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 […]
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 […]
By Chandra Madafferi, President and CEO of the Michigan Education Association From public school educators and police officers to firefighters and those serving in our military, it’s important that we honor these hardworking public servants and their dedication to improving the lives of others. Public school teachers, school support staff and other educators devote their […]
By Amy Urbanowski-Nowak Birch Run Education Association When I was a young child, I often dreamt of being a teacher… and a horse trainer, but that’s a story for another day. I would ask my sisters to play the role of the student or set up my stuffed animals if my sisters grew tired of […]
PART I: School Performance By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor MEA Labor Economist Tanner Delpier tells stories with data. The tale he tells of public education in Michigan runs counter to the message heard far too often in sound bites on the news. We continually hear that public schools are “failing,” despite “record” state funding, […]
When Jim McCloughan retired from teaching in South Haven Public Schools in 2008, MEA helped him fight a battle he hadn’t seen coming. While the school district credited McCloughan for 40 years of service, the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS) denied two years of time he spent serving in the military as a […]
