The Network of Michigan Educators

2005 Annual Conference and Recognition Banquet

TO:                  Network of Michigan Educators

FROM:            Jean Shane, Special Assistant

Awards and Recognition Programs

SUBJECT:       December 8/9, 2005 Network of Michigan Educators (NME)

The Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Board of Education, Department of Education, NME Steering Committee, and I are happy to invite you to attend the third annual NME Conference and Recognition Banquet, “Connections for Action,” at the Lansing Radisson Hotel on December 8/9, 2005.  We will:

v     Celebrate the success of educators by recognizing and rewarding them

v     Activate educators by involving them in professional leadership and policy influence

v     Inspire educators to develop and maintain active connections that will influence and improve education in Michigan classrooms

v     Elevate the teaching profession

We encourage you to participate in this unique opportunity to collaborate with the State Board of Education and the Michigan Department of Education as we work together to improve education in Michigan and recognize excellence in educators.

Details regarding the conference, a draft agenda, and information about registering for the conference and for hotel accommodations are attached. 

I look forward to seeing you in December!

WHO:              Network Membership including:  Teachers of the Year, Principals of the Year, Superintendents of the Year, Milken Educators, Presidential Awardees, National Board Certified Teachers, Christa McAuliffe Fellows, Partnership for Success Partner Educators, Einstein Fellows, DisneyHand Teachers, National Distinguished Principals (If you know someone who fits into one of these categories who did not get an invitation, please let me know.)  Courtesy of the Education Deans at MSU, FSU, and SVSU, we are inviting 15 student teachers to be honored and to connect with the Network membership.

WHAT:           Two-Day Capacity Building, Commitment to Action Conference and Recognition Banquet (Given the structure of the conference, participants should plan to participate in the full event.)

WHERE:         Radisson Hotel

                        111 Grand River North

Lansing, MI

                        (See www.radisson.com/lansingmi for directions.)

WHEN:           9:30 a.m. December 8, 2005 to

                        3:00 p.m. December 9, 2005

WHY:             

• To grow capacity in the NME to impact learning and teaching in Michigan classrooms.
• To empower the membership to better serve high priority schools in their neighborhoods.
• To develop the capacity of the membership to advocate in the policy arena on behalf of all education, with a focus on high priority school needs.
• To develop the capacity of the membership to lead action study teams.
• To enable members to mentor pre-service and/or early career educators.
  
• To make connections and make plans for future activities.  (Each participant is encouraged to set at least one personal action goal for the year, to make at least one new connection with another educator, and to make a commitment to involve themselves in improving education in their classroom, school, district, region, or the state.)
  

HOW:              The Department of Education will provide the facility, four meals (lunch and banquet on the 8^th, breakfast and lunch on the 9^th), reimbursement for the mileage for one round-trip (home to Lansing) for those participants who are traveling at least 50 miles one way (~$ .485/mile), reimbursement to the district for one day of subbing if needed.  These expenses will be reimbursed only for those who commit to and attend the entire conference.

Participants or their districts will be responsible to pay for one day of

subbing as needed and the hotel room/parking fee (~$80).  We encourage

you to stay overnight, share the room costs with a colleague, and carpool

to save on costs.

The Network Steering Committee is continuing to look for additional fund sources to help cover the costs currently being assigned to participants.  The membership will be notified if additional funds are identified.  Participants are encouraged to check with their local bargaining unit to see if funding might be provided.

URGENT:       PLEASE reserve your hotel room now!!  To reserve a hotel room, please contact the Radisson Hotel at www.radisson.com/lansingmi.  Please use the promotional code MDE125 to receive the discounted group rate.  You may also contact the hotel directly at 517.482.0188.  The following toll free number may be used to contact Radisson reservations:  1.800.333.3333.  Our reserved block of rooms will no longer be available after November 7, 2005.  Last year, several folks had to book a room at an off-site hotel.  We hope you will register now for your convenience.  The Radisson is providing the state rate of $65 plus 11% state and local taxes/night, so please take advantage of this great deal!