Newsroom

As educators, we know our voices matter. By belonging to MEA, we raise our voices together and advocate for stronger schools through collective strength. If we want to create stronger local schools, we must stay involved in the political process. Every decision about public education — from educator pay and healthcare costs to per-pupil funding and certification requirements — is…

By Zach Crim MEA Communications Specialist Dr. Abdul El‑Sayed Dr. Abdul El-Sayed doesn’t come across as one might expect of a Rhodes Scholar with a rock-star celebrity status. His approachable, down-to-earth demeanor is consistent in both one-on-one conversations and high-profile speeches to thousands. His signature casual look (a black V-neck shirt) isn’t a new gimmick — it’s been his wardrobe…

Senator Winnie Brinks Jocelyn Benson demonstrated her commitment to public education when she chose Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) as her running mate — a state lawmaker and leader who has been a fighter for public schools, educators and students. Brinks has been a champion for education since she was first elected to the state House in a write-in campaign…

By Chandra Madafferi, President and CEO, Michigan Education Association Educating Michigan’s students requires a team effort from everyone involved in public education, including the thousands of paraeducators across our state who are essential to making our hometown schools work. Yet paraeducators’ critical contributions to our children’s education — especially when it comes to helping students with learning or physical disabilities…

As the state’s largest school employee union, MEA members — who live and work in every Michigan county — have a long history of political engagement and helping friends of public education win elections. That’s why we’re proud to announce all the candidates who have earned the recommendation of MEA members through the union’s Screening & Recommendation process. The process,…

Michigan Senate Democrats passed legislation on Thursday to rein in skyrocketing health insurance costs for educators and other public employees. While the GOP-controlled House is unlikely to take up the bill, the Senate’s action makes it clear that educators’ fight for more affordable healthcare is not over — but it does hinge on the result of this November’s state elections.…

Instructor Chad Williams engages with participants during Plymouth-Canton’s Paraeducator Bootcamp. MEA member Aaron Bailey knows what it is like to be a brand-new paraprofessional in a classroom at the beginning of the school year. “When I first started, I had very little training, and I was lucky enough to get teachers who had 10 or 15 years of experience and could…

By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Michelle James In the 16 years since becoming a paraeducator in Fraser Public Schools, MEA member Michelle  James helped form a union, assisted in bargaining the group’s first contract, and held every position in her local — including her current role as president. But it wasn’t until a recent bout with cancer that James…

By Tanner Delpier, MEA Labor Economist This opinion piece appeared in Bridge Michigan on Aug. 24. Tanner Delpier holds a Ph.D. in education policy from Michigan State University and is the labor economist for the Michigan Education Association. I built my career studying public education in Michigan. Nothing scares me more for its future than vouchers. For 30 years, some Michigan…

Stories by Brenda Ortega, MEA Voice Editor Michigan Education Association Greta Brock MEA member Greta Brock comes from a family of educators and has spent 29 years working with special education students in Boyne City, where she is local union president. Nearing the end of her career, she wants newer educators to know the importance of elections. Brock is part…