Category: Newsroom
Special educator is Michigan Teacher of the Year
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) explained why MEA member Erik Meerschaert couldn’t read in second grade. Now the Lake Orion special education teacher points to his neurological difference as a power that has shaped his success. Known for his shining positivity and leadership in providing inclusive […]
Greene wins big in special Senate election with help from educators
Chedrick Greene won big in Tuesday’s special election in Senate District 35 in Saginaw, Bay and Midland counties, thanks to support from local educators who recommended his candidacy to fellow MEA members. When Greene takes office shortly, the Senate majority will return to a 20-18 advantage for the Democratic caucus. As an MEA recommended candidate, Greene […]
MI Supreme Court holds oral arguments in case impacting educators’ health insurance costs
Before the state Supreme Court held oral arguments Wednesday morning in the “stalled bills” case, MEA members and other public employees gathered outside the court building in Lansing for a press conference to share how the nearly two-year saga has impacted their lives and professions. Since taking the gavel in January 2025, House Speaker Matt […]
Men: Our students need you in the classroom
By Chandra Madafferi, President & CEO of the Michigan Education Association Close your eyes and imagine an elementary school teacher. The chances are good that you pictured a woman. You can’t be blamed for that assumption, as preK-12 education is one of the least gender-diverse professions around. Men make up less than 24% of total […]
MEA announces Michigan Congressional candidate recommendations
The Michigan Education Association announced Monday the following recommendations of candidates for Michigan Congressional districts: 1st District: Callie Barr 3rd District: Rep. Hillary Scholten 4th District: State Sen. Sean McCann 6th District: Rep. Debbie Dingell 7th District: Bridget Brink 8th District: Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet 10th District: Tim Greimel 11th District: State Sen. Jeremy Moss 12th […]
Social Security Retirement Planning Workshops for MEA Members
There are many factors to consider when planning for a secure retirement, and one of them is Social Security. Navigating a government program can seem overwhelming, however, you will be amazed at how easy it is to work with Social Security, navigate their planning resources, get your questions answered, and utilize the online tools to […]
MEA Assembly re-elects Madafferi, honors Whitmer
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appeared at the MEA Representative Assembly (RA) last weekend to receive an inaugural MEA award named after her in honor of her work over eight years in office to restore public education and respect educator voices. Delegates to the RA gathered in East Lansing for the […]
Flint MEA leader honored for success in tough battle
When Karen Christian was growing up in Flint, both of her parents were public school teachers and leaders in United Teachers of Flint who taught her the importance of unions. Last week at the MEA Representative Assembly, after a dozen years as UTF president having led the unit through multiple crises to a celebrated contract, […]
MEA praises state Senate’s education budget proposal for investing in our kids and hometown schools
The Michigan Education Association is praising the state Senate’s 2026-27 education budget proposal, saying it prioritizes and protects students in the wake of widespread federal cuts. “For the sake of our students and their future, state lawmakers must work together to ensure local schools have adequate, stable funding,” said MEA President and CEO Chandra Madafferi, […]

