Membership Update from Becky Hager
I am thrilled to join the MEMSPA team as the new Membership and Partnership Specialist. As a recently retired principal, I know firsthand how important MEMSPA was throughout my career. There were times when it truly became my lifeline. The relationships I built, the support I received, and the professional learning opportunities I embraced helped shape me into the leader I aspired to be. Those experiences inspire me to give back to this incredible organization.
In my new role, I look forward to building meaningful relationships with school leaders at every stage of their careers—from aspiring to retiring leaders. I am equally excited to work alongside our valued partners to strengthen their support of MEMSPA while developing new partnerships that benefit our members and the organization.
As we begin a new year together, I encourage you to log in and update your Member Compass profile. Please take a few moments to verify that your role, mailing address, billing information, email addresses, phone numbers, and other personal information are current. Keeping your profile up to date ensures you receive important communications, professional development opportunities, and member benefits. You do not need to create a new account if you move roles, just update the information in your Member Compass.
If you are not already a member of NAESP, I would love to help you join. Many school districts will reimburse the annual membership cost of $259, making this valuable investment even more accessible.
By adding NAESP to your MEMSPA membership, you receive additional benefits, including:
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Due Process Benefits (Job Protection): Legal fee reimbursement of up to $2,000 per year of continuous NAESP membership, with a lifetime maximum benefit of $20,000.* A $500 deductible applies, which may be covered by MEMSPA.
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Professional Liability Coverage: Full coverage of defense costs and up to $2 million for judgments and settlements. This in itself is worth the cost.
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Timely leadership updates and resources through NAESP communications.
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Expanded professional learning opportunities at the national level.
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Networking and collaboration with school leaders from across the country.
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State and national advocacy on behalf of school leaders.
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Voting rights in NAESP elections.
* Maintaining continuous MEMSPA/NAESP membership by renewing on or before September 30 ensures uninterrupted coverage and access to these valuable benefits.
I understand that school leadership is both incredibly rewarding and deeply challenging. Please know that I am here to support you. I encourage you to become involved in your region, advocate for education with your legislators, and take advantage of the outstanding professional learning opportunities MEMSPA provides. The more connected you become, the stronger our profession—and our schools—will be.
I am honored to be part of the MEMSPA team and look forward to connecting with you as we continue to support, strengthen, and celebrate educational leaders across Michigan.
#LeadWithUs
Becky Hager