March For Our Lives–June 11–State Capitol
We are often frustrated over the failure of federal and state legislative bodies to address the issue of meaningful gun control, although many of the measures are supported by the clear majority of people from both major political parties. We are also often frustrated as to what concrete action, in addition to supporting candidates, can we do to make a difference.
Please join the March For Our Lives Rally on June 11, from 10 – 12 at the State Capitol. As you know, March For Our Lives came out of the activism of students who survived the Parkland tragedy. We must have a big crowd so the legislature hears our voices–we must address gun control and we must address it now.
Celebrate Pride This Month (and Every Month)
Among many great events happening this month, you should definitely attend our upcoming AFT Michigan Pride Picnic! Friday, June 16th from 2-6pm at Southeast Area Park in Ann Arbor. RSVP here Questions? Want to help? Contact AFT Michigan Field Rep, Erin Lavin (she/her) at elavin@aftmichigan.org
Are you an AFT MI union member or staff organizer who identifies as LGBTQIA? Are you interested in connecting with other queer union members to socialize, build union leadership skills, and talk about navigating our professional lives? Fill out this interest form for more information and to get put on the email list for our monthly meetings.
And check out AFT’s Share My Lesson for a list of resources for teaching LGBTQ history: https://sharemylesson.com/blog/lgbtq-history-month
EPIC Read by Grade Three survey for K-5 educators closes June 17!
There is still time to respond to the EPIC/MDE Read by Grade Three survey! The survey will close June 17. K-5 teachers and literacy coaches or interventionists/specialists can complete the survey at: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bxCr85ZKhZz2ncy
MSU’s Education Policy Innovative Collaborative and the Michigan Department of Education encourage you to take part in this valuable research. They know your time is incredibly valuable, especially as we reach the end of this challenging school year, so any eligible participant who completes the approximately 25-minute survey will be awarded 5 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs). Please note that participation is voluntary, and all survey responses will be kept strictly confidential. Your Personal Identification Code (PIC) is needed to complete the survey and be awarded SCECHs. Eligible participants who complete the survey will be awarded SCECHs in time for recertification at the end of June.
In the past two years, 27,000 educators have responded to EPIC’s Read by Grade Three annual surveys and the responses were used extensively in their reports, which are available, along with more information about the survey, at: https://epicedpolicy.org/rbg3/. These reports are now being used by policy makers and practitioners as they grapple with pandemic recovery and the future of the Read by Grade Three law.
If you have any questions about the survey, please do not hesitate to contact EPICrbg3@msu.edu.
In solidarity,
David Hecker
President
