Education Support Professionals (ESP)

By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Erinn Parker, Stephenson Education Association President A new MEA task force will examine ways to address increasing violence against educators in the workplace and advocate for policies, legislation and resources to ensure classroom safety for school employees and students alike in Michigan. Formation of the task force was approved on Saturday by the MEA…

By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Candice Ridley and Fred McFadden, presidents of the Pontiac Educationand Paraprofessionals associations, are collaborating to build strength. Teacher Candice Ridley first noticed the organizing talents of paraeducator Fred McFadden several years ago while taking part in collective action during a staff convocation to start a new school year in the Pontiac School District where…

MEA member Lindsey Wilson holds a position in Lowell Area Schools that rarely existed in Michigan school districts just five years ago. Wilson is a behavior coach, assigned to address needs of students exhibiting the most challenging classroom behaviors. She doesn’t work directly with children most of the time. Like an instructional coach, she brings an expert perspective to help…

At MEA’s Winter Conference in February, four 2025 MEA Awards for Human Rights and Excellence were presented to exemplary MEA members. Instructional Excellence Award: Nicki Strach Nicki Strach A 10-year paraeducator in Reed City and vice president of her local union, Nicki Strach has worked to implement innovative literacy programs while making sure every one—regardless of behavioral or academic challenges—feels…

Ron Furgeson enjoys a lunchtime chat with third‑grader Emma. Working as a custodian in Petoskey schools has been a rewarding career for 28 years — thanks to union pay and benefits, he says. When Ron Furgeson first joined Petoskey Schools as a custodian nearly 30 years ago, he subbed on nights for nearly a year before a longtime employee retired…

Nominations are being accepted for several positions on the MEA ESP Caucus Executive Board. Open positions are as follows: AT-LARGE: 2 Positions -- September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2028 DIRECTOR OF MINORITY CONCERNS 1 Position -- September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2028 DIRECTOR BY CLASSIFICATION   CUSTODIAN:           1 Position -- September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2028…

Laura Shattuck, a custodian at Grant Middle School in Newaygo County, received the Brunner Award for her union leadership and support she offers students and staff.   Laura Shattuck has come to be known fondly as “Grandma” by some students at Grant Middle School in Newaygo County where she’s worked as a custodian for 28 years. The name has stuck…

Becky Halamka, Negaunee Public Schools counselor and MEA member, settles into her new office: Superior Educator Wellness Services It was a tragic event during Becky Halamka’s high school counseling career — a student suicide — that profoundly impacted her and brought to light the need for better mental health support within the educational community. “It was very clear to me…

By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Monday’s event at Orchard View High School in Muskegon looked like a party, but it was the annual general membership meeting of a wall-to-wall support staff union representing custodians, office staff, paraeducators, maintenance employees, transportation workers, and food service staff. Goodies for giveaway lined the front of the community meeting room where dozens of…

By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor MEA member Kevin Fannin doesn’t need accolades to know he’s doing incredible work with young people at Milwood Magnet School in Kalamazoo—the looks on kids’ faces when they see him, the smiles, the hugs, the high fives, hand shakes and fist bumps say it all. Kevin Fannin But as a longtime school employee serving…