high quality teacher.
But only 25 percent of educators would recommend a young person enter the profession, according to a statewide survey released by Launch Michigan earlier this year.
DetailsAt the Representative Assembly on May 11, MEA posthumously honored Congressman John Dingell with top awards from both MEA and MEA-PAC. The following comments were delivered by MEA President Paula Herbart presenting the award, which was accepted via video by Dingell’s wife and successor in office, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.
DetailsIt’s our turn, MEA President Paula Herbart told delegates to the annual Representative Assembly in East Lansing late last week. Michigan educators need to speak up – and show up – for two Capitol rallies in June, plus join local activism efforts in the meantime, Herbart told the MEA governing body. The state budget debate…
DetailsFriday afternoon, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4206, which allows schools to forgo making up days from this winter’s record-cold emergency days. In particular, up to four days declared as a state of emergency between Jan. 29 and Feb. 2, 2019, can be requested by districts to the Michigan Department of Education to count as…
DetailsAn RSVP form is now available for the June #RedForEd rallies. As MEA President Paula Herbart announced last month, MEA and AFT Michigan are working together to hold these events so lawmakers can hear the voices of public education supporters from across Michigan to support increasing funding for our students and schools. On Tuesday, June 18,…
DetailsGov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday announced 15 appointees to a new Educator Advisory Council (EOC) charged with making recommendations on education-related policy matters. Eight MEA members were named to the new panel. They include: Angela J. Pérez of Muskegon, an elementary Spanish two-way immersion teacher with Muskegon Public Schools. Anthony M. Greenburg of Lansing, a…
DetailsEvery Michigan Teacher of the Year brings personal passions to the role as spokesperson for the state’s educators. The latest top teacher, crowned this week, sums up her mission in two words: professional revitalization. MEA member Cara Lougheed, an English teacher at Stoney Creek High School in Rochester Community Schools, said after learning of her…
DetailsEven though they haven’t yet started their teaching careers, the Aspiring Educators of MEA understand the importance of a nice staff lounge in bringing school employees together and combatting classroom isolation. Future educators from AEM chapters at Ferris and Michigan State Universities spruced up dreary spaces to create comfortable and functional break rooms for employees…
DetailsHave you signed up yet for MEA’s new discount program with Staples? Don’t wait—MEA member educators who sign up by June 30 will be automatically entered into a drawing for a classroom makeover. The “Classroom Refresh” winners will receive approximately $250 in 3M products for their classrooms. There is no purchase necessary; just sign up…
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