STRENGTH IN UNION: Aspiring educators are standing together on an important issue

Aspiring Educators Build ‘Empowering’ Movement

A group of aspiring educators

from Michigan State University hopes strength in numbers will help to amplify their message of concern about the equity, accessibility, and sustainability of MSU’s fifth-year internship program for gaining teacher certification.

The members of MEA’s aspiring educator wing—Aspiring Educators of Michigan (AEM)—have organized a movement, Empowering Spartan Educators, to press for action from university leaders on an issue long discussed as a barrier into the profession for less advantaged students.

“It’s not about changing this program for me or for one of us,” said Olivia Gundrum, an MSU senior and one of the organizers of a petition drive around the issue. “We’ve got to make this better for everyone else or we’re going to keep losing teachers.”

Gundrum must decide whether to add more student debt to an already heavy load to complete the fifth-year internship or find another way to become certified as a secondary English teacher. She began the campaign with Julia Alvarez, a fifthyear intern this year in Chicago Public Schools.

Alvarez said the past year has been especially stressful, dealing with a pandemic, a divisive national election, and nationwide protests for racial justice while navigating fulltime student teaching, graduate-level coursework, and the stress of trying to pay for rent, food, and transportation—all while being unable to work a job for pay.

Rising costs and stress levels from the program drive future educators away, the group said.

“We can say up and down all we want, ‘Black Lives Matter,’ and this and that,” Alvarez said. “But it’s not enough to say it if we’re not doing it. The words mean nothing if the time for action comes and we do nothing.”

The two friends first issued a survey to some current students in the College of Education. When they quickly received 150 responses echoing their concerns, the pair developed a petition calling on MSU to find solutions. They tapped networks to garner more than 600 signatures.

Children benefit academically by having teachers from diverse backgrounds, said AEM President Brittany Perreault, a senior at MSU who is also deciding whether to complete a fifth-year internship to become a special education teacher.

“Failure to recruit and support MSU students of color to the program fails to live up to the MSU Trustees’ own statement of diversity and inclusion which states, ‘Our commitment to inclusion means we embrace access to success for all,’” Perreault said in testimony March 4 at the General Assembly of Associated Students of MSU (ASMSU), the university’s student government.

MSU is not alone in having a fifth-year certification program, but the university considered to be the number-one education program in the nation could influence change at other institutions by taking the lead to make teacher certification more accessible, the aspiring educators said.

A bill in support of the group’s petition—introduced by AEM member Aaron Iturralde, a senior who represents education students on the student government— recently passed the ASMSU General Assembly following testimony from a number of aspiring educators.

“This petition and our movement, Empowering Spartan Educators, is about acknowledging that unpaid internships are just plainly exploitative. But also it’s about the fact that throughout the past year, we have seen just how essential educators truly are.” Olivia Gundrum, senior Aspiring secondary English teacher “Our program is currently structured in a way that pushes students out, specifically students of color and lowincome students. I have known multiple brilliant, amazing future teachers who have been unable— not unwilling—but unable to complete their fifth year due to financial inability. This is an issue of equity.” Julia Alvarez, fifth-year intern Aspiring elementary teacher “As the top-ranked Teacher Preparation Program in the nation, we should be moving forward to find new ways to inspire students to become educators, and that means creating concrete solutions to the financial hardship of this program as well as finding ways to support the diversity that is desperately needed among Michigan educators.” Brittany Perreault, senior Aspiring special education teacher

Problems with Fifth-Year Internships

Earlier this month, the Associated Students of MSU (ASMSU) General Assembly passed a bill in support of aspiring educators’ petition calling for the university to address barriers to entry into the teaching profession. AEM members presented a petition outlining concerns about the university’s fifth-year internship and certification program:  The unpaid fifth-year internship creates a financial hardship on low-income students, including many students of color. The cost to complete the program exceeds the annual salary of many first-year teachers.  The program requires students to take additional classes that do not count toward their master’s degree, while their graduate student

status precludes them from financial aid and grants.  The difficulty and time commitment of the fifthyear internship makes working a paying job nearly impossible, and the program discourages students from seeking outside employment, while offering no compensation or tuition relief.

Check out the new MEA.org

New Members-Only area makes what you need easier to find

Have you visited the redesigned MEA.org website yet?

Featuring a streamlined login process and new members-only tools, the updated site makes it easier to find the content you’re looking for.

The latest news and information about the education profession. Calls to action from the Capitol in Lansing. Professional development opportunities, like the Center for Leadership & Learning’s new book studies and webinars. Legal and advocacy updates for MEA members. Whatever your interests, you can stay up to date by visiting MEA.org and MEA’s social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.

The site’s login procedures are easier than ever, allowing members to access exclusive content, discounts and tools, including a new Member Portal that allows members to update their information and manage their dues payments easily in one location.

Looking to save money? Try out our MEA Advantage Discounts powered by Access, as well as our members-only discounts through Staples, NEA Member Benefits and MEA Financial Services.

