In this issue:

• LETTER TO MEMBERS: Celebrating Excellence for our students
• NEWS & NOTES:
  • ICYMI — Educators define issues : You can help
  • QUOTABLES
• AEM/MiNE: Growing Libraries with Representation
• MEMBER VOICES: Tuition-free community college changes lives
• COVER STORY: Michigan educator known for ‘shoe club’ wins NEA Award for Teaching Excellence
• AWARDS & HONORS: The 2025 MEA Awards for Human Rights & Excellence
  • Instructional Excellence: Nicki Strach
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion: Kaitie Paynich
  • Distinguished Servant of Public Education: Brenda Massie
  • Instructional Excellence for Diverse Learners: Jamie Hitt
• MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Teacher of the Year talks educator retention
• STRENGTH IN UNION: W-WEA win took twists and turns
• STRENGTH IN UNION: Pontiac unions join forces in crisis
• ISSUES & ADVOCACY: Lansing union is ‘LSEA Safe’
• ISSUES & ADVOCACY: Members organize to protect public education
• MEA ELECTIONS: Candidates for MEA Elections