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Educationally Speaking

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The goal of this monthly e-newsletter from the Office of Educator Excellence at the Michigan Department of Education is to be an efficient round-up of important information, delivered directly to your inbox! You should expect to see details about law/rule changes that affect your certification, featured professional learning opportunities, requests for submission for our recognition programs, and much more!

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2024

  • Issue 57 | August 2024

    Grants Information

    • National Board First Time Candidate Grant - Round 2
    • Military Veterans Grant
    • Fiscal Year 24 Section 504 Grants
    • Website Updates for Section 27b Grow Your Own (GYO) Grants
    • Update on 27k Student Loan Repayment Program Awards

    #proudMIeducator

    • Talent Pool

    Educational Resources From Our Research Partners

    • New College Scorecard Educator and Advocate Toolkits

    Noteworthy News

    • 2024-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year Nomination Window Open

    Did You Know?

    • Changes in Educator Evaluation Law Effective July 1
    • The Annual Educator Effectiveness Data Appeals Window Opens September 1

    Upcoming Opportunities: Professional Learning & Events

    • Free State Park Field Trip - Fall Registration Is Now Open (4th Grade)

    Teacher Discounts

  • Issue 56 | June 2024

    Grants Information

    • Section 27h(6) Mentoring Evaluation Grant Application Opens Soon
    • Student Loan Repayment Program Updates
    • Updates to Section 27b Grow Your Own (GYO) Website
    • Reminder: Permits Available Soon for the 2024-25 Academic Year

    Educational Resources

    • Survey Opportunity: Understanding Artificial Intelligence in Education

    Noteworthy News

    • 2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year Nomination Window Open

    Did You Know

    • Michigan Law Brings Changes to Educator Evaluation Requirements 

    Teacher Discounts

  • Issue 55 | May 2024

    Noteworthy News

    • Teacher Appreciation Video Project
    • 2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year Nomination Window Open

    Did You Know?

    • Michigan Law Brings Changes to Educator Evaluation Requirements
    • Professional Learning Reminders
      • Teaching Certificate Renewal
      • Professional Learning Laws
      • School Safety
      • Helpful Resources

    Grants Information

    • Student Loan Repayment Program Updates

    #proudMIeducator

    • Talent Pool

    Upcoming Opportunities: Professional Learning and Events

    • Free Series: The Power of Professional Conversations: Model Code of Ethics for Educators

    Teacher Discounts

  • Special Issue | May 2024

    MDE Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Month

  • Issue 54 | April 2024

    Noteworthy News

    • Teacher Appreciation Video Project

    Grants Information

    • E-mail Address for Educator Workforce Grants
    • Future Proud Michigan Educator Military Veterans Grant
    • Student Loan Repayment Program

    Did You Know?

    • Student Growth Metrics Available through Public Website
    • Reminder to Retirees 

    Teacher Discounts

  • Issue 53 | March 2024

    Noteworthy News

    • Michigan Represented at the 2024 National Educator Shortage Summit
    • Notice of Public Hearing
    • Introducing the Teacher Appreciation Video Project
    • Nature Awaits! We want to see your fourth grade students at a state park this spring!

    Grants Information

    • New E-mail Address for Grants
    • Student Loan Repayment Program
    • Applications Closed for FY24 EXPLORE Section 504 Grants
    • Mentoring and Induction Standards, Curricula, and Professional Learning Creation Grants

    Did You Know?

    • Michigan Law Brings Changes to Educator Evaluation Requirements 

    Educational Resources

    • New Opportunity for Free Sixth-Grade Math Professional Development
    • Upcoming Webinar on Teaching Fractions
    • Updated Reports Available: Value-Added Reports for Michigan Schools 

    Teacher Discounts

  • Issue 52 | February 2024

    Noteworthy News

    • Public Comment on Proposed School Librarian Preparation Standards
    • National School Counselor Week February 5-9, 2023
    • Certificate Application Fee Reimbursement Program

    Grants Information

    • Future Proud Michigan Educator (PME) Military Veterans Grant
    • Student Loan Repayment Program Webinar
    • National Board Certification Grants for Michigan Teachers
    • Applications Open Now for FY24 EXPLORE Section 504 Grants
    • Section 27h Mentoring and Induction Standards, Curricula, and Professional Learning Creation Grant

    Did You Know?

