The following statement can be attributed to MEA President Paula Herbart and NEA President Becky Pringle on the school shooting today in Oxford: “News of the shooting today at Oxford High School was horrifying for us both as educators and as parents. School should be a safe place for students and employees alike – but today that safety was shattered…

Much of the tireless work that goes into educating our public school students happens behind the scenes. Michigan’s support staff professionals are the heartbeat that keeps our public schools running. Far too often, they go without thanks or recognition, yet our schools could not operate without them — and this year in particular they’re working extra hard. They make sure…

EAST LANSING — The following statement can be attributed to MEA President Paula Herbart regarding the announcement of an unconstitutional school voucher ballot campaign that tries again to end run Gov. Whitmer and voters: “Michigan voters have resoundingly opposed attempts by mega-donors like Betsy DeVos to enact voucher schemes in our state. We value our neighborhood public schools and know…

As partners in public education, several major statewide education organizations – AFT Michigan, Michigan Association of School Boards, Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators, Michigan Education Association, Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators and Middle Cities Education Association – are calling on the public to stand together against angry rhetoric, provocative threats and harassment…

Recently, chaos and vitriol have dominated many school board meetings around the state and nation. Verbal attacks and threats of physical violence targeted at board members and educators have become far too common. What’s driving this angry rhetoric? Safety measures put in place to protect students and employees, as well as efforts to be open and honest in educating students…

EAST LANSING — The following statement can be attributed to MEA President Paula Herbart regarding the strike underway by Kellogg workers in their effort to settle a fair contract: “As an educator, I know a healthy breakfast is essential to student learning.  And I know many breakfasts that fuel our students’ education are made right here in Michigan by Kellogg…

(From right) NEA President Becky Pringle, MEA President Paula Herbart, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and MEA Vice President Chandra Madafferi learn about the Resilient Schools Program during a visit to Lincoln Park Public Schools on Friday. (Credit: Jeffrey Sauger) School visit highlights the district’s Resilient Schools Project, expanded by COVID-19 funds LINCOLN PARK, Mich. — National Education Association President…

(L-R) Farmington Superintendent Dr. Christopher Delgado, MEA President Paula Herbart and Farmington School Board President Terri Weems talk during today’s visit to Warner Middle School. (Credit: Jeffrey Sauger) FARMINGTON, Mich. - Following the largest education investment in Michigan’s history of $17 billion – which closed the funding gap between the highest- and lowest-funded school districts all without raising taxes –…

CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. — Determined to overcome hurdles created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Education Association member Audrey Debri took her Young Fives classroom to the great outdoors.  Throughout Debri’s 10 years at Cedar Trails Elementary School, she often dreamed of making her goal of an outdoor classroom a reality as she regularly walked nature trails with her students. Little…

Skyrocketing student loan debt is a major contributor to Michigan’s educator shortage crisis. Addressing college affordability is a critical step to ensure we have enough teachers and staff to meet student needs. Student debt has forced many talented young teachers out of Michigan classrooms as they struggle to make ends meet while making large monthly loan payments on some of…