Learning has become harder for many students as fewer people are reading due to the distractions of new technologies. While artificial intelligence spreads information quickly, it doesn’t necessarily offer the depth of traditional teaching.

So, how does one teach deep learning when most Michigan fourth graders aren’t reading proficiently?

Erik Meerschaert is a special education teacher at Lake Orion High School. He also just became the 2026-2027 Michigan Teacher of the Year, and he’s the state’s candidate for the National Teacher of the Year award for 2027. 

Meerschaert says students learn better when they feel like they have a strong connection with their teacher. 

“Every great educator I’ve ever met starts with that relationship piece,” he says. “Being able to build that relationship with my students — getting to know their likes, their dislikes — helps create that welcoming, friendly environment. When a student is in that kind of environment, they feel ready to take risks. They feel more at ease.” 

Erik Meerschaert joined host Robyn Vincent on The Metro to discuss why he loves his job, and how that joy helps construct bonds with his students that aid them in the learning process.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand. Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or NPR or wherever you get your podcasts.

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit targeting a millage proposal on the August primary ballot that would prevent Wayne County communities from opting out of the SMART bus system.  

The group Not SMART Wayne filed the suit, claiming the Wayne County Transit Authority did not follow disclosure and notice requirements before placing the millage on the ballot.  The judge dismissed the case for insufficient evidence.  

Matthew Wilk is an organizer of Not SMART Wayne.  He says the battle is not over. “So we are going to fight this at the ballot box.  We’re going to make sure everybody knows exactly what they’re doing.  I think it is wholly inappropriate to have a tax, a special double tax on Detroiters.  It’s 650,000 Detroiters and we’re going to let the world know about it.”   

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans applauded the judge’s decision.  Evans says expanding the SMART bus system will provide an affordable alternative, especially when Detroiters are dealing with high gas prices.  Voters will see the millage proposal on the August 4 ballot. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines for Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Dearborn starts aggressive driving unit 

The city of Dearborn has launched a new unit to stop aggressive driving.  The city says the unit will watch for driving behaviors that may cause accidents and threaten the public’s safety.  

The Dearborn police department has acquired three Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles for the special unit.  Those cars will be able to more easily blend in with normal traffic.  

The city says police officers issued more than 33,000 traffic citations last year.   

Gas prices fall

Metro Detroit gas prices are trending downward despite continued hostilities in the Middle East.  

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular in the area is now $4.28.  That’s down 29 cents per gallon from last week at this time.  

Analysts say talk of a possible peace deal has helped push prices lower.  But the U.S. and Iran have both launched strikes in recent days – and there’s no clear word on when the situation might be resolved.  

The vital Strait of Hormuz remains closed to commercial ship traffic.  Twenty percent of the world’s crude oil typically passes through that waterway. 

DPSCD to demolish Cooley High School 

The Detroit Public Schools Community District will demolish Cooley High School this summer.  That’s according to reporting by Bridge Detroit and Historic Detroit.  The high school was originally built in 1928 and closed in 2010.  

There were efforts to save the building.  The non-profit Life Remodeled had offered in 2023 to purchase the site from the district, but that offer was rejected. 

Teacher of the Year nominations open 

And the Michigan Department of Education is looking to recognize teachers for their hard work.  

The Teacher of the Year program was created to acknowledge the achievements of educators in the state.  Anyone can nominate a teacher using the form on the state Department of Education website until September 23.  

The winner of the award will be announced in the spring.  

-Reporting by Helena Najar 

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