Albeit a few days late, passage of the state education budget for the 2026-27 school year on Friday, July 3, allows educators and schools to focus on getting ready to help students succeed this fall. The education budget includes modest increases — $250 (up to $10,300) per student for the foundation allowance and 1% […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Update 7/29: Democratic legislators have reintroduced versions of this vetoed legislation to rein in skyrocketing health care costs for school employees. Whether it’s now or in 2027 with newly elected lawmakers, addressing this crisis for educators is a top priority. Learn more and take action today! Retired MEA Lobbyist Christina Canfield […]
By Chandra Madafferi, President & CEO, Michigan Education Association As America turns 250, we should acknowledge the critical role public education has played in making our nation the global leader it is today, and why we as a country must recommit ourselves to strengthening every single school — so that every single student has a […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Never as a journalist in metropolitan Kansas City, nor an assistant professor at a mid-size public university in Missouri, did MEA member Matt Bird-Meyer get a kiss from comedian and late-night talk host Stephen Colbert. Bird-Meyer notched that unbelievable experience after becoming a professor of journalism and humanities at […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor A compelling charcoal drawing titled “Eyedentity,” selected as Best in Show at this year’s 62nd MEA/MAEA Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition, was inspired by a Social Security application, says the Fraser art teacher who won the top award. MEA member Andrew Monroe said he created the artwork after filling out […]
By Erik Edoff, Senior Executive Director, Michigan Education Association Alert: Please take 90 seconds to contact your lawmakers today and urge them to focus on passing a budget that protects Michigan students and schools by the end of June. Follow this link. State leaders must set aside election-year politics and bring much-needed stability to our […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (May 20, 2026) Contact: Matt Hamilton • matthamilton@ejps.org • 616-916-6569 For 18 years, Shoe Club Nation lived in a single Michigan middle school classroom. This past school year, it lived in four. Today, founder Matt Hamilton announced that the program will expand to ten additional Michigan schools for the 2026-27 academic year, […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor For MEA member Brian Dalton, everything he’s learned about life — and teaching middle school kids — can be summed up in a project that he’s worked on since January and will culminate in a sold-out public performance on June 2 at The Roxy Rochester. Preparations inside his classroom [...]
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 […]
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 […]