    • Michigan Law Brings Changes to Educator Evaluation Requirements
    • Webinar Recordings Available: Value-Added Reports for Michigan Schools

    #proudMIeducator

    • Michigan Talent Pool

    Upcoming Opportunities

    • Aspiring Principals Workshop
    • Michigan Reading Association Annual Conference
    • Michigan Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators Conversations Among Colleagues Conference

    Teacher Discounts

  • Issue 51 | January 2024

    Noteworthy News

    • Now Inviting Educator Participation! Teaching Black History: Lessons from Educators
    • Public Comment on Proposed School Librarian Preparation Standards
    • National School Counselor Week February 5-9, 2023
    • Certificate Application Fee Reimbursement Program
    • First Renewal of the Year!
    • Annual Certification Reminder and Requirements
    • Student Loan Forgiveness

    Grants Information

    • Coming Soon! Student Loan Repayment Program
    • Michigan Teachers and National Board Certification Grants
    • Applications Open Now! Section 504 EXPLORE + Grow Your Own Grants for FY24
    • Round 2 Grow Your Own (GYO) School Staff Grants Awarded

    Did You Know?

    • Join AASPA's National Educator Shortage Summit!
    • PAEMST (Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching) 

    Educational Resources

    • Michigan Teacher Shortage Study: 2024 Report

    Teacher Discounts

2023

  • Issue 50 | December 2023

    Noteworthy News

    • Returning Home for the Holidays
    • Governor Signs Educator Evaluation Changes into Law
    • District and School Growth Metrics Available
    • Recertification Season is Near! 
    • Teacher Exchange Programs Webinar

    Grants Information

    • Coming Soon! Section 504 EXPLORE + Grow Your Own Grants for FY24
    • Coming Soon! Michigan Teachers and National Board Certification Grants
    • Coming Soon! Student Loan Repayment Program
    • Future Proud Michigan Education Military Veterans Grant
    • Announcements for 27b Round 2 GYO School Staff Grants Coming Soon

    Did You Know?

    • PAEMST (Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching) 

    #proudMIeducator

    • Meemic Foundation blog by the 2023-2024 Michigan Teacher of the Year, Ms. Candice Jackson

    Educational Resources

    • Making Sense of Educational Assessment: Bridging Research and Practice Webinar
    • Recent EPIC Research Examines Michigan Student Progress Amidst Pandemic Recovery Efforts

    Teacher Discounts

  • Issue 49 | November 2023

    Noteworthy News

    • Data Tool Available to support Michigan Integrated Continuous Improvement Process (MICIP)
    • Reimbursements Available for Certification Application Fees
    • Daily Substitute Teaching Permit Extensions Provide Additional Staffing Flexibilities!
    • Working under a Full-Year Basic Permit or have a staff member who is? 
    • Elementary (ZG) & World Language (FA-FS) Staffing Flexibilities
    • Extended eligibility for the MDE-funded Lexia LETRS® opportunities 

    Did You Know?

    • PAEMST (Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching) 
    • Legislative Change to Reporting State Employment Data

    #proudMIeducator

    • Michigan Talent Pool

    Educational Resources

    • Education Workforce Report

    Teacher Discounts

  • Issue 48 | October 2023

    Noteworthy News

    • Public Comment on Proposed Disciplinary Literacy Preparation Standards 
    • Legislative Change: Report Employment Data More Timely for Student Safety

    Did You Know?

    • PAEMST (Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching) 
    • The Annual Educator Effectiveness Data Appeals Window is Open 
    • Districts May Opt-In to Receive Teacher Value-Added Reports 
    • 27b Grow Your Own (GYO) School Staff Grants 

    #proudMIeducator

    • Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum Featured in Latest #proudMIeducator Video 

    Teacher Discounts

    Upcoming Opportunities

    • Michigan Association for Gifted Children Mini-Conference 
    • Register Today for CSforMichigan Conference 
    • Getting Started Workshop for New Early Middle Colleges   
    • Military Career Options
    • Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options
  • Issue 47 | September 2023

    Did You Know?

    • The Annual Educator Effectiveness Data Appeals Window Opens September 1 
    • Districts May Opt-In to Receive Teacher Value-Added Reports 

    Noteworthy News

    • 2023 Educator Workforce Data Report released
    • PAEMST (Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching) 
    • 27b Grow Your Own (GYO) School Staff Grants 

    #proudMIeducator

    • Fraser Educator Highlighted in Newest #proudMIeducator Video
    • MDE Accepting Nominations for 2024-2025 Michigan Teacher of Year 
    • Military Veterans Grant 

    Teacher Discounts

    Upcoming Opportunities

    • EXPLORE Educator Conference Registration 
    • Getting Started Workshop for New Early Middle Colleges    
    • 9th Annual Michigan Teachers of Color Virtual Job Fair
    • Military Career Options
    • Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options
       
  • Issue 46 Special Edition: Legislative and Budget | August 2023

    Grow Your Own Staff: Grant Updates

    • Application Window Closes Soon for the Second Round of Grow Your Own (GYO) School Staff Grants! 
  • Issue 45 | August 2023

    Did You Know?

