President's Corner![]() Dear HVEA Members,
Turning on the news or checking your social media accounts, you cannot escape images of teachers holding signs, wearing red and standing up for their students and their profession as they strike across this country. Denver is the latest to stand up and say no more. Teachers do not go into the profession expecting to get rich. They go into teaching because they want to make a difference. We expect a lot from our children’s teachers, and rightfully so, but we shouldn’t expect them to get multiple degrees, work the hours they do, and have to live at or near the poverty line. The sign that stuck with me the most, was a sign that a teacher left for her students before today’s strike began. It read, “Dear Students, I am choosing to go on strike because I believe in you and in the profession of teaching. I want Denver students to see themselves as future Denver Public School educators, and I want the very best teachers to choose Denver Public Schools and stay for their whole careers.” Like in Denver, many new educators, right here in Huron Valley, are not even able to afford to live within the school district that they serve. Like in Denver, Huron Valley educators are committed to their students and know the value of their work. Like in Denver, Huron Valley educators want our Michigan College Prep Programs to be at capacity. Like in Denver, Huron Valley educators want their talented colleagues to stay here for their entire careers. Like in Denver, Huron Valley educators want the best and brightest to teach in the classroom next door and elevate the profession we care so deeply about. We must fix school funding now in Michigan. Hearing from our Governor last week at the MEA conference I attended, I am hopeful. She understands the research. She knows Proposal A is an outdated system for funding schools. She knows that a good education levels the playing field for everyone and is dedicated to working across the aisle to help others understand the importance of funding our Michigan schools and respecting our Michigan educators. She cannot do it alone. She needs us. She needs us to continue to use our voices and help educate others so they can begin to understand and take action as well. Together as a district, a board of education, an education association, and a community we must continue to work together and demand that the broken school funding system in Michigan is fixed. 248-459-9354 patricia.rayner@hvs.org raynerpl@gmail.com In solidarity, Tricia Learn the Latest on Certification
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Class Matters
This is an oldy but a goody about why class matters both in and out of school. and how closing gaps requires attention to issues of race and poverty. |