MEA is also updating our smartphone app—search for “Michigan Education Association” on your Apple or Android app store to download it to your device.

Visit MEA.org and Win!

Check out the redesigned MEA website and you could win a $10 coupon for MEA-branded merchandise from our new online store. Visit www.mea.org/webquiz—the first 100 members who answer the questions correctly win!

MEA ELECTIONS

In MEA elections at the Representative Assembly April 23-24, delegates will select candidates to fill two full-term positions for the NEA Board of Directors (9/1/21-8/31/21); one partial term (immediately-8/31/23); and two alternates (9/1/21-8/31/24). The four declared candidates as of press time, including which position each is running for, are listed below.

Jon Fielbrandt, alternate Marcia Mackey, full term Anthony Pennock, partial term Alfonso Salais, Jr., full term

Jon Fielbrandt

Alternate

Jon Fielbrandt is currently in his 24th year in education, having spent 18 years teaching chemistry, math and web design at Sterling Heights High School in the Warren Consolidated Schools. Interrupting those 15 years, Jon spent 5.5 years as the release-time president of the Warren Education Association. Jon currently serves on MEA Board of Directors, MEA Executive Committee, and as a current Alternate NEA Directors he is serving as an Interim Director. He has been appointed to the Staff Retirement Plan Board, the Long Range Planning Committee, State Crisis Assistance Program Committee, and is the Vice Chairperson of the Coalition of Local Option Units. Jon has previously served on the Long Range Planning Committee, Budget and Finance Committee, Social Justice Committee, Art Acquisition Committee, and the Human Relations Commission. At the Region level, Jon serves as the Region 6 treasurer and MEA Caucus Co-Chair. On the local level, Jon serves as a member of the bargaining team and as a MEA and NEA RA delegate.

Candidate Statement

I would like to thank you for the trust you have shown me in the past by electing me to this position of Alternate NEA Director from Michigan. I am humbled by the confidence you have shown in me and I am asking for your continued support as I seek re-election at this year’s Spring Representative Assembly. My service to my local association and the MEA includes serving for 19 years on the MEA Board of Directors and 12 years on the MEA Executive Committee. Though this service, as well as my past service on the MEA-PAC Governing Board, MEA-PAC Council, my local and county PACs, and as an Officer-atLarge of the Michigan Democratic Party, I have the experience necessary to continue to represent you in Washington D.C.—to be your advocate, your voice. The pandemic has doubled the challenges we already faced in education. All of us deserve to be respected and given the tools and support necessary to be successful in these unprecedented times. Michigan’s voice in Washington must continue to be strong as we tireless advocate for the recourses to provide a safe and excellent Public Education for every student. I ask you to allow me to continue to be your voice in Washington D.C. as an Alternate NEA Director from Michigan. Please cast your vote for proven leadership and experience. Vote for Jon Fielbrandt for Alternate NEA Director from Michigan. Thank you!

Marcia Mackey

Full Term

Marcia Mackey, Ph.D., is a faculty member of the Central Michigan University Department of Physical Education & Sport, currently teaching aquatics and sport management while serving as the Graduate Coordinator for the department. In her 25 years at CMU, she has served on university, college and department committees, as well as the CMU Faculty Association Board of Directors. Mackey is currently president of the Michigan Association of Higher Education Board of Directors. She holds elected and appointed positions at the local, Region, Coordinating Council, state and national levels, including MEA Board of Directors. At the national level, Mackey has served on the NEA Board of Directors and as secretary of the National Council for Higher Education. She has taught at all levels of education, in swimming pools, classrooms, and gymnasiums.

Candidate Statement

I am Marcia Mackey, a candidate for re-election as NEA Director and a proud union member. Thank you so very much for allowing me to serve as a Michigan NEA Director for the past 2.5 years. I would like to thank each one of you, for all you do for public education. We are a family. Involvement in MEA and NEA is critical, and I am willing to continue my commitment to advocate for public education. My 39-years of experiences in the classrooms/gyms/swimming pools spans all levels of education, thereby providing me with a unique lens through which to view the interconnection between the various components of MEA. The needs and expectations of MEA members vary, yet the link is our desire for the best in public education. As a product of public education, I completed an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree, and a Ph.D. I studied law, interned at an aquatic law firm, served as an expert witness for legal cases, and currently I teach law and governance courses. I use my experiences in organizational law, governance, and policy interpretation to representing Michigan at the national level. I advocate of all of us: emerging leaders, ESP, K-12, Higher Ed, and retired members. Understanding the legal process and being involved on Capitol Hill is a key responsibility of an NEA Director and matches perfectly with my professional experiences. Over the past 28 years, I have held a variety of union leadership positions at every level, from the local through national. In this era of uncertainty for public education and the recent changes on the Supreme Court bench, tough decisions are required for NEA and MEA. I am willing to be at the table, to participate in the dialog, and make the tough decisions. As a NEA Director for Michigan, I will continue do all I can for MEA education professionals and public education at the state and national level. Consistency and stability are important; therefore, I am running for re-election.

