Issue 44 | July 2023
Be sure your email address is up-to-date in the Michigan Online Educator Certification System to receive important notifications regarding YOUR certificate.
Please see the archived newsletters for other important information that affects licensure.
Free Summer Meals in Your Community
Have hungry kids and teens to feed? It can be a challenge to find healthy meals that fit your budget. That’s why organizations and school districts in your area are working with Meet Up and Eat Up and providing everyone aged 18 and under with delicious, nutritious meals.
All summer, children 18 and under can eat healthy, satisfying meals in their own communities at no cost. No application forms required, no registration needed, and no proof of residency asked for — just show up and enjoy a meal! All meals must be eaten at the site.
Visit the interactive map to find the location nearest you. You can also text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 304-304 to find free meals in your neighborhood.
Meet Up and Eat Up’s summer meals are for everyone in the community. When more people join together to eat these delicious, healthy meals, the community benefits. More participation can mean more investment in local schools and community organizations. So come pick up a plate and meet your neighbors!
Educator Evaluation Guidance for 2023-24
Effective educators are essential to improving student outcomes. High-quality evaluations focus on educator growth by providing important feedback to help educators improve their practice to impact the lives of students. Information regarding educator evaluation requirements for the 2023-24 academic year and resources are now available. Other essential information and resources for educator evaluation implementation is available on the Michigan Department of Education website.
Second Round of Future Proud Michigan Educator Grow Your Own Grant Applications Now Open
Last week, the Office of Educator Excellence (OEE) announced that it is currently welcoming applications for a second round of 27b Grow Your Own grants, with $91.9 million in federal funds available for districts to support non-certificated school staff earn teacher certification or current teachers earn additional endorsements.
Intermediate school districts and local education agencies, both traditional and public school academies, are invited to apply, regardless of past GYO grant application status. MDE especially invites districts whose first round applications were not selected for funding to apply again in this second round.
Please refer to the July 14th special edition of the Educationally Speaking newsletter, as well as information available on the Future Proud Michigan Educator GYO Grants website and the newly updated FAQ page for more details specific to the second round of 27b GYO grants. As always, questions about the GYO grants can be directed to MDE-PME@Michigan.gov.
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Future Michigan Teachers Highlighted in Latest #proudMIeducator Videos
Students in teacher preparation programs offer a variety of reasons why they are choosing education as their profession, in a group of videos released during Teacher Appreciation Month by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).
These future proud Michigan educators are Central Michigan University (CMU) teacher candidates and explain their reasons why they are training to become teachers in the latest segment of the #proudMIeducator video series. The videos are viewable in the Future Proud Michigan Educator Playlist and at the links below.
If you know a proud Michigan educator who should be considered for a future video feature, please email MDE-PME@Michigan.gov.
Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY)
On August 8, 2023, the 2023-24 Michigan Teacher of the Year, Candice Jackson, a third-grade teacher at Mann Learning Community in Detroit Public Schools Community District, will be introduced at the State Board of Education meeting in Lansing. Jackson is also the 2023-24 Region 10 Teacher of the Year. The nine other 2023-24 Regional Teachers of the Year will also be introduced. They are:
Region 1: Gina Pepin, a reading teacher at Lemmer Elementary in Escanaba Area Public Schools
Region 2: Brandi Clark, a mathematics teacher at Kalkaska Middle School in Kalkaska Public Schools
Region 3: Stephanie Nielsen, a kindergarten teacher at Shawmut Hills Academy in Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Region 4: Bridgit Sova, a special education teacher at H.H. Dow High School in Midland Public Schools
Region 5: Jennifer Senkmajer, a fourth-grade teacher at Yale Elementary School in Yale Public Schools
Region 6: Nicole Minor, a mathematics teacher at Lansing Eastern High School in Lansing School District
Region 7: Jaime Hilaski, a visual arts teacher at Schoolcraft Junior-Senior High School in Schoolcraft Community Schools
Region 8: Lori Richert, a second and third grade teacher at Childs Elementary School in Lincoln Consolidated Schools
Region 9: Vanessa Robert, a kindergarten teacher at Canton Charter Academy in Canton
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Understanding and Supporting Gifted Learners EduPaths Course
Who are gifted learners? In this EduPaths course, characteristics of gifted learners are discussed that affect their educational needs. This overview course sets the stage for subsequent modules that will give educators a comprehensive understanding of gifted learners' academic and non-academic needs. The estimated duration is one hour and SCECHs will be approved in three weeks.
EXPLORE Educator Conference
are encouraged to save the date for a conference opportunity on October 10th and 11th. The Future Proud Michigan Educator EXPLORE conference will be the first annual opportunity for EXPLORE educators (current and potential) to meet, learn, and exchange ideas. The primary purpose of the conference is to build a network of EXPLORE teachers that will provide support for educators, resources for programs, and continuous improvement for EXPLORE resources. Breakout sessions and panels will offer a chance to address frequent questions and highlight best practices, and the event will close with student presentations and an address from state superintendent Dr. Rice. The sessions are designed to support collaboration across systems to facilitate the success of future educators in grades 6-12.
Explore Military Career Options
Are you interested in learning about the career opportunities for students who are considering joining the military? Earn 5 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) by exploring military career options! Visit Understanding the Modern Military for further details.
Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options
Looking for new professional learning opportunities? Check out the Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options document for current offerings.
Heat up summer learning!
With the arrival of summer, continued learning is more important than ever given students’ academic and social and emotional needs following the COVID-19 pandemic. Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) rounded up resources to help educators, families, and students build learning experiences into their summer breaks.
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