Southeast Michigan : Features

Professional learning for educators has always been a summer endeavor. It’s a chance for teachers and administrators to soak up cutting edge changes in pedagogy and teaching tactics, while re-energizing themselves through connecting with other career-professionals.

Student success is the primary mission of every educator in the district. We will continuously innovate our practices and programs to improve student achievement. One example of this is a new evolving partnership between Port Huron Schools and the Port Huron Recreation Department.

School is out for summer -- pool parties, beach days and some much needed rest and relaxation are on the agenda for students, teachers and staff alike. Just as teachers shut the door on their classrooms, students often shut the door on learning. Once the initial summer excitement settles, the dangerous summer slide begins to set in.    

Michigan will need to fill an estimated 274,000 STEM-related positions by 2018. While the state is struggling to produce workers qualified to take those jobs, a handful of programs are helping fill the gaps and giving motivated local students a leg up in the world of STEM.

Coding isn't just for college students anymore. With the importance of STEM careers on the rise, Clarkson Community Schools are making sure their students are prepared and ready to code. The Clarkston Community Schools elementary coding club vision stems from code.org, “Every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science.” 

As a young high school student, deciding on a career or preparing for college may seem far off. But for some students, it makes for the perfect opportunity to explore various fields, industries and post-graduation opportunities -- all before tossing their graduation caps.

Harper Woods School District is turning green­­ -- in a good way. Situated in Metro Detroit, Harper Woods will soon to be an educational leader for green technologies with the installation of its alternative energy power plants, learning labs and greenhouse expected this spring.   

These days, biking and walking to school may seem to be a tradition of past generations. InspirED recently chatted with Katie Johnson, the Safe Routes to School program coordinator at the Michigan Fitness Foundation, to find out what's being done to encourage healthy -- and green -- ways to get to school.

Earlier this month, hundreds of Michigan’s most passionate educators, public servants and business leaders gathered in the RenCen for GES15, the Governor’s Education and Economic Summit. InspirED Michigan Editor Kate Snyder brought us back this report.

Recycling, repurposing and teaching students to be friends of the earth is a way of life to Kevin Olson, design tech teacher at Clifford Smart Middle School in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. 

Imagine a future where every Michigan student not only went to college, but started that collegiate career before they even left high school. What would that mean for our state? For our high school graduation rates? For our economy? For the kids who are often forgotten? For those struggling to break out of poverty?

As public education in Michigan looks for innovative ways to educate our students, Avondale is taking a leadership role with its Avondale/Oakland University Partnership, which encompasses a spectrum of educational and community-focused services offered to students and district families.

What happens when you combine electronic and mechanical systems with information technology, teachers with engineering experience and a roomful of curious high school students? What happens is a magic formula for success called mechatronics!

Dexter Community Schools is helping to raise support for the Faith in Action nonprofit, the lead charity organization for support of low income households.