PD News & Opportunities

Check out these professional development opportunities being offered either by MEA or partner organizations

Advance EdTech Innovation with 2025 Pitch Contest and Bootcamp

Do you have an idea that will improve teaching or learning through the use of technology? Through initiatives like the EdTech Pitch Contest, Innovation Bootcamp, and Conquer EdTech Accelerator, Michigan Virtual supports educators, entrepreneurs, and innovators in developing and scaling ideas that enhance teaching and learning.

Whether you’re just starting out with an idea or scaling a tested solution, you can access learning experiences, funding opportunities, and connections to help you grow, including: 

  • EdTech Pitch Contest: Pitch your idea to get startup funding to make it a reality. In 2023, MEA member and Utica teacher Jonathan Marceau won for his Spelling Safari idea, which was featured in the MEA Voice.
  • EdTech Innovation Bootcamp: Explore your idea, develop a business model, and identify your next steps for making your idea a reality! There is no cost to attend and Michigan Educators can earn 20 SCECH credits for completing the full Bootcamp. Space is limited.
  • Conquer EdTech Accelerator: New in 2025, this is a 10-week intensive program designed to support early-stage education technology startups, including opportunities for funding and hands-on guidance.
  • Pitch 101 Sessions: Sign up now for live Zooms to help new innovators and entrepreneurs prepare for the EdTech Innovation Bootcamp and Pitch Contest. 

Visit EdTech Catalyst – Michigan Virtual’s umbrella initiative to support Michigan-based education innovation – for more information and to access pre-pitch resources. Applications for the Pitch Contest and Bootcamp open on April 14.

Visit EdTech Catalyst 

2025 MEA ESP Conference – Register Now! 

Registration is now open for the MEA ESP Conference on June 20-21 at MEA Headquarters in East Lansing. This is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge as an Education Support Professional to help improve your local.

This year, MEA is welcoming the representatives from the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA), who will be giving a presentation on their ESP Bill of Rights campaign working for a living wage, fairness, and respect for their ESP members. The movement continues to gain traction across Maryland and beyond. MSEA has developed a model that has assisted other NEA affiliates as they develop their own state’s ESP Bill of Rights campaigns. We are honored to have a team from MSEA join us to discuss how they started their campaign, how it has developed, and what challenges and successes they have had.

Check out the full conference announcement here – the early/online registration deadline is May 31.

Learn More

OPTIMISE: Opening the Pipeline of Talent Into Michigan’s Special Education

To address the shortage of special education professionals in Michigan, the Governor established OPTIMISE (Opening the Pipeline of Talent Into Michigan’s Special Education). OPTIMISE aims to effectively attract, prepare, and retain a qualified and diverse workforce in the state while lowering the job vacancy rate.

Over the last two years, OPTIMISE has collaborated with professional organizations, associations, K-12, higher education institutions, legislators, and the Governor’s office. They’ve gathered and analyzed data and identified strengths, challenges, and opportunities to help reduce barriers to entering a special education career. These efforts have led to actionable recommendations and the beginnings of policy change.

Learn more about OPTIMISE’s work, sign up to take part in an Action Team, sign up for their newsletter, or share information using this flyer, including social media accounts you can follow.

Visit OPTIMISE.Education

New MEA benefit offers low-cost graduate credits

A new MEA offering allows members to earn up to nine post-graduate college credits per year for just $275 — and choose from a variety of online courses to address their professional development interests. 

The PD Course Subscription gives MEA members access to online non-matriculated graduate courses for one low annual fee through a partnership with Lake Superior State University (LSSU) and Virtual Education Software Inc. (VESi). 

Members who purchase the $275 annual subscription can enroll in one course per term (or two courses during summer if fall or spring term is skipped) for a total of three courses and nine credit hours per year — less than the typical cost of one graduate credit hour. Credits earned can be used to renew a credential or move lanes on a salary schedule, in addition to building professional knowledge and skills. Learn more.

Learn More