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December 14, 2020

Relax and Enjoy

We’re all looking forward to the end of 2020 and the hope that – with a vaccine – 2021 will mean life returns to something like normal.  You have done incredible work dealing with all of the issues created by COVID-19.  Because of you, it was still possible to provide quality education to our students during this most difficult period. I hope you have a well-deserved restful time as our education institutions close for a break later this month.  And for those who celebrate holidays during this time of year, we wish that they be as joyous as possible.

Thank you for all that you do and an early Happy New Year.

COVID-19 Slows Down Lame Duck

From teacher evaluations to hazard pay to third grade reading to staff shortages, a number of issues were likely to be considered during lame duck.  However, given the number of legislators and legislative staff who have tested positive for COVID, many legislative committee meetings and sessions have been cancelled, making it unlikely much will be accomplished this session.  Rest assured that what doesn’t get done this month will be addressed in the new legislative session beginning next month.

Upcoming Union-Building Workshops

Filing for Unemployment in MichiganFriday, January 8, 20213:00pm4:30pm
Filing for Unemployment in MichiganTuesday, January 12, 20212:00pm3:30pm
Filing for Unemployment in MichiganWednesday, January 13, 20213:00pm4:30pm
Member Organizing Institute 1012 Saturdays, January 23 and January 30, 20219:00am12:00pm
Bargaining 1013 Mondays, January 25, February 1, February 8, 20216:00pm8:00pm

Upcoming Professional Development

Strategies To Boost Students’ Ability To Stay Positive and Focused PreK-14

AFT Michigan – Virtual Workshop

January 9, 2021

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This in-service will provide participants an opportunity to investigate educational research, strategies, routines, and rituals that help to enhance students’ learning and social emotional growth.

Click here to register

AFT Professional Learning Supporting Students with Grief and Loss Webinar

Join AFT’s Chelsea Prax for a webinar on Supporting Students with Grief and Loss, Monday, December 21, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. EST. Childhood bereavement is common—and this year grief among students may be at an all time high. Educators have an important role to play in supporting learning through grief. Still, being a grief-sensitive educator is not easy. In this webinar, participants will learn five strategies to support students experiencing grief and loss. Participants may download a certificate for PD credit to be submitted locally. Thanks to a grant with New York Life Foundation, participants will also have a chance to receive a complementary Grief-Sensitive Educator kit, valued at $100! Register now.

Michigan Reconnect Hiring Full-Time Staff to Counsel Tuition-Free Community College Applicants

The state is launching the Michigan Reconnect program to help adults earn a degree or certificate at a community college. Ten Navigators will be hired to help guide applicants through the process – click the image for more information.

In solidarity, 

David Hecker, President

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