By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor In the 16 years since becoming a paraeducator in Fraser Public Schools, MEA member Michelle James helped form a union, assisted in bargaining the group’s first contract, and held every position in her local — including her current role as president. But it wasn’t until a recent bout with […]
The Michigan Education Association is proud to announce recommendations for the following federal races, in collaboration with the National Education Association: U.S. Senate: Abdul El-Sayed 7th Congressional District: William Lawrence 10th Congressional District: Christina Hines During recent screening interviews with MEA members, these candidates have shown they share MEA’s commitment to the promise of public education and the opportunity […]
The Michigan Education Association is recommending Jocelyn Benson’s candidacy for governor, the state’s largest public employee union and education organization announced Monday. Jocelyn Benson is the best candidate for governor when it comes to improving our public schools, bringing down costs for working families and creating a brighter future for every Michigan student, noted MEA’s […]
By Chandra Madafferi, President & CEO, Michigan Education Association “I left my gallbladder in Kentucky” might sound like the refrain of a bad country song – but it’s also been my recent reality. I am incredibly thankful for the care I received from the doctors, nurses and hospital staff during a recent health emergency while […]
As part of the early July budget compromise, bills passed mandating K-5 educator science of reading training over the next five years (HB 5697), and a corresponding inclusion of those concepts in teacher preparation programs (HB 5646). Importantly, several key changes to the training bill were made in the State Senate, including: Requiring at least […]
Albeit a few days late, passage of the state education budget for the 2026-27 school year on Friday, July 3, allows educators and schools to focus on getting ready to help students succeed this fall. The education budget includes modest increases — $250 (up to $10,300) per student for the foundation allowance and 1% […]
From NEA.org: State governors have the power to reject the first national voucher program and prevent a tidal wave of funding to unaccountable private schools In 2025, Republicans created the first national voucher program when they passed the tax law known as H.R. 1. The legislation uses the tax code to create scholarship-granting organizations. It is a […]
Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition, West Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, Michigan Realtors® and Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) on Thursday joined together to urge a NO vote on a Constitutional Convention, a ballot question that voters will face in November. Representing a wide range of interests and policy priorities […]
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 […]
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 […]
