By Chandra Madafferi, Michigan Education Association President and CEO UPDATE: Visit www.mea.org/fixhealthcare for the latest on this legislation. Just weeks ago, many of our kids’ best and brightest educators were heading toward a financial crisis — but thanks to advocacy by the Michigan Education Association and other unions, state lawmakers have averted a crisis that […]
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 […]
EAST LANSING — Michigan school districts have until the end of this month to spend federal school rescue dollars provided by the Biden-Harris administration to help students recover from the pandemic — or else lose them forever. Michigan received a total of $5.63 billion in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, or ESSER, with […]
It was a tragic event during Becky Halamka’s high school counseling career — a student suicide — that profoundly impacted her and brought to light the need for better mental health support within the educational community. “It was very clear to me in that moment that I wanted to provide mental health support for others,” […]
