MICHIGAN TEACHERS

In the last year, there have been many who have reconsidered their career path, some as a result of the stress and restrictions of the pandemic.

Ten Michigan teachers have each been named Regional Teacher of the Year by the state’s education department, and are now in the running for the Teacher of the Year award.

Gretchen Whitmer and state treasurer Rachael Eubanks announced a new grant program for Michigan teachers and support staff. Those who worked additional time and incurred additional costs during the 2019-2020 school year due to COVID-19 can receive grant money through two new grant programs. Under both the Teacher COVID-19 Grant and the Support Staff COVID-19 Grant programs, eligible teachers can receive up to $500 and eligible support staff can receive up to $250. The state of Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget provides $53 million for eligible K-12 classroom teachers and $20 million for eligible support staff. “Our teachers and support staff have made incredible sacrifices this year to ensure our kids can get a great education while Michigan fights the COVID-19 pandemic.

DETROIT As teachers around Michigan work to navigate the uncertain times of the coronavirus (COVID-19), online learning will continue to increase in popularity. As a result, universities are coming up with curriculums to help teachers educate online. Teaching online is not something that we foresee -- or at this point, most foresee -- going away any time soon, said Emily Barnes, president and CEO at Cleary University. Thats why Cleary University is launching a new degree program: MBA in e-learning design and instructional technology management. While teachers learn to teach at home, parents will continue to learn how to let their children learn at home, too.

DETROIT Metro Detroit teachers have had to completely change how they educate children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and theyre using what theyve learned to prepare for next year. Teachers are being forced to change the way they operate as they get ready for a new normal in the fall. Most school districts will be moving to a hybrid model of classes -- some remote learning and some in-person instruction. There will be some new virtual academies that offer full remote learning for parents and students who dont feel comfortable returning to classrooms. You can hear from Metro Detroit teachers in Paula Tutmans video above.