Spears, Angela - Roseville
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
I'm a graduate of Lake Superior University and hold a Bachelor of Science degree and am an author. I have been a substitute teacher in the past for Rochester Community Schools in Rochester, Michigan and often give talks on the writing and publishing world at conventions.
Endorsements
I am seeking endorsement from the UAW.
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
My committee
How would you engage and include parents, caregivers, community members and students in decision-making in your district around things like curriculum, budgeting and district policy?
Parent-Teacher conferences, mailings, and electronic messaging/electronic forums
I would try to impress on the community the importance of their input for insuring the students are getting the information, education, and opportunities that will propel them to success in the coming decade. I also believe we will need to keep our information focused and succinct as parents are struggling to spare time to participate in the process these days. Likewise, students need to feel welcome and heard so we can address their needs and concerns as well.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
I am more familiar with the school discipline rules of the Rochester School District and will have to see what has been adopted in the Roseville one.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
There are recent studies that show that keeping students away from their phones during school hours improves both focus and mental health. Protecting students from bullying so they can focus on their studies and growth is paramount. Insuring there are safe adults to talk to and approach about their problems is vital to the mental and physical well-being of our students.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
I have seen some wonderful results from a few of the schools in Detroit. We should look closer at the successful programs of other districts and adopt them. We also need to insure that there is enough support and infrastructure that our black students can build their skills, confidence, and knowledge to find the careers that will bring them both success and satisfaction in life.
What are your thoughts on how to ensure that all students and their families, regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, disability, religion, income status, etc., feel safe and included in your district?
One family I met wanted to see more choices in the language options in our school district. With the heavy amount of residence change the past couple of years, we should revisit the demographics of the area and plan on incorporating more study/activities that draw upon the cultures of the students and families that make up our community. By celebrating the uniqueness of all the branches of Roseville, we can foster familiarity, understanding, and build bonds both with and between all those branches.
What are your thoughts on how to recruit and retain staff, particularly staff of color, in your district with regard to pay, benefits, and working conditions?
The best teachers command the best pay. If we want the best for our students, we want to prioritize the pay and health care provided to our teachers. Perhaps with the changes in tipping culture, we can finally revisit the many hours teachers are expected to work off-the-clock at home and on lunch breaks and reincorporate a pay that reflects the amount of work these salaried individuals actually do. Our schools should be in good repair and comfortable both for learning and teaching in. I also believe we need to start supporting parents with information explaining the expectations/prerequisites that their children need to reach in order to function at school, both in knowledge and behavior in order for them to get the most out of their education and to keep teachers, staff, and students safe.