The Aspiring Educators of Michigan (AEM)—MEA’s pre-professional wing made up of college and university student members—has taken home a national award of excellence.

AEM leaders were honored with the 2021 NEA Aspiring Educators State Excellence Award at a newly redesigned ceremony in June that recognized the hard work of aspiring educators state programs across the country during the past year.

AEM President Brittany Perreault said the state program leaders were surprised and grateful to receive the honor after a long and difficult year in which many education students faced extra difficulties completing course loads, field placements, and student teaching amid the pandemic.

“It was very clear that AEM members wanted to grow as educators and leaders despite their challenges and circumstances,” Perreault said. “They continued to show up and actively participate in every event we held, which is a true testament to their desire to be strong educators.”

The Michigan program was recognized for efforts and accomplishments in organizing around NEA-AE’s four core values: educator quality, community engagement, political action, and social justice.

Read the full story at mea.org/aspiring-educators-win-award