By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor MEA-Retired member Jo Bird started her teaching career in Zeeland in 1974, formally retired in 2006, and subbed for a dozen more years before finally leaving the classroom. But she never stopped being an activist. Over decades, Bird has devoted her time and energy to many causes, through good […]
In true librarian fashion, MEA member Christina Chatel had a nagging question and set about digging for an answer: “Where are the books written with the 13- to 15-year-old in mind?” As a middle school library media specialist in Troy, Chatel reads several dozen books a year and talks with hundreds of young people to […]
MEA member Amanda Walker first got to know newly elected state Sen. Chedrick Greene (D-Saginaw) before he was a candidate for the 35th-District seat in a special election in May. A teacher in Bay City, Walker and Greene — a fire captain in Saginaw — both participated in a one-year, multi-partisan public policy program at […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor When MEA member Amanda Walker took a lead role organizing Saginaw-Midland-Bay City educators to vote in a spring special election for a vacant state senate seat, the goal was to energize everyone — but especially members who had been politically disengaged. Walker and the team exceeded their own expectations. […]
MEA’s communications staff took home several national awards for writing, design and digital entries, competing against other large-state affiliates at the State Education Association Communicators conference in June. Campaigns: Digital Organizing — Award of Excellence / Michigan ESP Bill of Rights Video: Short Form — Award of Distinction / Michigan ESP Bill of Rights: “One Job Should [...]
In recent years, we’ve accomplished great things for our students and members — from free meals and increased school funding to restored labor rights and greater educator voice in policy. We’re proud of those gains, achieved on the heels of a dark time for public education and unions. (Read more about that recent history in […]
Click to view online. In this issue: LETTER TO MEMBERS: New Year, Renewed Optimism, Continued Progress COVER STORY – By working together, we can help elect candidates who believe in public education Teacher-organizer, candidate connected by policy ELECTION 2026 — Remember history to avoid repeating: MEA members look back and ahead Educators: Remember history to […]
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 […]
