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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…

By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor "Remember your why. That day, knowing why I became a secretary helped me so much." - Maria Scott For MEA member Maria Scott, the Romulus Middle School secretary who averted tragedy when an armed man rang the school’s front buzzer, first her instincts kicked in — then her training took hold. “I knew something…

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist The Michigan Education Association is recommending Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist for secretary of state, the state’s largest public employee union and education organization announced Wednesday. “Our members who interviewed the candidates were excited to hear Garlin’s plans to partner with educators so the secretary of state can make a difference for students – ranging from quality…