Newsroom

The 2026-27 budget season officially started on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with the presentation of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s eighth and final budget recommendation to the Legislature. MEA’s initial analysis follows—be aware that there’s more review to come, and that this is only the first step in the process. Both the Senate and House will make their own recommendations and negotiate a…

Recent student protests in Michigan regarding ICE activities have prompted requests for guidance for educators concerning their rights to support student activism. NEA has developed some excellent resources and reminders for educators addressing their employment rights and concerns, including how to handle student protests and walkouts. Below is a summary of the issues educators should understand and consider: 1) Educators…

By Erik Edoff, MEA Senior Executive Director Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is signing bipartisan legislation this morning that limits smartphone use among K-12 students during instructional time. This has been a top priority for Michigan Education Association members working in schools across the state, and it’s proof that lawmakers can make good things happen when they set aside partisanship and work…

RELATED: Bipartisan limits on classroom phone use can build momentum on online protections for kids – Detroit Free Press op-ed by MEA Senior Executive Director Erik Edoff --- The Michigan Education Association praised state lawmakers for a new bipartisan state law signed on Tuesday requiring that school districts adopt policies limiting student smartphone use during instructional time. “We commend state lawmakers…

Four candidates for governor participated in an Education Forum at MEA's Winter Conference on Feb. 6 in Detroit. Four candidates vying to be Michigan’s next governor took to the stage at the MEA Winter Conference in Detroit on Friday in a live forum featuring questions submitted by MEA members across the state. Hearing candidates talk about education topics for more…

By Chandra Madafferi, Michigan Education Association President  Uncertainty and fear. In recent conversations with educators across Michigan, I keep hearing those words that lead to a common refrain: “I’m trying to keep it together for my students.” What’s happening with immigration enforcement in Michigan and across the country is causing trauma for many of our students and communities – and…

By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Educator Chloe Root On the final exam in government class each semester, MEA member and social studies teacher Chloe Root asks students to explain how the federal system of checks and balances works to prevent abuses of power. This year some of her students at Community High School in Ann Arbor chose instead to…

MEA members are encouraged to contact their lawmakers in support of Senate Bill 508, which will be up for a hearing in the Senate on Thursday, Jan. 29. SB 508 would designate certain places like schools, courthouses and other “sensitive locations” as immigration-enforcement-free zones. Children should not have to fear being taken by ICE while they sit in a classroom. Michigan residents…

JOINT STATEMENT – January 28, 2026 As education leaders, our shared responsibility is to ensure that schools remain safe, stable, and welcoming environments where every student can learn without fear. Recent immigration enforcement action, both nationally and here in Michigan, has created anxiety and uncertainty for students, families, and educators alike. When events beyond the schoolhouse generate fear or trauma,…

UPDATED 1/29: As educators, MEA members are committed to the safety and wellbeing of students, families and the communities we all call home. We believe schools and communities should be places of learning and belonging, and they should be safe for all. Whether it’s in Minnesota or here in Michigan, the fear and trauma immigration enforcement is creating for children…