Author: Elena Helmer

Michigan Educator Honored with “Oscar of Teaching” for Creativity in the Classroom

From Michigan Department of Education: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/news-and-information/press-releases/2026/02/26/mi-teacher-honored-with-milken-educator-award What started with a special visit from Michigan Chief Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sue Carnell turned into an exciting announcement Pine River Middle School teacher Stephanie Johnson will never forget: she is Michigan’s Milken Educator Award recipient for 2025-26! Johnson, a seventh grade ELA teacher at PRMS, is Michigan’s 93rd recipient since The Great […]

by Elena Helmer

New coalition focuses on clean energy in schools

Educators are integral in establishing clean energy initiatives that prepare public school students for in-demand careers and promote environmental sustainability — all while saving money on energy costs that can be reinvested in our classrooms. MEA member Brian Prill’s solar panel project in Marquette — which is already reducing his school’s carbon footprint — demonstrates […]

by Elena Helmer

MEA President praises Gov. Whitmer for focusing on student literacy in State of the State

The following can be attributed to Michigan Education Association President Chandra Madafferi in reaction to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address, in which the governor made improving student literacy a top priority for her final year of office: “Exceptional educators equipped with the right training and tools will make a big difference for […]

by Elena Helmer

MEA Higher Ed leaders share ideas at summit

Last Friday, MEA member Jamin Villarreal found himself among other higher education leaders at a summit organized by MEA’s Michigan Association of Higher Education (MAHE) to discuss common issues and challenges across the state’s colleges and universities. Villarreal’s participation in Friday’s MAHE Town Hall was remarkable, given he hadn’t been active in his support staff […]

by Elena Helmer

Quotables – Feb-March 2026

“If this bill package passes today, we will have passed two very solid school policy bills in the past month, indicating that yes, we can come together across the aisle and across chambers to do the right things for kids, parents and schools.” — Sen. Dayna Polehanki, chair of the Senate Education Committee, on passage […]

by Elena Helmer

Facts v Fallacy Part II: School Funding

By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Michigan voters are likely to see the phrase “record school funding” in campaign mailers from both political parties this election year. The difference will be in perspective. One side will use the term to tout recent gains in school funding as a point of pride in better supporting educators […]

by Elena Helmer