Significant Progress Towards Equality, Now We Need Equity
The School Aid Funding bi-partisan bill signed into law by Governor Whitmer makes significant progress towards funding equality. But that is not enough. As the Governor recognizes, now we need funding equity. It is the subject of my most recent Michigan Advance column.
MDE Accepting Nominations for the 2021-22 Education Support Staff Professional of the Year Award
The Education Support Staff Professional of the Year program exists to honor outstanding support staff persons. Nominations for the 2021-22 award are now open.
AFL-CIO President Trumka Will Be Missed
Last week we were shocked and greatly saddened by the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. Rising to the presidency of the United Mine Workers at only 33 years old, Trumka served over a decade as AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, and for the past twelve years as its President.
Trumka spent a good deal of time in Detroit. A fierce fighter for worker rights, an eloquent, rabble rousing speaker, and a smart, caring and compassionate leader, Trumka was also very down to earth. I have seen him interact with union members and his interest in and the intensity of the conversation was more of what you may expect when he was speaking to his strong ally President Biden.
AFT President Randi Weingarten stated: “If you have to be in a war, you want to be in the trenches with Richard Trumka.” I will second that.
Our condolences to his family, with our appreciation of their sharing him with America’s working people. Trumka accomplished so much for so many.
Contribute to the AFT Michigan PAC Today
AFT Michigan fights for our members, students and communities all year round and we need your help. Can you donate $52 a year to elect more candidates who share our values? Please visit https://aftmichigan.org/pac/ and set up a recurring gift. For as little as $1 a week, YOU can make a big difference in protecting public education and building a better Michigan future!
Upcoming Professional Development
Join Jennifer Lagasse and Meredith Ketchmark of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Share My Lesson for this session on teaching students about the 9/11 attacks and how they continue to impact us as a society today.
Sign up now for this important free, for-credit session on Wednesday, Aug. 18., at 4 p.m. Eastern time. If you can’t join us that day, register anyway to access the webinar on demand as soon as it’s available!
As we approach the milestone 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, harness the power of storytelling to transform and deepen historical inquiry using “Anniversary in the Schools.” This free program, created by the 9/11 Museum education department, connects students with first responders, survivors, witnesses and 9/11 family members to help young people better understand the historical importance of the attacks and their enduring impact. Participants will get a preview of the 2021 program and an opportunity to practice strategies for integrating powerful first-person accounts of 9/11 into their classrooms during this hands-on session.
Back to School Resources for School Staff
Check out these useful resources – featuring content for bus drivers and cafeteria workers to teacher’s aides and front office personnel – to prepare for the new school year.
In solidarity,
David Hecker, President
