In Uncategorized

January 13, 2020

Survey for Updating State’s Top 10 Education Plan

An online survey is being offered for the public to help review and update Michigan’s Top 10 in 10 strategic education plan.

“We’re asking the public to help shape Michigan’s education focus,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “It is my expectation, and that of the State Board of Education, that an updated plan will be more streamlined and focused, and will have measures that align with the goals to help us monitor progress toward becoming a top education state.”

The survey will close on February 7, 2020. The link can be found on the MDE website at www.michigan.gov/Top10in10. A draft of the updated plan is expected to be presented to the State Board of Education in late spring of 2020.

Top 10 Survey.pdf

Register Now for the February Union Building Institute!

Our final Union Building Institute of the school year will be February 8, at UM Dearborn-Fairlane Center North! You can sign up now by following this link.

In addition to our core courses:

  • Member Organizing
  • Collective Bargaining & Contract Enforcement
  • Coalitions & Political Action

We will also offer advanced workshops on:

  • Advanced Bargaining: Analyzing Employer Finances and Costing Out Proposals
  • Advanced Grievance-Handling: Presenting 2nd & 3rd Step Grievances
  • Advanced Foundations: Financial Management for Union Officers

REGISTER NOW!

If you are a relatively new leader in your local, particularly in a role such as building rep or steward, we recommend starting with either Member Organizing 101 and/or Collective Bargaining & Contract Enforcement 101. And with less than a year to go before the general election, we hope as many locals as possible will be represented in the Coalitions & Political Action workshop!

P.S. On Sunday, February 9, we are holding a Local Financial Review Workshop for members of financial review committees to complete the yearly task in a supportive environment. This is open only to local financial review committee members and treasurers.

Educators Meet with Governor Whitmer

More than 30 AFT Michigan leaders from around the state, including Kymberli Wregglesworth, president of the Onaway Teachers — who drove 3 1/2 hours each way —  gathered with our colleagues from the MEA at the Governor’s residence Friday evening to share ideas and suggestions for the future of education in our state. Thanks to all who made the drive and of course to the Governor and her staff. Just another reason it’s great to have a friend of public education in that position.  

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and AFT Michigan President David Hecker

Apply to be on Michigan’s Independent Redistricting Commission

After the passage of Proposal 2 in 2018, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is working to implement the state’s brand-new independent redistricting commission, which will set the boundaries for state and federal legislative districts after the 2020 census. The goal of the commission to is to draw fair boundaries to best serve the interests of the people and not politicians or corporate special interests. Any person who has not served as an elected member of a political party in the past 6 years, or is a family member of an elected official, can serve on the commission.  We encourage all of our members to apply to serve on this part-time, paid commission. For more information and to fill out an application, click here.

In Solidarity,

David Hecker, President

Recent Posts
AFTMI logoAFTMI logo