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 […]
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 […]
MEA members are encouraged to contact their lawmakers in support of Senate Bill 508, which will be up for a hearing in the Senate on Thursday, Jan. 29. SB 508 would designate certain places like schools, courthouses and other “sensitive locations” as immigration-enforcement-free zones. Children should not have to fear being taken by ICE while they sit […]
JOINT STATEMENT – January 28, 2026 As education leaders, our shared responsibility is to ensure that schools remain safe, stable, and welcoming environments where every student can learn without fear. Recent immigration enforcement action, both nationally and here in Michigan, has created anxiety and uncertainty for students, families, and educators alike. When events beyond the […]
UPDATED 1/29: As educators, MEA members are committed to the safety and wellbeing of students, families and the communities we all call home. We believe schools and communities should be places of learning and belonging, and they should be safe for all. Whether it’s in Minnesota or here in Michigan, the fear and trauma immigration […]
The Michigan Education Association praised state lawmakers for passing bipartisan legislation Thursday to require that school districts adopt policies banning student smartphone use during instructional time. “We commend state lawmakers for working together on a bipartisan basis to address addictive smartphone use among students,” said MEA President and CEO Chandra Madafferi, a teacher from Oakland […]
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 […]
The Michigan Education Association is recommending Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist for secretary of state, the state’s largest public employee union and education organization announced Wednesday. “Our members who interviewed the candidates were excited to hear Garlin’s plans to partner with educators so the secretary of state can make a difference for students – ranging from […]
From WXYZ Detroit ABC 7: https://www.wxyz.com/news/region/wayne-county/youre-gonna-give-me-my-son-hero-secretary-reveals-gunmans-demands-at-romulus-middle-school Check out this story about Maria Scott, the Romulus Middle School secretary who helped prevent a potential tragedy by denying building access to a banned parent who showed up at the school with a loaded weapon. Hear about the terrifying encounter and how Scott’s instincts and training protected her students […]
It was a year of much political division in the Legislature for 2025, with a record-low number of new laws. With the 2026 legislative session about to begin on the third week of January, Speaker Matt Hall is reportedly aiming for another year with minimal laws passed. That said, there were several bills signed into law late […]
