Student literacy promises to be a major topic throughout 2026, with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer committing to it as a top issue for her final year in office. Regardless of test scores and political spin, we can all agree that improving student literacy is an educational imperative. We can and must help every student improve reading […]
The 2026-27 budget season officially started on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with the presentation of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s eighth and final budget recommendation to the Legislature. MEA’s initial analysis follows—be aware that there’s more review to come, and that this is only the first step in the process. Both the Senate and House will make their […]
Christine Beachler The decline in literacy test scores in Michigan over the past few decades parallels the dramatic loss of certified school librarians across the state, say two MEA members who also lead the Michigan Association of School Librarians (MASL). Librarians are literacy leaders with expertise in book collection development, information literacy instruction, and defending [...]
Dionna Roberts wears multiple hats, but she likes to say, “Literacy is my ‘jam,’ meaning my job and motivation for the work I do.” A former teacher and literacy coach, now a principal and current president of the Michigan Reading Association (MRA), Roberts describes her core philosophy as a balance between the technical “science of […]
MEA member Andrea Ward knows the devastating effects that reading struggles can have on a child’s self-esteem. Ward was diagnosed with dyslexia in fifth grade and has dedicated her life to helping others who struggle in school. “Reading struggles shape who (kids) think they are and what they believe about their ability levels,” she said. […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor As in most stories of change, the timeline of MEA member David Pelc’s teaching transformation marks a few key events building up to the pivotal moment. Early on, a volunteer experience spent reading books with youngsters in disadvantaged communities hooked him on the joys of teaching and spurred him […]
Like all educators, MEA member David Pelc didn’t stop learning once he started teaching. Several years ago, the mid-career Romulus elementary teacher began a journey of transformation in the way he taught children to read. That expertise got Pelc invited to join a panel discussion at an all-day Literacy Summit at the Michigan Science Center [...]
Recent student protests in Michigan regarding ICE activities have prompted requests for guidance for educators concerning their rights to support student activism. NEA has developed some excellent resources and reminders for educators addressing their employment rights and concerns, including how to handle student protests and walkouts. Below is a summary of the issues educators should […]
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 […]
RELATED: Bipartisan limits on classroom phone use can build momentum on online protections for kids – Detroit Free Press op-ed by MEA Senior Executive Director Erik Edoff — The Michigan Education Association praised state lawmakers for a new bipartisan state law signed on Tuesday requiring that school districts adopt policies limiting student smartphone use during instructional […]
