Michigan’s exploding use of long-term substitute teachers isn’t confined only to charter and poor schools. Richer districts also profit through a program that allows them to send uncertified teachers to private schools.
Mike Wilkinson
Mike has been a reporter for Bridge Michigan since 2013 and focuses on data-assisted reporting, often finding stories by analyzing maps and data sets and has created Bridge's dashboards on COVID-19, the state's economy and Michigan's elections. He held similar positions at The Detroit News and The Blade of Toledo. A native of Michigan, Mike grew up in Macomb County, graduated from the University of Michigan and started his reporting career in New Baltimore before his career took him to Illinois, Tennessee and Ohio. You can reach him at mwilkinson@bridgemi.com
Posted inTalent & Education
Who’s leading classes? Uncertified teachers for thousands of Michigan kids
New data show permits for long-term substitute teachers are on pace to equal or surpass last year in Michigan, continuing a surge in the use of lower-paid teachers who can have as little as two years’ education.
Posted inTalent & Education
Check to see how many long-term subs are in your Michigan school
The use of long-term substitute teachers – who may have as little as two years of college – has soared in Michigan. Use this database to search how many are in your school so far this academic year.
Posted inMichigan Government
Hate Michigan roads? Your neighbors’ may be way better. (with database)
Yes, Michigan has bad roads, but their quality varies widely throughout the state, according to 2018 rankings of road conditions, which may inform lawmakers’ debate about whether to raise taxes for upgrades.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Talk about Pure Michigan: Outdoor pursuits generate $10B, report says
A new federal report for the first time puts a dollar figure on the boating, RVing, hiking and skiing that Michigan loves. The amount is less than industry groups have touted, offering an opportunity for growth.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Algae is again fouling Lake Erie. Thanks a lot, Ohio.
As water quality fears rise, many Michigan farmers are doing their part to stem the flow of algae-producing nutrients, widespread measures that Ohio can only dream of.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan M-STEP test scores are inching upward. See how your school compares.
Results from the state’s annual standardized test, given to students in grades 3-8, show faint signs of improvement. See how state students overall performed in the tests given last spring, and look up your own school.
Posted inTalent & Education
Database: See how your Michigan school scored on M-STEP test
Use this database to check out how many students tested as proficient on Michigan’s M-STEP tests.
Posted inTalent & Education
Taught by substitute teachers, Michigan students relied on YouTube for lessons
The Universal Academy in Detroit received notoriety in June when a video went viral of the co-salutatorians criticizing the value of their education. Concerns over schools’ reliance on subs remain.
Posted inMichigan Government
Check out wait times at your Michigan Secretary of State offices
Lines have gotten longer so far this year, compared with wait times in 2018. This Bridge database allows you to see how times have changed in branch offices near you.