Anthony Barnes and Brittney Tylenda say they know when to ask for help, but worry about their less-experienced peers who have had to learn on the fly during COVID-19
Isabel Lohman
Isabel Lohman reports on early childhood, K-12 and higher education for Bridge Michigan, tracking how policies made in Lansing affect students and educators. She has closely reported on literacy, absenteeism and special education. Isabel was a finalist for the Society of Professional Journalists Detroit's 2026 Young Journalist of the Year award. Before joining Bridge, she covered children's issues for the Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee, reporting on COVID-19 in schools and communities coping with gun violence.
Isabel grew up outside of Chicago and has a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. She moved to Ann Arbor in 2022.
Posted inTalent & Education
Central Michigan University blames 'complacency' for enrollment dive
CMU has lost more than 11,000 students since 2012. In an internal email, the school’s head of recruitment placed blame with the administration, which she said has been outhustled by competitors for students from metro Detroit.
Posted inTalent & Education
Ferris State taps Grand Rapids Community College leader as likely new president
Referencing the popular musical “Hamilton,” Grand Rapids Community College president Bill Pink said if he is confirmed as the next president of Ferris State University, he will be in the ‘room where it happens’ to encourage more people to pursue higher education.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan GOP lawmakers advance $1,500 student grants for learning loss
Republicans say the grants would help parents to choose private academic programs to help their children catch up after COVID. Democrats are wary, saying any extra funds should go directly to schools to help struggling students.
Posted inTalent & Education
Central Michigan closes dorms as university enrollment drops
Dorm occupancy was just 63 percent this year, prompting CMU to consolidate its on-campus housing. It’s another example of the effects of waning enrollment in some of Michigan’s universities.
Posted inTalent & Education
Advocates press Michigan for $25M to open 100 school health centers
The pandemic exacerbated a slow-burning mental health crisis in Michigan’s schools. Whitmer wants to open 40 centers to help. Advocates say that’s not enough.
Posted inTalent & Education
Two Michigan educators exiting this month, many others may soon follow
The educators, a wife and husband, say staying in a field they love became “unsustainable.” Their frustration and disillusionment is reflected in recent teacher surveys, which show roughly 1-in-5 Michigan teachers are thinking about leaving.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan State University to relax COVID-19 mask mandate
Michigan State University announced Thursday that it will soon allow students and staff to be unmasked in many indoor settings. There are exceptions including in classrooms and in healthcare facilities.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan Republicans pitch student grants up to $1,500 for learning loss
If approved, parents could choose their children’s tutoring, software, or other education support from a “marketplace” of education vendors to help boost their education following the disruption of COVID-19.
Posted inTalent & Education
Lipstick, smiles, anxiety on a Michigan school’s first mask-optional day
An elementary school principal tries to set a respectful tone as students and families return to class for the first time in a long time without the requirement of wearing a mask.