    • The Annual Educator Effectiveness Data Appeals Window Opens September 1 
    • Professional Learning Updates and Reminders
      • New Professional Learning for 2023-24
      • Documentation
      • Teaching Certificate Renewal
      • Helpful Resources 

    Noteworthy News

    • New Resources Now Available for 27b GYO School Staff Grants 

    #proudMIeducator

    • Military Veterans Grant

    Teacher Discounts

    Upcoming Opportunities

    • EXPLORE Educator Conference Pre-Registration 
    • 9th Annual Michigan Teachers of Color Virtual Job Fair
    • Military Career Options
    • Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options
       

       
  • Issue 44 | July 2023

    Did You Know?

    • Free Summer Meals in Your Community 
    • Educator Evaluation Guidance for 2023-24

    Noteworthy News

    • Second Round of Future Proud Michigan Educator Grow Your Own Grant Applications Now Open

    #proudMIeducator

    • Future Michigan Teachers Highlighted in Latest #proudMIeducator Videos
    • Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY)

    Teacher Discounts

    Upcoming Opportunities

    • Understanding and Supporting Gifted Learners EduPaths Course
    • EXPLORE Educator Conference
    • Explore Military Career Options
    • Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options

    Educational Resources

    • Heat up summer learning!
  • Special Edition: Legislative and Budget | August 2023

    Grow Your Own Staff: Grant Updates

    • GEMS-MARS Now Accepting Second Round of Applications for 27b Grow Your Own Grants 
      • Who should apply?
      • What is the anticipated timeline for the second round?
      • What support is available?
         
  • Issue 43 | June 2023

    Noteworthy News

    • Future Proud Michigan Educator Grow Your Own Staff Grants Awarded 

    #proudMIeducator

    • Saline Paraeducator Highlighted in Latest #proudMIeducator Video
    • Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY) 

    Teacher Discounts

    Upcoming Opportunities

    • EXPLORE Educator Conference
    • Academy of Natural Resources Offers Educators Professional Development 
    • Explore Military Career Options
    • Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options
       
  • Issue 42 | May 2023

    Did You Know

    • Teacher Appreciation Month
    • The 2023 Education Workforce Job Fair Series: June and August Dates
    • School Administrator Certification Annual Reminder
    • Educator Effectiveness Ratings Are Not Required for Renewals of the Standard or Professional Teaching Certificate

    Noteworthy News

    • Detroit Third Grade Teacher Named Michigan Teacher of the Year

    #proudMIeducator

    • Dansville STEAM Educator Featured in Latest #proudMIeducator Video
    • Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY)

    Teacher Discounts

    Upcoming Opportunities

    • Holocaust Center Summer Professional Development Academy 
    • MiMTSS Social, Emotional, Behavioral, & Mental Health Summer Symposium  
    • Explore Military Career Options
    • Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options

    Educational Resources

    • Have Your Students Plant Trees 
       

       
  • Issue 41 | April 2023

    Did You Know

    • Student Growth Metrics Available through Public Website
    • The 2023 Education Workforce Job Fair Series Begins Next Month 

    Noteworthy News

    • MDE Names 2023-24 Regional Teachers of the Year

    #proudMIeducator

    • New #proudMIeducator Video Released 
    • Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY) 
    • Teacher Appreciation Week

    Teacher Discounts

    Upcoming Opportunities

    • Explore Military Career Options
    • Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options

    Educational Resources

    • Teachers of Color Virtual Job Fairs 
       

       
  • Issue 40 | March 2023

    Did You Know

    • Teacher Appreciation Month
    • The Promising Practices Exchange is Open for Submissions

    Noteworthy News

    • Northern Michigan University – Bay Mills Community College Partnership for Anishinaabemowin Teacher Certification: A Model Collaboration 
    • MDE Welcomes Recommendations of Outstanding Teachers and Principals
    • MDE Hosts 2023 Education Workforce Job Fairs

    #proudMIeducator

    • New #proudMIeducator Video Released 
    • Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY) 

    Teacher Discounts

    Upcoming Opportunities

    • Organizational Practices: Connecting Systems Research to Practice 
    • Explore Military Career Options
    • Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options

    Educational Resources

    • SAS-EVAAS Highlights Michigan’s Anchor Bay and Armada Area School Districts Use of Student Growth Projections
    • New Documentary Supporting Michigan Learners Toward Excellence in Reading

