May 20, 2019
1 UNIVERSITY
The 1 University Coalition had a major presence at last week’s University of Michigan Board of Regents Meeting, with speaker after speaker imploring UM to do right by its Flint and Dearborn campuses. 1 University states that UM is governed by one board and has one president, so all campuses should be treated equitably. The Flint and Dearborn campuses receive far, far fewer resources than Ann Arbor. While the state must meet its obligation to fund all Michigan universities to meet student needs, UM should share its resources equitably. 1 University is a coalition of the Lecturer Employees Organization, the Graduate Employees Organization, students, and tenured faculty.
WARREN WOODS RATIFIES CONTRACT!
Last week, Warren Woods Paraprofessionals voted overwhelmingly to ratify a temporary agreement for their 2019-2021 contract. A few highlights include, a return of five unpaid leave days, an additional step, and a signing bonus. Warren Woods Paraprofessionals President Megan Hohensee, stated, “Members are satisfied with this agreement.”
RSVP TODAY FOR #REDFORED FUNDING RALLIES!
We’re joining forces with the Michigan Education Association to hold rallies on June 18 and 25 at the Michigan Capitol Building to demand the Michigan Legislature invest in our students, educators, schools, colleges, and universities.
Why? Because Governor Whitmer proposed a bold budget, upping the state’s budget for PreK-16 education by more than half a billion dollars. But Republican leaders in Lansing are proposing budgets which barely keep up with inflation — if at all.
We must act. Join us in Lansing on Tuesday, June 18 and/or Tuesday, June 25 — if school is not in session in your district. Click here to RSVP and for additional details.
MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADJUNCTS HEAD TO FACT-FINDING
After more than a year of contract negotiations and three sessions with a state-appointed mediator, The Association of Adjunct Faculty of Macomb Community College (AAFMCC), AFT Local 6533, has filed a fact-finding petition with the Michigan Employment Relations Committee. See an article from the Macomb Daily here and look out for suggestions for how you can support AAFMCC once the fact-finder’s report is issued.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Detroit Federation of Teacher President Terrence Martin and I renewed our commitment to support efforts to strengthen the voice of students. We made the pledge during 482Forward’s conference, this past Saturday, May 18, entitled “You Deserve Quality Education in Your Neighborhood.”
MICHIGAN AFL-CIO SUPPORTS SIGNIFICANT INCREASES TO EDUCATION FUNDING
Last week, the Michigan AFL-CIO convention unanimously adopted a resolution in support of the findings of the School Finance Research Collaborative calling for significant increases in PreK-12 funding and in support of meaningful increases in community college and university funding. President Ron Bieber (UAW) and Secretary-Treasurer Daryl Newman (AFT) were re-elected. Daryl also serves as President of the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO.
DO YOU KNOW A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT THAT WOULD MAKE A GREAT K12 TEACHER?!
The College of Education at Wayne State University is launching a teacher preparation summer program. The Next Gen Teachers Summer Program is a two week, non-residential program targeting underrepresented high school sophomores/juniors interested in a teaching career. The program is entirely FREE for students, lunch will be served each day on WSU’s Detroit campus, and successful participants will receive a $500 Raise.Me scholarship to attend WSU!
The College of Education would like to ask for your assistance in identifying potential students for this dynamic new program. Students should be completing their sophomore or junior year of high school; have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5; and have an interest in pursuing a career as a teacher.
The first installment of the Next Gen Teachers Summer Bridge Program will launch July 8 through July 19, 2019.
Students may submit their interest application at: https://go.wayne.edu/nextgenteachers. If you have any questions or would like promotional materials, contact Jeff Lisiecki at gc2394@wayne.edu.
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Bully Mindset Shift PreK-12
Saturday, June 1, 2019
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
AFT Michigan office
This workshop will provide strategies to change Bully from a noun to a verb. Participants will be introduced to activities that focus on changing the behavior/mindset of those individuals who bully.
Click here to register.
In Solidarity,
David Hecker
President
