Home-Sidebar Archives - Michigan Education Association

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 […]

February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

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 […]

February 25, 2026February 26, 2026

by Elena Helmer

Call for entries – MEA/MAEA Art Exhibition

Get your artwork ready — it’s almost time to submit entries for the 62nd MEA/MAEA Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition. Digital submissions will be accepted March 1-22 via the form at this link. The annual juried art show has continued to expand and improve. This year’s event includes a new award category: Promoting Peace through Art, […]

February 23, 2026February 24, 2026

by Elena Helmer

Bipartisan limits on classroom phone use can build momentum on online protections for kids

By Erik Edoff, MEA Senior Executive Director Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is signing bipartisan legislation this morning that limits smartphone use among K-12 students during instructional time. This has been a top priority for Michigan Education Association members working in schools across the state, and it’s proof that lawmakers can make good things happen when they […]

February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

by Elena Helmer

Missed the gubernatorial candidates forum at MEA conference? Watch now!

Four candidates vying to be Michigan’s next governor took to the stage at the MEA Winter Conference in Detroit on Friday in a live forum featuring questions submitted by MEA members across the state. Hearing candidates talk about education topics for more than an hour gave MEA members a chance to see if those seeking […]

February 6, 2026February 10, 2026

by Doug Pratt

Protect students from trauma driven by immigration fears

By Chandra Madafferi, Michigan Education Association President Uncertainty and fear. In recent conversations with educators across Michigan, I keep hearing those words that lead to a common refrain: “I’m trying to keep it together for my students.” What’s happening with immigration enforcement in Michigan and across the country is causing trauma for many of our […]

February 3, 2026February 4, 2026

by Elena Helmer

Testimony supports bill to bar immigration enforcement in schools

By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor On the final exam in government class each semester, MEA member and social studies teacher Chloe Root asks students to explain how the federal system of checks and balances works to prevent abuses of power. This year some of her students at Community High School in Ann Arbor chose […]

February 3, 2026February 4, 2026

by Elena Helmer

School secretary recalls run-in with gunman

By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor For MEA member Maria Scott, the Romulus Middle School secretary who averted tragedy when an armed man rang the school’s front buzzer, first her instincts kicked in — then her training took hold. “I knew something wasn’t right and instantly called 911,” Scott said in an interview. It happened […]

January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

by Elena Helmer

Let’s honor educators’ commitment to public service

By Chandra Madafferi, President and CEO of the Michigan Education Association From public school educators and police officers to firefighters and those serving in our military, it’s important that we honor these hardworking public servants and their dedication to improving the lives of others. Public school teachers, school support staff and other educators devote their […]

January 5, 2026January 7, 2026

by Elena Helmer

Member Voices – Listen to educators for a change

By Amy Urbanowski-Nowak Birch Run Education Association When I was a young child, I often dreamt of being a teacher… and a horse trainer, but that’s a story for another day. I would ask my sisters to play the role of the student or set up my stuffed animals if my sisters grew tired of […]

December 16, 2025January 7, 2026

by Elena Helmer