Weber, Anna - Coloma
Are you an incumbent?
No
Brief Intro of Candidate
I hold an undergrad degree in elementary education and special education, a graduate degree in learning design and educational technology, and a post-graduate certificate in applied educational neuroscience. I'm a certified special education teacher in Michigan. For the 2024-2025 school year, I've accepted the role of regional supervisor of special education in neighboring Van Buren County. Additionally, I'll be working part-time as a clinical instructor for Grand Valley State University's grow your own secondary teaching candidates. I'm participating in the Professional Knowledge and Skills (7-12) Standard Setting Committee hosted by MDE on July 23.
Endorsements
no
Top financials Contributors
Website and social media links
I don't plan to use money to win
n/a
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?
Invite them to participate in the school community in a way that recognizes their strengths, gives them agency, and builds connection between community members. We have to listen to our neighbors.
What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?
Restorative practices are essential to creating strong communities. Often times, administrators are bound by handbooks or board approved policies rooted in behaviorist ideas that are not logical for the educational world today. I'd love to work with my community to update these procedures and policies.
What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health
Implement social constructivist, experiential and place-based educational activities utilizing universal design for learning.
What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?
I see this as a responsibility we all have, not just districts with larger Black populations. For example, Coloma is a neighbor of Benton Harbor. I'm interested in working with my BOE pals in BH to see how Coloma can help our community neighbors.
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?
Begin implementing applied educational neuroscience within systems and strategies.
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?
I want my teachers to be the highest paid in the county, to not worry about paying for medication for their child's ear infection (yesterday, I paid $100 for ear drops for my 12 year old), and I want them to want to come back to work day after day. We need our school communities to be safe spaces for staff of color, LGBTQ+ staff, etc., just as we need to provide safe spaces for these students.