The 2025 MEA Awards for Human Rights & Excellence

The MEA awards for Human Rights & Excellence are awarded at the MEA Winter Conference, MEA Summer Conference, and MEA Representative Assembly.  Nominations are accepted October 1 – December 31 of the previous year.

Nominating individuals or groups must be MEA members in good standing. If the nominee to be considered is an MEA member, the person must be in good standing. Read more about the awards and how to make a nomination.

Congratulations to these four outstanding MEA members who were honored at the MEA Winter Conference in February:

Instructional Excellence: Nicki Strach

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion: Kaitie Paynich

Distinguished Servant of Public Education: Brenda Massie

Instructional Excellence for Diverse Learners: Jamie Hitt

Newsroom Uncategorized

Releated

Overview of FY27 Whitmer Budget Recommendations

The 2026-27 budget season officially started on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with the presentation of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s eighth and final budget recommendation to the Legislature. MEA’s initial analysis follows—be aware that there’s more review to come, and that this is only the first step in the process. Both the Senate and House will make their […]

Guidance for MEA members concerning student protests on immigration

Recent student protests in Michigan regarding ICE activities have prompted requests for guidance for educators concerning their rights to support student activism. NEA has developed some excellent resources and reminders for educators addressing their employment rights and concerns, including how to handle student protests and walkouts. Below is a summary of the issues educators should […]