Newsroom
Six months until spending deadline for more than $1 billion in federal funds
With only six months left to spend ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds, Michigan schools have just over one billion dollars remaining to address the changing educational landscape and unique needs brought about by the pandemic. The spending deadline for ESSER funds is September 30, 2024. Michigan schools received $5.62 billion in school rescue funds, with the biggest…
Midland Public Schools invests COVID-19 School Rescue Funds in classroom libraries
The Biden administration’s school rescue funds have benefited classrooms like those of Becca Budka, a fourth-grade teacher in Midland Public Schools. Thanks to federal stimulus funds, she and other Midland educators have been able to upgrade their classroom libraries. In total, Michigan schools have received $5.62 billion in school rescue funds. In the heart of Michigan’s landscape, a recent decision…
At inaugural Ed Rising conference MEA partners to inspire next generation
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer met a group of aspiring and early career educators before her remarks at the inaugural Educators Rising Conference at Wayne State University on March 13. “Thinking about the teacher who inspired you… it will be your responsibility to be that teacher for a student you work with. You get to inspire future generations. You get to be…
MEA President’s statement on crisis in Flint Community Schools
Students deserve a stable environment where they can count on having a fully qualified teacher in their class from the start of the year to the last day. EAST LANSING — Michigan Education Association President Chandra Madafferi released the following statement Wednesday in response to the Flint Board of Education’s monthslong refusal to ratify a settlement agreement reached between Flint…
Michigan needs more school librarians to improve student literacy
By Chandra Madafferi Certified school librarians across Michigan are doing amazing work to help increase literacy rates and spark a love of reading among students. As a state, we must work to ensure every student has access to a certified librarian in their school. Certified school librarians run vibrant programs that allow students to learn more about the world around…
March is Reading Month Fundraiser – Help Buy Books for Schools in Need
This year for March is Reading Month, the MEA Classroom Support Fund is raising money to buy books for schools that cannot afford them for their students. As a thank you for donating, you'll receive some amazing artwork by MEA member Sarah Ellis – she created the pieces to honor her colleague, Christine Beachler, who has been steadfastly advocating for…
Members step up to activism now in critical election year
In her 10-year teaching career in Livonia, MEA member Sara Williams has never been involved in politics. But Williams says she is stepping up now because “It feels like education is going in the right direction finally. We have educators on the education committee fighting for us.” Sen. Dayna Polehanki poses with a painting from Livonia art teacher Heidi Posh,…
Michigan’s educators prioritize student health, success in school rescue fund plans
Michigan’s dedicated public school educators prioritized the safety, health, well-being and success of their students when planning use of federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding. The funds, distributed district by district, include the largest amount allocated by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in the American Rescue Plan to address learning challenges in the wake of…
Late SVSU union leader honored for lasting legacy, large estate gift
Pictured at a ceremony honoring the Wageners (left to right): SSA President Kathleen Chantaca‑Kubczak, former MEA Vice President Nancy Strachan, SSA Vice President Deb Rickert, MEA Vice President Brett Smith. Deb Rickert joined the support staff association when she began working at Saginaw Valley State University three decades ago, but she wasn’t active in the union for the first 15…
Mother & daughter learn labor lessons together
Deborah Robertson and Kiarra Whitelow together earned certificates from Wayne State University’s Labor School last year. The mother-daughter duo are presidents of the teacher and support staff unions at Harper Woods School District in Wayne County. Deborah Robertson had a tough go in her first year as president of the Harper Woods Education Association in 2021. She had only been…