News
National Online Learning Day: The ins and outs of virtual learning
Michigan VirtualThe article “National Online Learning Day: The ins and outs of virtual learning” — originally published by WZZM Grand Rapids on September 15, 2021 — features an interview with Dr. Shannon Smith, our senior director of student learning, who…
‘Adolescent Suicide Prevention for Schools and Communities’ online resources now available to educators and communities across Michigan
Michigan VirtualThis article was published in DBusiness on September 7, 2021, in WJMN on September 8, 2021, and WLNS on September 9, 2021. Courses offered at no cost to school administration, staff, and community members LANSING, Mich. – Blue Cross…
Opinion: Using technology and relationship building to make this school year a success
Jamey FitzpatrickThis opinion piece from our president and CEO, Jamey Fitzpatrick, was originally published in the Lansing State Journal on September 1, 2021. Last school year was not easy for our students, parents and teachers — all whom deserve our praise for making…
Michigan schools encouraged to take advantage of free, State-funded social, emotional and mental health program
Michigan VirtualLANSING, Mich. — Michigan Virtual and Navigate360 are encouraging Michigan schools and districts to implement the state-funded social and emotional learning and mental health resources provided by the Michigan Cares program during the 2021-2022 school year. There are many emotional implications from the stress…
Sara Sibble, of Hamilton, named a 2021 Online Teacher of the Year
Michigan VirtualLANSING, Mich. — Sara Sibble, of Hamilton, Mich. has been named a 2021 Michigan Virtual Online Teacher of the Year — an annual distinction given to online instructors who have demonstrated excellence and made a positive impact in the…
Catherine Vila, of Grand Haven, named 2021 Online Mentor of the Year
Michigan VirtualLANSING, Mich. — Catherine Vila, of Grand Haven, Mich. has been named the 2021 Michigan Virtual Online Mentor of the Year — an annual distinction given to mentors of online students who have demonstrated excellence and made a positive…
Grosse Ile’s Christy Trombetta named a 2021 Online Teacher of the Year
Michigan VirtualLANSING, Mich. — Christy Trombetta, of Grosse Ile, Mich. has been named a 2021 Michigan Virtual Online Teacher of the Year — an annual distinction given to online instructors who have demonstrated excellence and made a positive impact in…
Researcher: Making virtual learning successful requires coordination across a school system
Michigan VirtualThe article “Researcher: Making virtual learning successful requires coordination across a school system” — originally published by West Virginia Public Broadcasting on July 28, 2021 — features an interview on the West Virginia Morning show in which education reporter…
Building a Foundation for K-12 Virtual Education with Data
Joseph FreidhoffThis article was originally published in the Detroit News on June 30, 2021. There is no shortage of topics on which we tend to separate into camps. When it comes to education, for instance, maybe you tend to favor…
Muskegon Public Schools is offering a unique hybrid learning plan for fall 2021
Michigan VirtualThe article “Muskegon Public Schools is offering a unique hybrid learning plan for fall 2021” — originally published in MLive on June 30, 2021 — overviews the unique hybrid learning plan that Muskegon Public Schools is launching in fall…
Effective virtual learning programs can overcome equity barriers, achieve student success
Michigan VirtualLANSING, Mich. — Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, about 8%, or 121,900 students, took virtual courses in 2019-2020. While all students and educators were thrust into emergency remote learning for the past year, the recently released Michigan’s K-12 Virtual…
Negaunee Middle School teacher recognized for his innovative teachings in the classroom
Michigan VirtualThe article “Negaunee Middle School teacher recognized for his innovative teachings in the classroom” — originally published by UP Matters on June 10, 2021 — highlights the recognition of Negaunee middle school teacher, Kyle Saari, who was recently interviewed…
Flexible, personalized models and family engagement key to successful remote learning
Michigan VirtualLANSING, Mich. — In a new qualitative study from Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute (MVLRI), educational researchers have found that schools and districts that had already implemented virtual teaching and learning practices fared better in the COVID-19 pandemic than…
OPINION | COVID will change Michigan education long after the pandemic
Michigan VirtualThe article “OPINION | COVID will change Michigan education long after the pandemic” — originally published by Bridge Magazine on June 3, 2021 — shares the perspective of Chris Harrington, director of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, who explores the…
‘Little things’ matter to students, Jackson County principal says – even if it means getting slimed
Michigan VirtualThe article “’Little things’ matter to students, Jackson County Principal says – even if it means getting slimed” — originally published by MLive on June 2, 2021 — celebrates Ben Gilpin, a principal at Western’s Warner Elementary School. Ben and his…
Fraser teacher discusses importance of personalized learning structures
Michigan VirtualThe article “Fraser teacher discusses importance of personalized learning structures” — originally published by C&G Newspapers on May 29, 2021 — celebrates Tanya Leon, an English teacher at Richards Middle School in Fraser Public Schools, and her dedication to…
Local English teacher recognized on the BRIGHT podcast for her commitment to personalized learning
Michigan VirtualThe article “Local English teacher recognized for her commitment to personalized learning” — originally published by the Macomb Daily on April 20, 2021 — celebrates the innovative teaching style of Tanya Leon, an English teacher at Richards Middle School in…
Flint’s “Lighted Schoolhouse” model recognized on the BRIGHT podcast
Michigan VirtualThe article “Flint’s “Lighted Schoolhouse” model recognized” — originally published by the ABC 12 News on May 12, 2021 — highlights the innovative work of the Flint Community Education Initiative (Flint CEI) & its “lighted schoolhouse” model that has historic roots…
RFQ: Middle School Course Creation
Michigan VirtualI. Introduction Michigan Virtual is releasing this Request for Quote as a means to create middle school content to meet Michigan education standards. By releasing this RFQ, Michigan Virtual makes no guarantee of any awards of work to any…
Statewide collaboration to provide free professional development to teachers
Michigan VirtualLANSING, Mich. – Michigan Virtual, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan join together in a statewide collaboration to provide online professional learning modules for Michigan’s teachers. The goal is to outline current research and best practices for…
