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Better support of teachers key to student success

This excerpt is from a guest column by Amber Arellano, published in Crain’s Detroit Business on February 11. Read the full article here. 

For much of the last two decades, Michigan has been slipping behind the rest of the nation in public education. The data can become so sobering and overwhelming that we lose sight of those impacted most: our students. And far too often, teachers – the change makers for our students – are an afterthought…

In her first State of the State address, Governor Whitmer has the opportunity to lead on this issue and insist that we hold our teachers in high regard and provide educators with the supports and resources to help every student to learn and achieve…

For so many, the difference between a thriving child in school and being on the pathway to stability and success after graduation, or not, hinges on having exceptional educators along the way. As a state, we must do much more to ensure this is a reality for all students, not left up to life circumstance or chance.

We all want engaged students, prepared for a lifetime of learning and success. As Governor Whitmer delivers her first State of the State address, I’m hopeful that she will recommit to our teachers to honor and support their critical role in the lives and future of our students.

This effort will not be easy and cannot be accomplished alone. The Education Trust-Midwest stands ready to work with the Governor, leaders on both sides of the aisle, and most importantly, teachers, to ensure a brighter future for public education in Michigan.

Read the full article here.

#LoveTeaching Week

February 14-21 is #LoveTeaching week – a grassroots conversation that celebrates teaching and learning, and illuminates why teachers enter and remain in the profession. Join the conversation by sharing why you #LoveTeaching!

Education Committees Named

Over the past few weeks, education committees in the Michigan House of Representatives and State Senate have been named. Members of the House School Aid and Department of Education Appropriations Subcommittee are listed below. Over the next several weeks, check back for other committees impacting education policy and budgets.

House School Aid and Department of Education Appropriations Subcommittee

Capital Update

Michigan State Board of Education will meet on today, February 12 on the Fourth Floor of the John A. Hannah Building beginning at 9:30 a.m. The agenda includes presentations on the data dashboard and implementation of school discipline law.

State of the State Address: Governor Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her first State of the State address tonight, February 12 at 7:00 p.m. Her address to a joint session of the state House and Senate will be streamed at michigan.gov/misots19.

House School Aid and Department of Education Appropriations Subcommittee will meet on Wednesday, February 13 at noon in room 352 of the State Capitol Building. Agenda: presentation on the Michigan Department of Education Budget.

ASC Higher Education and Community Colleges Appropriations Subcommittee will meet on Thursday, February 14 at 9:00 a.m. in room 519 of the House Office Building. Agenda: Presentations by Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, University of Michigan, Michigan Technological University and Western Michigan University. Presentations by other state universities will continue in future weeks.

Tweet of the Week

@EdTrustMidwest: .@We_Are_GR Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal - empower & support parents, educators, school leaders with data and real improvement can happen! More: edtru.st/o4avideo #miched #opp4all #educationjustice