Education Funding Updates

Private: ELECTIONS MATTER >> MEA members look back to move ahead in Election 2026

Stories by Brenda Ortega, MEA Voice Editor Michigan Education Association Greta Brock MEA member Greta Brock comes from a family of educators and has spent 29 years working with special education students in Boyne City, where she is local union president. Nearing the end of her career, she wants newer educators to know the importance of elections. Brock is part…

August 24, 2026August 26, 2026

Private: Continuing a life’s work

Cleorah Scruggs-DeBose MEA-Retired member Dr. Cleorah Scruggs-DeBose has been promoting the importance of diversity in education since her early days as a Flint teacher in 1970 — and she’s certainly not stopping now. “The movement for justice is a life’s work, so I’m not done yet,” she says. Despite political attacks against diversity, equity and inclusion, Scruggs-DeBose continues her activism…

August 24, 2026August 26, 2026

Private: Politics is for people

Clara Martinez At 34, MEA member Clara Martinez has an eclectic resume: Dance director, social worker, union activist, Lansing City councilwoman. Her story counters cynicism: “I think of politics as an invitation for you to be part of the conversation,” she says. Martinez was drawn to teach dance at a public high school by her parents — both professors and…

August 24, 2026August 24, 2026