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?