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

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 understood, valued and nurtured.

“Every year my students amaze me with the progress that they make to become better readers, especially with some of the little blocks that we know all of these kids face,” Strach said. “The best part of my job is the relationships I have formed with them, and I will cherish that forever.”

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion Award: Kaitie Paynich

Spanish teacher Kaitie Paynich has helped students at Portage Northern High School feel safe and nurtured through her efforts to strengthen the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance club and create a gender-affirming closet and free store open to all.

“It was a two-year-long project, but DEI in reality is daily work and we all know that,” Paynich said. “It’s daily work to ensure that our students know that they matter and they know that they belong in our classrooms and in our schools.”

Distinguished Servant of Public Education Award: Brenda Massie

A 40-year educator, Brenda Massie has worked for 20 years in Ludington schools where she teaches fifth and sixth grade, supervises the Safety Patrol program, and leads after-school math programs—all in addition to serving as the local union’s chief negotiator and grievance chair since 2010.

“I’m just really humbled to stand here when I know that everyone in this room is a servant,” Massie said. “You wouldn’t be in this profession—you wouldn’t do all you do—if you didn’t have a servant’s heart. And so I thank all of you for all the service you give.”

Instructional Excellence for Diverse Learners Award: Jamie Hitt

A mid-career math teacher at Lakeview High School in St. Clair Shores, Jamie Hitt co-created and leads the school’s peer-to-peer program—an elective course that brings together general education students and students with special needs to build leadership, empathy and collaboration.

“Truthfully, I have so many feelings,” Hitt said. “Excitement, pure joy, disbelief—and it wouldn’t be complete without a little bit of imposter syndrome as well… I would like to thank my students, past and present. You continue to inspire me, make me laugh, and encourage me to be my favorite version of myself every single day.”

Stay tuned for profiles featuring the winners in upcoming issues of MEA Voice magazine and MEA Voice Online. (Sign up for our digital newsletters at mea.org/signup.)