One of the advantages of the APA’s affiliation with the Michigan Education Association (MEA) and the National Education Association (NEA) is that we are able to take part in some of the training opportunities to further our local union. During the weekend of January 11/12, nineteen different schools gathered to attend the ESP (Education Support Professional): Supporting Our Own Through Peer Mentoring training.  Â
In addition to working on an APA specific project, there was a component of the training which allowed for large group discussions with some of the other schools. We also got the chance to network with two other higher education institutions seated right next to our table. The opportunity to brainstorm and discuss common problems with others in our state and also fellow higher-ed was truly invaluable. We even made some new friends along the way!
MSU-APA members Kandy Slack, Sue Brandt, Martin McDonough; MEA UniServ Director Shannon Alston; Jackson College members Nicole Cossum-Ready, Anthony Rana, Kimberly Seaburg; Washtenaw Community College members Lisa Anderson and Sarah Caruso.