Author: Elena Helmer

MEA art exhibition celebrates 62nd annual purchase awards

From WILX News 10: https://www.wilx.com/2026/07/29/mea-art-exhibition-celebrates-62nd-annual-purchase-awards The Michigan Education Association and the Michigan Art Education Association hosted the 62nd annual Art Acquisitions Purchase Awards exhibition, showcasing the artistic work of MEA teachers. The exhibit featured a variety of media, including paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and jewelry. Andrew Monroe, an art teacher from Fraser, won best in […]

by Elena Helmer

MEA thankful for reintroduction of health care bill by Democratic legislators

The following statement can be attributed to Michigan Education Association President and CEO Chandra Madafferi, a teacher from Oakland County, in response to the legislative Democrats reintroducing previously passed legislation addressing rising public employee health care costs: “We are thankful that Michigan’s Democratic legislators have reintroduced a bill to rein in skyrocketing health care costs […]

by Elena Helmer

Latest statewide poll: Michigan voters want higher standards, real skills and more support for educators 

New statewide survey finds voters across party lines say a candidate’s education plan will shape their vote A week ahead of Michigan’s August primary election, a new statewide survey commissioned by Business Leaders For Michigan (BLM) and the Michigan Education Association (MEA) shows education is a key priority for Michigan voters heading into this fall’s […]

by Elena Helmer

Public invited to MEA’s Tuesday evening art exhibit and reception in East Lansing

EAST LANSING – The public is invited to the Michigan Education Association’s headquarters from 4:30-6 p.m. on Tuesday for an art exhibition and reception to celebrate the winners of the 62nd Michigan Education Association-Michigan Art Education Association Art Acquisitions Purchase Awards. The art exhibition recognizes MEA-member artists working in schools across Michigan, with award categories including […]

by Elena Helmer

Educators, allies reel from Whitmer veto but vow to ‘never give up the fight’

By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Update 7/29: Democratic legislators have reintroduced versions of this vetoed legislation to rein in skyrocketing health care costs for school employees. Whether it’s now or in 2027 with newly elected lawmakers, addressing this crisis for educators is a top priority. Learn more and take action today! Retired MEA Lobbyist Christina Canfield […]

by Elena Helmer

Grand Rapids math teacher wins statewide MEA gender equity award

Wendy Winston, a middle school math teacher in Grand Rapids Public Schools, has been named the winner of MEA’s 2026 Maurine Wyatt Feminist and Gender Equity Award. Winston’s lengthy and impressive resume includes advocating for students — including girls seeking futures in STEM — as chair of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI-STEM Advisory Council. She was […]

by Elena Helmer