After nearly two decades as a teacher, Brett Smith left his fifth-grade classroom in Linden in 2017 for a new challenge as an MEA officer. Nine years later, he leaves office as MEA vice president this summer proud of the relationships and accomplishments that marked his tenure.

“Interacting with members, leaders and staff from MEA, MESSA and MEA Financial Services has been the most meaningful part of this job,” said Smith, who is not running for re-election at this April’s MEA Representative Assembly. “From working on our budget to local governance to elections, every time I find it’s the people that make MEA special.”

In his first six years as secretary-treasurer, Smith focused on navigating MEA’s financial side, including modernizing membership policies and eliminating budget deficits. He is particularly proud of work to lower dues for low-wage earners and stabilize — and eventually grow — membership.

“We put the voice and experience of our members at the heart of decisions, which is not only financially wise, but also our imperative as a union,” Smith said.

Smith also represented MEA in a variety of coalitions, ranging from improving special education to emphasizing the importance of recess. Recently, he’s been among the founding members of Michigan Climate Jobs, a new initiative promoting school energy efficiency.

“We can help districts save money, students experience new technologies and career opportunities, and support quality work done by union tradespeople – that’s a win-win-win.”

Working together with individuals and groups to get results has always been key.

“In Flint, we have a strong history and tradition of standing united for students and working families,” Smith said. “Being part of a union is about solidarity, not just among us as school employees, but with the broader labor movement. It’s simple: we’re stronger together.”

That’s true in the political arena as well, where Smith emphasized member PAC giving and engagement, along with serving in leadership roles with the Michigan Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee.

“We may not always like it, but every education decision is a political one, because it’s made by elected leaders,” Smith said.  “With members at all points on the political spectrum, we can find common ground standing up for pro-public education and pro-labor candidates.”

In reflecting on his time as an officer, Smith says his motivation has always been that “I love what I do.”

“It’s not work if you love what you do. And I know I’m not alone, because I see the amazing things that dedicated educators – and the MEA leaders and staff who serve them – do every day for Michigan students.”