Education Headlines
The projected state budget surplus of $17.6 billion
The projected state budget surplus of $17.6 billion provides a once-in-lifetime opportunity for short-term investments in Minnesota students, but increased support over many budget cycles is necessary to meet the challenges facing public education, Education Minnesota President Denise Specht said Tuesday.
MEA conference
Education Minnesota’s 2022 MEA conference will be held Thursday, Oct. 20.
This year, we will have both our traditional, in-person conference at the Saint Paul RiverCentre and a virtual conference option. Courses are also available year-round on Education Minnesota’s MEA Online for members to complete at their own pace.
https://educationminnesota.org/events/annual-events/mea-conference/
Free online class provides support for cooperating teachers
Education Minnesota members will soon have access to a free online training which they will need in order to have teacher candidates in their classroom. https://educationminnesota.org/news/minnesota-educator/free-online-class-provides-support-for-cooperating-teachers/
Stress, Hypervigilance, and Decision Fatigue: Teaching During Omicron
“I have no words to describe what it is like to be a teacher right now.”
That is what I tweeted at the end of a day earlier this month, sitting on the couch while COVID-19 cases surged everywhere. As a writer and a teacher, I had no words to describe what was happening. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-stress-hypervigilance-and-decision-fatigue-teaching-during-omicron/2022/01
West St. Paul Teacher Among Teacher of the Year Candidates
A Garlough teacher is included among the candidates for the annual Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. The teacher, Anne Bolsem, teaches kindergarten at Garlough Environmental Magnet School in West St. Paul. https://weststpaulreader.com/2022/02/02/teacher-of-the-year-candidate/
Omicron Exacerbating School Staff Shortages
Pre-existing educator shortages, made worse by the pandemic, have turned each school system into a precarious house of cards.
https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/omicron-exacerbating-school-staff-shortages
America's Teachers Are Facing a Mental Health Crisis, Too
Teacher morale and mental health are suffering as school board meetings intensify and the pandemic rages on. A high school teacher explains why it's crucial that we find ways to support our educators. https://www.parents.com/news/americas-teachers-are-facing-a-mental-health-crisis-too/
Leading Teachers Union Passes Resolution on Workplace Vaccine Policies
WASHINGTON—The executive council of the American Federation of Teachers last night unanimously passed a resolution guiding the union on workplace vaccination policies. The resolution is one of several passed by the board since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, designed to protect the health and safety of AFT members and the communities we serve.
Schools across US brace for surge of kindergarteners in fall
School districts across the United States are hiring additional teachers in anticipation of what will be one of the largest kindergarten classes ever as enrollment rebounds following the coronavirus pandemic.