1. Presented By:
John Toppen, MEA Uniserv Director
Christine Beardsley, Eaton RESA Superintendent

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. Where Are Our Members?

6. The Journey of Michigan Public Schools Partnership
Do Something!
Lots of talk about the mainstream media spin, but who will DO something?
Initial meetings began with Co-Founders June Pettyplace, MEA, and Christine Beardsley, ERESA
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.
In January, June and Christine began recruiting members to increase those willing to help change the conversation

7. 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

8. 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

9. Why Issues Media Group?
IMG is a recognized powerhouse in this space
Proven experience with branding initiatives
Demonstrated distribution ability to republish content

10. Tour InspirED Michigan!
Brochure
Stories we are collecting right now:
Stories of giving
Stories that inspire hope
Stories of innovation that can be replicated in other schools

11. Did We Hit The Mark?
Digital traffic and analytics to InspirED Michigan! website from October 16 to November 4, 2014

12. 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 s and all of your contacts

13. What Else Can You Do? Like us on Facebook and respond to Twitter posts
Link InspirED Michigan! to your district website
Add to your 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

14. 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?