Public Schools Work
MEA is committed to serving our members and sharing their triumphs and stories of dedication to their students and communities. Amazing educators are doing extraordinary things in the classroom and beyond – and we want to ensure communities know it!
Have a positive story about Michigan public education to share? Let us know at publicaffairs@mea.org (include any pictures or links when you email us).
Learn more about MEA’s efforts to spread the good news about public education at WeLovePublicEd.org.
Updates
Rural educator wins elite award
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Stephanie Johnson is pictured with daughter Mason after winning the Milken Educator Award at a surprise ceremony at Pine River Middle School in Osceola County. It wasn’t until her last year of high school that MEA member Stephanie Johnson figured out what career to pursue. She found her path in senior English class. Johnson…
Chemistry Teacher By Day, Olympic Hockey Referee at Night
From NEA: https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/chemistry-teacher-day-olympic-hockey-referee-night When Jake Davis stepped onto Olympic ice in Milan, he was not just a chemistry teacher from Michigan anymore. Davis was now one of the few officials in the world who would referee the 2026 Olympic men’s hockey. “Stepping on the ice was surreal,” said Davis. “Just being on the ice with the best hockey players in the world and the international stage was a…
Michigan Educator Honored with “Oscar of Teaching” for Creativity in the Classroom
A tearful Stephanie Johnson makes her way to the front of the gymnasium to accept her Award as colleagues, students, dignitaries and media cheer her on. From Michigan Department of Education: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/news-and-information/press-releases/2026/02/26/mi-teacher-honored-with-milken-educator-award What started with a special visit from Michigan Chief Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sue Carnell turned into an exciting announcement Pine River Middle School teacher Stephanie Johnson will never forget:…
Students in alternative school learn skills, build community
Brian Prill Marquette Alternative High School (MAHS) teacher Brian Prill has helped make the school a statewide leader in environmental sustainability, Career and Technical Education, and in redefining the role of the alternative high school. Prill, who teaches social studies, Spanish and a construction and work readiness course, provides a world view for his students, having completed Fulbright scholarships in…
School secretary recalls run-in with gunman
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…
Hero secretary reveals gunman’s demands at Romulus Middle School
Maria Scott From WXYZ Detroit ABC 7: https://www.wxyz.com/news/region/wayne-county/youre-gonna-give-me-my-son-hero-secretary-reveals-gunmans-demands-at-romulus-middle-school Check out this story about Maria Scott, the Romulus Middle School secretary who helped prevent a potential tragedy by denying building access to a banned parent who showed up at the school with a loaded weapon. Hear about the terrifying encounter and how Scott's instincts and training protected her students from danger. This…
Veteran of combat and classroom earns rare recognition
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor MEA-Retired member Jim McCloughan received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service in the Vietnam War which interrupted the start of a 40-year teaching career in South Haven. From the get-go, Jim McCloughan was competitive “with a capital C,” he says. Small and athletic, he excelled at every sport he tried. At Bangor…
Reimagining Schools for the Future
MEA Presidents’ Academy forum brainstorms policy changes to meet student needs on high school requirements, literacy By Chandra Madafferi MEA President & CEO In October, more than sixty teachers and academic leaders from across Michigan — representing every grade level and region — gathered for a dynamic discussion led by local presidents committed to reimagining the future of education. The…
I went from problem student to teacher. The long arc of my story is a reminder for anyone who cares about public education.
By Justin Harper Ann Arbor Education Association Readers of the MEA Voice may remember me from the August–September issue, where part of my story was featured in an article about addressing educator shortages. I was celebrated for completing my degree and certification after three years of night classes, all while working full-time as a paraeducator and co-founding a youth program…
Notecards with student art a western UP tradition
An annual project run by the Copper Country Education Association has been a holiday tradition for more than 30 years, featuring student artwork on notecards sold at the Poor Artists Art Fair and the MEA office in Hancock. An annual project run by the Copper Country Education Association has become a holiday tradition, giving student artists from all grade levels…