       
  • Issue 39 | February 2023

    Did You Know

    • Future Proud Michigan Educator: Grow Your Own (GYO) Grants 
    • MDE Welcomes Recommendations of Outstanding Teachers and Principals
    • The Promising Practices Exchange is Open for Submissions 

    Noteworthy News

    • University of Michigan Program Places Dozens of Educators in Michigan Classrooms, Addresses Teacher Shortage
    • MDE Hosts 2023 Education Workforce Job Fairs
    • First Renewal of the Year

    #proudMIeducator

    • New #ProudMIEducator Video Featuring Alfredo Aleman 
    • Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY) 
    • We Need Your Voice! 

    Teacher Discounts

    Upcoming Opportunities

    • 2023 Diversity in Literature Symposium: The How and Why of Literacy Conference 
    • Explore Military Career Options
    • Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options

    Educational Resources

    • New Report Outlines Recommendations to Accelerate STEM Opportunities in Michigan

       
  • Special Edition: Legislative and Budget Issue 38 | January 2023

    Grow Your Own Staff: Grant Updates

    • Future Proud Michigan Educator Grow Your Own (GYO) Grant Application: Guidance
  • Issue 37 | January 2023

    Did You Know

    • 2023 Education Workforce Virtual Job Fairs 
    • Future Proud Michigan Educator: Grow Your Own (GYO) Grants 
    • Annual Certification Reminder and Requirements
    • The Promising Practices Exchange is Open for Submissions 

    Noteworthy News

    • IRS Educator Expense Deduction Rises to $300 in 2022 
    • MSU’s Teacher Preparation Program Becomes More Affordable, Addresses Teacher Shortage 

    #proudMIeducator

    • Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY) 
    • We Need Your Voice! 

    Teacher Discounts

    Upcoming Opportunities

    • Comprehensive History Webinars of Important Historical Movements
    • Winter/Spring Counselor Professional Development Opportunities  
    • Michigan Reading Association 2023 Conference-At-A-Glance 
    • Explore Military Career Options
    • Free and Low Cost Professional Learning Options

    Educational Resources

    • New Resources to Explore Student Growth Trends

       
  • Special Edition: Legislative and Budget Issue 36 | January 2023

    Grow Your Own Staff: Grant Updates

    • Grow Your Own (GYO) Grant Application Correction and Updates
      • Application
      • Finding Programs and Providers 
      • More information 
         

2020-2022

Grow Your Own Grants Special Edition Issue 35 | December 27, 2022

Issue 34 | December 2022 - December 20, 2022

Issue 33 | November 2022 - November 15, 2022

Issue 32 | October 2022 - October 18, 2022

Issue 31 | September 2022 - September 20, 2022

Issue 30 | August 2022 - August 17, 2022

Legislative and Budget Special Edition Issue 29 | July 2022 - July 19, 2022

Issue 28 | June 2022 - June 24, 2022

Issue 27 | May 2022 - May 12, 2022

Issue 26 | April 2022 - April 12, 2022

Issue 25 | March 2022 - March 15, 2022 

Legislative and Budget Special Edition | March 2022 - March 1, 2022

Issue 24 | February 2022 - February 15, 2022

Issue 23 | January 2022 - January 18, 2022

Issue 22 | December 2021 - December 21, 2021

Issue 21 | November 2021 - November 16, 2021

Issue 20 | October 2021 - October 19, 2021

Issue 19 | September 2021 - September 21, 2021

Issue 18 | August 2021 - August 17, 2021

Issue 17 | July 2021 - July 20, 2021

Issue 16 | June 2021 - June 15, 2021

Issue 15 | May 2021 - May 18, 2021

Issue 14 | April 2021 - April 20, 2021

Issue 13 | March 2021 - March 16, 2021

Issue 12 | February 2021 - February 16, 2021

Issue 11 | January 2021 - January 19, 2021

Issue 10 | December 2020 - December 15, 2020

Issue 9 | November 2020 - November 18, 2020

Issue 8 | October 2020 - October 20, 2020

Issue 7 | September 2020 - September 15, 2020

Issue 6 | August 2020 - August 18, 2020

Issue 5 | July 2020 - July 21, 2020

Issue 4 | June 2020 - June 16, 2020

Issue 3 | May 2020 - May 19, 2020

Issue 2 | April 2020 - April 21, 2020

Special Edition: Online SCECHs for Certificate Renewal - March 26, 2020

Issue 1 | March 2020 - March 17, 2020