Transcript InspirED Michigan!

Presented By:
John Toppen, MEA Uniserv Director
Christine Beardsley, Eaton RESA Superintendent
Why Michigan Public Schools Partnership?
Mainstream Media – What do you hear?
Political Platforms – Frequent target?
Mackinac Center
Education Achievement Authority
The “Education Crisis”
A
Crisis for Our Kids
 A Crisis for Our Nation
 Reform works
Source: Students First Website
About Michigan Public Schools Partnership
Our Mission
The mission of Michigan Public Schools Partnership (MPSP)
is to promote the value of public education in Michigan.
Community public schools are a key component of our
democracy that ensures all students have access to a quality
education and a brighter future.
About Us
Michigan Public Schools Partnership (MPSP) will provide
news, information, data and resources to school districts,
communities, the general public, and the media confirming
that community public schools are successfully nurturing and
educating students to be productive Michigan citizens.
Who Has Joined MPSP?

Several Local Districts and ISDs/RESAs

Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association MEMSPA

Michigan Association of School Boards - MASB

Michigan School Business Officials - MSBO

Michigan Association of School Administrators - MASA

Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals – MASSP

Michigan School Public Relations Association - MSPRA

American Federation of Teachers - AFT

Michigan Education Association - MEA
Where Are Our Members?
The Journey of
Michigan Public Schools Partnership

Do Something!
Lots of talk about the mainstream media spin, but who will DO
something?

2011 - Initial meetings began with Co-Founders June Pettyplace,
MEA, and Christine Beardsley, ERESA

2012 - Several education groups attended a few meetings and
expressed support for taking some type of action.

Get more people!
It is hard to ignore a group of people with common goal.

2013 - In January, June and Christine began recruiting members to
increase those willing to help change the conversation
The Journey of
Michigan Public Schools Partnership

Do More!
 We needed a project to rally around.
 2013 – In May, MPSP organized, created a steering
committee, and created a website with 4Forty-Four
Concepts.
 2013 – In November, the Standing Strong for Public Schools
Website was launched.
 Assess progress toward goal
 Initial
launch showed some volume to website
 No noticeable activity in the months following launch
The Journey of
Michigan Public Schools Partnership



Do even more!
If at first you don’t succeed try, try again.
2014 – MPSP approved as 501c3, expanded scope of project with
Issues Media Group funded by member donations.
 Monthly
story calendar
 Professional distribution strategies
 Social media strategies
 Authentic underwriting series
 Robust partner stories

2014 – October first edition of InspirED Michigan! published
Why Issues Media Group?
http://www.issuemediagroup.com/
 IMG is a recognized powerhouse in this space
 Proven experience with branding initiatives
 Demonstrated distribution ability to
republish content
Tour InspirED Michigan!
 http://www.inspiredmichigan.com/
 Brochure
 Stories
we are collecting right now:
Stories
of giving
Stories that inspire hope
Stories of innovation that can be
replicated in other schools
Did We Hit The Mark?
 Digital
traffic and analytics to
InspirED Michigan! website from
October 16 to November 4, 2014
What Can You Do to Promote the Great
Things About Public Education in Michigan?

Join MPSP – get your district on our map!
Board resolutions available

Subscribe to InspirED Michigan!

Submit your published stories, photos, and ideas for
stories

Forward the monthly digital magazine link to your
district emails and all of your contacts
What Else Can You Do?

Like us on Facebook and respond to Twitter posts

Link InspirED Michigan! to your district website

Add to your email signature

Consider donating to MPSP to help raise the $86,000
needed to highlight the great things happening across
Michigan. Suggested donations are:
 $1,000
large districts/ISDs
 $500
mid-size districts
 $250
smaller districts
You Can Help Change The Conversation
About Michigan Public Schools

Support the other efforts to promote great things
happening on a local or regional basis

Kent ISD, Ottawa ISD, Oakland Schools, Tri-County
Alliance are all working to promote the great
things happening at schools in their areas

Join the conversation – what are some great
things YOUR school and staff are doing?