Delegates to the 2025 MEA Representative Assembly (RA) on May 9-10 will elect one member to represent Michigan on the NEA Board of Directors.

One member has declared candidacy for NEA state director. MEA Voice magazine publishes biographies and statements of candidates for statewide positions announced in advance of the annual RA where the election will be held.

Below is the biography and statement provided by the candidate. Information provided is not edited by MEA Voice staff and is printed as submitted. Biographies and statements that exceed maximum allowed word counts are printed to the end of the last sentence that falls within the maximum limit.

The MEA RA is the primary policy-making body of the Association.

BIO

Wendy Winston has been a teacher and union activist for over 20 years. Winston has serves as Chair of the NEA Local President Release Time Grant Committee and Chair of the MEA Democratic Educators Caucus. Wendy Winston serves in roles in her local and region including association representative, region vice president, and coordinating council PAC chair. Winston was a Biden delegate at the 2020 and 2024 Democratic National Conventions. Wendy currently holds a position on Michigan’s STEM advisory council and was a regional semi-finalist for 2020 Michigan Teacher of the Year.

Campaign statement

As I complete my first term as a member of the NEA Board of Directors, I am asking for your vote to continue this work in a second term. Raised in a union household in West Michigan, I learned the importance of empathy and inclusion, and the power of solidarity and these ideas drive my work in the classroom and in our union.

Early in my career, I compared inequitable conditions found within and across districts. Teaching math and science in underfunded districts like Flint Community Schools and Grand Rapids Public Schools led me to get involved in the union. I will keep fighting until every child has access to an excellent education and appropriate resources regardless of their zip code. My energy toward education justice resulted in recognition as an NEA Top Political Activist.

Membership in the MEA has allowed me to educate community members and elected officials about current issues in education. During my 24 years in education, I campaigned to improve working conditions for colleagues and educational experiences for students. I speak out at board meetings and rallies and encourage others to do the same. Organizing members to show up and speak out is one of the most rewarding and inspiring parts of my advocacy. I have proudly organized successful solidarity pickets to show support for union siblings, Babies over Billionaires townhall, and the Grand Rapids “Shine the Light” Rally to draw attention to the MEA 3% case.

To continue improving our education system, we need to work together toward the goal of electing friends of public education. I have canvassed and phone banked for political candidates and important issues. I work to build and maintain relationships with sitting elected officials. I’m honored to serve as the Chair of the Educators Caucus to Michigan’s Democratic Party, local PAC chair, and a former MEA political action leader.

I plan to continue fighting for improved working conditions for educators and just learning environments for students. I ask for your vote and would be incredibly proud to continue serving as your NEA Director.