EAST LANSING – On Thursday, MEA President Paula Herbart praised Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for issuing Executive Order 2019-9 creating the Educator Advisory Council within the Department of Education.  The 15-member council will be composed of a broad cross-section of Michigan educators, including teachers, administrators, counselors, specialists, and support staff.

The new Educator Advisory Council will be responsible for:

• Identifying and analyzing issues impacting the effectiveness of Michigan’s public education system;
• Identifying best practices in public education;
• Recommending changes and improvements to our public education system; and
• Reviewing and making recommendations regarding legislation relevant to our public education system.

“Leadership begins with listening,” said President Herbart.  “We supported Gov. Whitmer’s candidacy because she has championed public schools in her career as a legislator and because she promised to listen to the front-line experts in classrooms and buildings across the state.  The creation of the Educator Advisory Council represents another ‘promise kept’ by our new governor.”

In a statement creating the new council, Gov. Whitmer praised front-line educators and highlighted the importance of their voice through this new council, saying, “We can finally give them a seat at the table so they can help develop public school policies that will help our students get the skills they need to compete for good-paying jobs and thrive right here in Michigan.”

To apply to be a part of the council, go to www.michigan.gov/appointments and select “Educator Advisory Council” from the dropdown menu.

To view the full Executive Order, click the link below:

• EO 2019-9 Governor’s Educator Advisory Council .pdf

Contact:  David Crim, MEA Public Affairs, 517-333-5508