In a State of the State speech like no other – following a year of historic events, unprecedented challenges, and difficult choices – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vowed on Wednesday evening to put forth an education budget in coming weeks that addresses the fallout. “I want to say thank you—thank you to our incredible educators, administrators, […]
UPDATE: You can watch a recording and read a recap of the event with Dr. Fauci here. NEA and AFT are hosting a national “fireside chat” with Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the leading experts on the American response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. NEA President Becky Pringle and AFT […]
This week has marked major news on several fronts in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic: – New President Joe Biden has made good on promises for swift action to fight the pandemic, including another COVID relief package to fill in the gaps left by the last Congress and provide essential federal funding and support, […]
South Lake Public Schools in Macomb County was cited and fined $9,800 last week by the state for COVID-19 safety violations. According to MIOSHA, the district was among eight workplaces cited and fined for violating workplace rules to protect employees and the public from the coronavirus. From the department’s Friday news release: “South Lake Public […]
The following statement is from leadership of organizations representing Michigan’s PK-12 Schools: David Hecker, AFT-Michigan President; Don Wotruba, MASB Executive Director; Tina Kerr, MASA Executive Director; Ray Telman, Middle Cities Executive Director; Paula Herbart, MEA President. Since this pandemic began, it has been our most fervent wish to safely reopen our schools for in-person learning. […]
MEA has compiled answers to these frequently asked questions about the new COVID-19 vaccine as it relates to school employees. For general Q&As (including about vaccine distribution, phases, safety, and more) check out the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) COVID-19 Vaccine webpage and the Michigan Public Vaccine FAQ. Q: Are school employees […]
Two important news stories are worth your attention as the New Year is underway: – Bridge Magazine talked with a cross-section of Michigan teachers about the burnout they and students are experiencing during this unprecedented school year. The story featured MEA members from across the state, discussing challenges in virtual teaching and learning and how educators […]
School employees who regularly are in contact with students will be eligible to begin receiving COVID-19 vaccinations beginning next Monday, Jan. 11, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today. “This is great news for Michigan students and educators alike,” said MEA President Paula Herbart. “Ensuring our front line teachers and education support professionals can be vaccinated to […]
MEA members’ lobbying efforts helped to score a victory in the Michigan Legislature’s abbreviated lame duck session in December – winning hazard pay grants for some school employees left out of the original legislation, including preschool and adult education teachers. Despite having numerous scheduled session days cancelled because of coronavirus exposure, before they left for […]
A COVID relief package passed in the waning hours of the 116th U.S. Congress could deliver a significant boost to Michigan school districts looking to pay for additional costs of operating amid a global pandemic – if President Trump signs the bill into law. According to MEA Economist Tanner Delpier, the median Michigan district should […]
