The following statement can be attributed to Michigan Education Association President and CEO Chandra Madafferi, a teacher from Oakland County, in response to the Michigan Senate’s passage of House Bill 6058: “The Michigan Education Association applauds the Senate for passing House Bill 6058, which will help keep the best and brightest educators working in our […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor UPDATE (Dec. 13, 2024) — The state House passed House Bill 6058 on Friday, and it will now advance to the state Senate for their concurrence (the Senate approved identical legislation on Friday as well, but needs to concur on HB 6058 to send the bill to Gov. Whitmer […]
By Chandra Madafferi, Michigan Education Association President and CEO As we reflect on the recent election results, it’s clear that our country remains deeply divided on many fronts. The diversity of opinions and beliefs that surfaced during this time can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel uncertain about what lies ahead. Yet during […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor MEA member Raychel Figurski uses humor and encouragement to help her Hudsonville math students learn to trust that hard work pays off—a philosophy she lives as a distance runner pursuing her goal of completing the world’s six major marathons despite big obstacles in her path. “I keep reminding them, […]
Through the power of collective bargaining and action, MEA members across Michigan have made record strides in 2024 by securing significant pay raises, improved working conditions and a stronger voice in the workplace. In the face of an educator shortage, these contract wins help attract and retain high-quality educators who are well-equipped to serve students’ […]
East Jordan teacher Matt Hamilton has been selected as one of only five teachers nationwide to receive this year’s Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence, one of the highest honors in public education. Hamilton, a teacher at East Jordan Middle/High School in Charlevoix County, is the founder and leader of the school’s renowned “Shoe Club.” […]
By Chandra Madafferi, Michigan Education Association President and CEO I began my teaching career as a special education teacher, a deeply rewarding experience filled with joys and profound connections hard to match in any other profession. One of the most heartwarming aspects of my job was witnessing academic and personal growth among my students, many […]
MEA members gathered this week to boost their energy and resolve for doing what’s necessary to win in the final five weeks before the Nov. 5 election – with some special guests and prize drawings as extra enticements adding to the fun. Participants at the virtual “Game On For Our Students” rally bid on silent […]
EAST LANSING — The Michigan Education Association today praised state lawmakers for approving a supplemental education budget providing $125 million in additional funding for school safety and student mental health, as well for passing legislation permanently ending the state’s 3% tax on public school employees. MEA President and CEO Chandra Madafferi, a teacher from Oakland […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Growing up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula from a family of very modest means, MEA member Ron Denning knew he wouldn’t have parental help paying for college to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher—he’d have to borrow. But that was OK, he was told, “It’s good debt.” Denning figured […]
