One of the missions that MEA-Retired member James McCloughan enjoys the most these days is serving as chairman of the Medal of Honor Character Development Program. The program provides free training and curriculum for educators in grades K-5 and 6-12 to teach students core values. Lessons are designed by educators and built around the stories […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor From the get-go, Jim McCloughan was competitive “with a capital C,” he says. Small and athletic, he excelled at every sport he tried. At Bangor High School in the early 1960s McCloughan earned 11 varsity letters and all-conference honors in football, basketball, baseball and track, despite standing just 5-foot-2 […]
Student learning and school safety should go hand-in-hand. That’s why educators across Michigan are deeply concerned about the rise in disruptive student behavior, which includes verbal outbursts, threats, and physical aggression. Addressing this troubling nationwide trend is critical for the future of education. MEA is prioritizing this work and providing ways for members to engage […]
MEA Presidents’ Academy forum brainstorms policy changes to meet student needs on high school requirements, literacy By Chandra Madafferi MEA President & CEO In October, more than sixty teachers and academic leaders from across Michigan — representing every grade level and region — gathered for a dynamic discussion led by local presidents committed to reimagining […]
By Justin Harper Ann Arbor Education Association Readers of the MEA Voice may remember me from the August–September issue, where part of my story was featured in an article about addressing educator shortages. I was celebrated for completing my degree and certification after three years of night classes, all while working full-time as a paraeducator […]
More than 200 students have joined the Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) Aspiring Educators of Michigan (AEM) this fall — an excellent feat for leaders of the chapter who start each year building membership from scratch. AEM is the preservice wing of MEA where college students majoring in education get connected, learn together, take on […]
Nominations are being accepted for several positions on the MEA ESP Caucus Executive Board. Open positions are as follows: DIRECTOR BY CLASSIFICATION CUSTODIAL: 1 Position – Immediate to August 31, 2028 FOOD SERVICE: 1 Position – Immediate to August 31, 2028 MAINTENANCE: 1 Position – Immediate to August 31, 2028 OFFICE PERSONNEL: 1 Position – […]
REGISTER! Winter Conference: Feb. 4‑6, Detroit Registration is open for the 2026 MEA Winter Conference on Feb. 4‑6 at Detroit’s Marriott Renaissance Center. Learn more about MEA’s premier professional learning event at mea.org/winterconf, including session listings, lodging information, and planned events as we head into the critical 2026 election year. The deadline to register is [...]
During this season of celebration, dedication to public service is something worth honoring — especially in school employees who work with the students who will lead us to a brighter future. From PreK-12 through higher education, the service of MEA members shines a light for young people to find their way academically and beyond the […]
Click to view online. In this issue: LETTER TO MEMBERS: Dedicated to public service NEWS & NOTES: Winter Conference // Pistons Nights // MEA Scholarship // Quotables MEA ELECTIONS: ESP Caucus Nominations THE FUTURE IS NOW: A Master Class in AEM at SVSU MEMBER VOICES: I went from problem student to teacher STRENGTH IN UNION: […]