Thank you. I am Marcia Mackey and I ask for your vote for re-election as a NEA Director.

Anthony Pennock

Partial Term

Anthony Pennock is a special education teacher at WK Kellogg Preparatory High School in Battle Creek Public Schools. He is the president of the Battle Creek Education Association, where he has also served as a building representative. Pennock serves on the Region 4 Council and the Region 4 Screening & Recommendations Committee. At the state level, he is currently an elected MEA RA delegate and serves on the MEA Legislative Commission. At the national level, Pennock is currently serving as an NEA RA delegate.

Candidate Statement

As the son of a union crane operator, I learned the power and strength of labor from an early age. As a local leader, I have seen the power of educators to show compassion and determination, voice and collaboration, unity and solidarity. These help us to grow as educators, mentors, and leaders within our schools and communities for our students. We know the power of our collective voice can get the job done. Let’s work together to lift the voices of members and students who need it most and build a more equitable working and learning environment for public education.

Alfonso Salais, Jr.

Full Term

Alfonso Salais, Jr. is an International Baccalaureate Spanish Teacher at Lansing Eastern High School. He has enjoyed the opportunity to contribute to the community where he grew up and where his work is needed. Salais has held a number of elected offices, including Vice-President of LSEA and MEA Board of Directors. Salais has held appointment on numerous MEA committees, including, ELL, Social Justice, 31G Minority Affairs, Long Range Planning, and MEA NEA RA Strategy committees. At the national level, he has served as an NEA State Director, on NEA’s ESP Career Committee, as NEA’s Hispanic Caucus Midwest Director, and as a task force member of NEA’s Racial Justice in Education Policy Statement. He currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the National Council of Urban Education Associations.

Candidate Statement

I am pleased and honored to announce my candidacy for re-election as an NEA Board of Director to represent and advocate for YOU and ALL educators of the MEA!

During my 26 years as an educator, I’ve made it a goal to teach and advocate for public education. I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to contribute to the community in which I grew up in, and to be a part of an urban setting where I am desperately needed. My purpose as a professional is to help, to serve, and to improve others, unconditionally and positively, without regard. My work at the national level has included advocacy for public education and social justice issues for both women and people of color.

My heart and passion for advocacy for this great organization has never faltered! I have been very fortunate to have served as an NEA BOD and it would be an honor to continue serving ALL educators at the national level once again! At the National level, I have served on the NEA’s Resolution Committee, been appointed to serve as a task force member on NEA’s Racial Justice in Education Policy statement, and served as the Ethnic Minority Director for the National Council of Urban Education Associations (NCUEA) as well as the NEA’s Hispanic Caucus Midwest Director. I also have an extensive background in service to our organization both at the State and Local level. Currently, I serve as NCUEA’s Secretary/Treasurer. I feel it is important to be a champion advocate for our profession and for those that are major contributors to our field of work. Those contributors are the glue that help and hold our schools and districts together, they are our ESP members--both K-12 and Higher Ed! Recently, I have been selected to represent our ESP members nationally as a member of the NEA ESP Career Committee. It is with the same confidence and commitment that has been bestowed in me by this fabulous organization that I ask the same vote of confidence for re-election from you in MEA today as your NEA Director!

Free MESSA conference to focus on mental wellness

At MESSA, we understand that your overall health is directly related to your mental wellness.

That’s why we expanded our MESSA Wellness program over the past year to help address the extraordinary pressures that educators and support staff have faced during the pandemic. MESSA Health Promotion Consultant Rhonda Jones heard from members who were struggling, so she convened wellness experts to deliver timely and relevant information to our members via Zoom.

On April 30, Jones is again bringing together a stellar lineup of wellness experts for the virtual Spring Worksite Wellness Conference with the theme of “Springing Forward in 2021.”

While it seems that a complete return to normalcy may still be a ways off, we know that we are moving forward together every day.

To learn more about the conference lineup and to register, go to messa.org/wellness.

By Ross Wilson, MESSA Executive Director

Got travel on your mind?

As vaccines roll out, we know you want to travel. At Far Far Away Travels we help educators tailor travel plans to your needs. We know which travel companies treat their clients well and, if something goes wrong, we are there to help. www.farfarawaytravels.com 877-508-5008 journey@farfarawaytravels.com

Classified

Picture books.

“Children ages 5-8 will thoroughly enjoy Guess This Ginger Cat’s Name as they follow a ginger cat’s adventurous travels… [and] are invited to think of other rhyming names that fit the story! [This] thoroughly fun read from first page to last will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.” – Midwest Book Review. Available at tinyurl.com/Guess-Ginger-Cat. Our advertising policies, rates and schedule can be found online at mea.org/voice.