The Ticket to Tuition giveaway’s deadline is right around the corner! Ten winners will get $50,000 and 40 winners will get $10,000 for tuition in a Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) account. Students can enter by filling out their FAFSA and texting CASH to 855-50K-TICKET by May 16.
Celebrating Tina Williams: Championing Alternative Education in Michigan
Our Northern Michigan communities proudly celebrate the outstanding leadership of Tina
Williams, Director of the Alternative Educational Academy (AEA). Recently honored with the
“Alternative Education Administrator of the Year” award by the Michigan Alternative Education
Organization (MAEO), Williams has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to
students and her transformative impact on alternative education in Michigan.
As Director, Tina Williams has been the driving force behind AEA’s mission to serve students
who thrive outside traditional classrooms. With campuses in Ogemaw, Iosco, and Gladwin
Counties, the Academy offers innovative, student-centered programs tailored to meet diverse
learning needs. Under her leadership, AEA has become a vital resource for students seeking a
flexible and supportive educational environment.
Highlights of Tina Williams' Leadership:
● Regional Impact: Oversees alternative education across Iosco, Ogemaw Counties,
broadening access to quality education.
● Student-Centered Approach: Ensures students receive personalized support to
succeed academically and personally.
● Innovative Programming: Leads initiatives that provide non-traditional, responsive
educational experiences.
● Community Engagement: Partners with parents and local organizations, including
efforts like “Raising Digitally Responsible Youth.”
● Staff Support: Honored with the 2024 Employer Patriot Award for supporting a staff
member’s service in the U.S. Army Reserves.
● Resilient Leadership: Adapts programs to meet evolving student and community
needs.
Tina Williams' recognition by MAEO reflects her visionary leadership, advocacy, and deep
dedication to alternative education. Her work exemplifies the qualities essential for success in
this field: adaptability, collaboration, trauma-informed practices, and a relentless focus on
student well-being.
Through her leadership, the Alternative Educational Academy continues to equip students with
the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Her work has made a lasting impact on the
lives of students and earned the deep appreciation of the communities she serves.
General Information about Alternative Education Leadership
Effective leadership is crucial in alternative education to create environments where students
who have not found success in traditional settings can thrive. Alternative education
administrators often require a unique set of skills and perspectives:
● Visionary Thinking: They need to envision and implement non-traditional approaches to
learning that cater to diverse student needs.
● Student-Centered Approach: A deep commitment to understanding and addressing the
individual challenges and strengths of each student is essential.
● Strong Advocacy Skills: Leaders in this field often need to advocate for their programs,
staff, and students within the wider educational system and community.
● Collaborative Spirit: Building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and
community partners is vital for the success of alternative education programs.
● Adaptability and Resilience: The alternative education landscape can be dynamic,
requiring leaders to be adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges.
● Understanding of Trauma-Informed Practices: Many students in alternative education
settings have experienced trauma, so leaders need to promote and support
trauma-informed approaches within their schools.
Prestigious distinctions like the "Alternative Education Administrator of the Year" from the
Michigan Alternative Education Organization (MAEO) recognize the impactful leadership and
forward-thinking approaches of educators committed to student success in alternative settings.
Tina Williams was honored with this award in recognition of her sustained and exemplary
leadership at the Alternative Educational Academy, reflecting the highest standards of the
profession.
Is Your Teen's Phone a Source of Stress? Help Them Navigate the Digital World with Our Free Guide!
In today's hyper-connected world, technology is an inescapable part of our lives, especially for our teens. While it offers incredible opportunities for learning, connection, and creativity, it also presents unique challenges. Are you concerned about your teen's screen time? Do you struggle to keep up with the latest apps and online trends? Do you worry about the impact of social media on their mental health and self-esteem?
You're not alone. Navigating the digital landscape with teenagers can feel overwhelming. That's why we've linked a comprehensive online guide, "Raising Digitally Responsible Youth," designed to equip parents with the tools and knowledge they need to support their teens in developing healthy and responsible digital habits.
This free guide offers practical advice and actionable strategies on a range of crucial topics, including:
Managing Screen Time: Learn effective techniques for setting healthy boundaries and encouraging balanced technology use.
Navigating Social Media: Understand the challenges and opportunities of social media and how to help your teen develop a healthy relationship with these platforms.
Cyberbullying Prevention: Gain insights into identifying, preventing, and addressing cyberbullying, ensuring your teen's online safety.
Digital Citizenship: Teach your teen the importance of responsible online behavior, including respecting others, protecting their privacy, and understanding the consequences of their actions.
Open Communication: Learn how to foster open and honest conversations with your teen about technology, creating a safe space for them to share their experiences and concerns.
Mental Wellbeing and Technology: Explore the impact of technology on mental health and discover strategies for promoting positive mental wellbeing in the digital age.
This isn't just about restricting technology; it's about empowering your teen to become a responsible and ethical digital citizen. "Raising a Technologically Responsible Youth" provides the guidance and support you need to help your teen thrive in the digital world.
Ready to take the first step?
Access our free online guide today.
https://resources.saferschoolstogether.com/view/474771331/
Invest in your teen's future and equip them with the skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
We believe that by working together, parents and teens can harness the power of technology for good. Let our guide be your partner in this journey. We encourage you to read it, share it with other parents, and start the conversation today.
Let's raise a generation of technologically responsible youth, together!
AEA Parents, Providers, and Community Partners:
The Alternative Educational Academy of Iosco County (AEA IOSCO) is committed to creating a school environment that enhances lifelong wellness practices. As required by law, the Board has adopted a Michigan State Board of Education Model Local School Wellness Policy, which is periodically reviewed. AEA IOSCO knows the importance of community involvement, so your feedback is appreciated. Please click on the link below and participate in a short survey:
https://forms.gle/6KDDpg344eefXcGn7
February 13, 2025 - The Tawas and Oscoda learning labs will be closed for in-person learning. Students are encouraged to attend their courses from home.
February 12, 2025:
The Tawas AEA learning lab is closed for in-person learning today. Tawas students are encouraged to attend their courses from home.
The Oscoda AEA learning lab will be OPEN today!
Monday, February 3, 2025: The Oscoda learning lab is CLOSED today following the Oscoda Area Schools' closure due to the weather forecast and possible poor travel conditions. AEA students are encouraged to work on their courses from home.
The AEA of Iosco County Tawas and Oscoda sites are closed for in-person learning on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, due to extreme cold temperatures. Online coursework is available for students to attend from home.
The AEA of Iosco County Tawas and Oscoda sites are closed for in-person learning on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 due to extreme cold temperatures. Online coursework is available for students to attend from home.
Monday, January 13, 2025-
Oscoda Campus: Delayed start; Doors will open to students at 10:00 a.m.
Tawas Campus-Closed; Students are encouraged to attend their online courses from home.
The 2024 Commencement Ceremony is tonight! May 30, 2024, at 6:00 pm. Join us at the Shoreline Player's Theater in Oscoda as we celebrate our graduates!
Learning labs are closed on Monday, May 27th, 2024 in observance of Memorial Day.
AEA Students: The MiCareer Quest Field Trip is May 16th! See your teacher-mentor for the details and a permission slip. This is a great opportunity to explore career options in Northeast Michigan.