Recent Stories

The Student Teacher Wish List October 9, 2014 I recently attended a DARTEP (Directors and Representatives of Teacher Education Programs) meeting with the Michigan Department of Education at Saginaw Valley State University. The purpose was to discuss pertinent information about teacher preparation programs across the state of Michigan. Topic: MTOY, Teaching

Other People Make Promises — Meemic Delivers October 3, 2014 The skies were so dark, Jim Vollmers remembered. Jim and wife Lisa had just picked up their 16-year-old son Spencer from baseball practice. (Daughter Olivia, age 18, was at high school soccer practice.) That’s when the family heard the sirens. Soon, they’d see the tornado. Later, they’d test the Meemic insurance they’d had for over 20 years — but that’s later in the story. ... Topic: Home, Safety, Insurance

Melody Arabo: Michigan Teacher of the Year September 15, 2014 Melody Arabo was selected as the Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY) for the 2014-2015 school year. Meemic partners with the Michigan Department of Education in the MTOY program, so we were able to get in touch with Melody for an exclusive interview. Below is the full account of our exchange: ... Topic: Community, MTOY, Teaching

Over 60 Years of Trust September 8, 2014 Teaching runs in the Anderson Family. Gene Anderson is a retired assistant principal and adjunct professor. Wife Joyce, whose grandmother was an elementary school teacher, is a retired kindergarten teacher. The second generation of Andersons includes their three children, each of whom became educators. Generation three counts five educators. And, for over six decades, the couple and members of their extended family have trusted Meemic for protection.  Topic: Home, Auto, Community, Teaching, Insurance

Meemic Rates an A+ August 21, 2014 Sometimes opportunity arrives when you least expect it — like when you’re doing a little copying. Melinda Jackson, a teacher in the Berkley School District, was at the printer in the school copy room when she noticed a flier advertising Meemic insurance. Melinda and her husband were purchasing a new home, so she called the number, talked to Meemic Agent John Ploskonka and ended up with special educator benefits and a great rate that saved her money. Topic: Home, Insurance

Meemic Supports S.T.O.P. Back to School Bash August 19, 2014 Meemic Foundation Representative Roy Hinz participated in the “S.T.O.P. Back to School Bash” at Miller Park in Milwaukee. The S.T.O.P. (Students Talking it Over with Police) event brought organizations and community partners together in an effort to ensure students were prepared to succeed during and after school in the 2014-2015 school year. Organizers billed it “‘The Summerfest’ of back to school bashes in Milwaukee.” See what Roy saw at the Bash! ...

Fortune Cookies for (New) Teachers March 7, 2014 As another spring is upon us, even though it may not look like spring outside everywhere now, we can look forward to college graduation season soon. That means the next class of graduating educators will enter the profession and soon begin work in classrooms. ... Topic: Community, MTOY, Teaching, Education

Three Ways Teachers Are Learning From Other Teachers in 2014 January 28, 2014 As technology has evolved to the level of mobile computing and web-based apps, the popularity of educational technology has soared. Demands for workshops on apps, interactive whiteboards, and mobile devices has never been greater; however, the classic model of professional development for teachers has not been able to keep up. Topic: Community, MTOY, Teaching, Social Media

The Most Important Issue Facing Our Schools December 20, 2013 Major issues facing public education range from the policy level to classroom practice. Achievement disparities, graduation rates, poverty, standardized education reform, changes in public school funding, online education, teacher evaluations, equal access to quality schools, teacher quality and retention all impact the profession.  Improving student achievement is not possible unless we retain, support and develop quality teachers. Topic: Community, MTOY, Teaching

Overcoming the 'Ferris Bueller' Stereotype of Teaching October 20, 2013 Michigan teachers are among the finest in the nation, but the media attention given to public education recently has been far from flattering. The public does not view our teachers in a positive light. From Proposal 2’s Freedom-to-Work last fall to failing school districts and emergency managers, it sure can look to the public like teachers are not living up to public expectations. Topic: Community, MTOY, Teaching