THE FUTURE IS NOW: AEM Continues to Grow!

April 8, 2026April 13, 2026

This year, we welcome another new chapter to the Aspiring Educators of Michigan (AEM) family, continuing growth in the number of students who are furthering their commitment to future careers in education through membership in MEA and NEA.

The Future Educators of Northern Michigan University (FENMU) has joined chapters from 17 other colleges and universities to help members access professional development, leadership opportunities, fun social gatherings, and career connections.

FENMU member Petra Frazier illustrates the circle of life that many young people undergo in pursuing the profession: “I want to continue the legacy of awesome female social studies educators like the teachers I had in high school” Frazier says.

Educator recruitment in Michigan is paying off, but shortages persist, most acutely affecting rural and urban areas, charter schools, high-poverty communities, and students of color. A recent study from Michigan State University reports an increase in newly certified teachers but ongoing high turnover.

Many NMU graduates go on to fill teaching jobs in the Upper Peninsula, so connecting them with the union and professional advocacy early in their careers is essential.

MEA’s advocacy has resulted in recent legislative victories securing student-teacher stipends and state grants to offset the cost of becoming a teacher, the return of collective bargaining rights, improved teacher evaluation, and a change to a better default retirement option for new hires.

FENMU member Emma Moser — now an AEM rep — was instrumental in creating the chapter after attending Labor Day Fest in Negaunee where she met MEA UniServ Director Bill Milligan, who introduced her to AEM State Organizer Annette Christiansen.

“I’ve always been passionate about public education and unions,” said Moser, who plans to become a secondary English teacher. “I’ll be a third-generation teacher and union member, following in the footsteps of my mom and grandpa… I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of bringing Aspiring Ed to Northern.”

Already a thriving club, the NMU students have engaged with statewide AEM colleagues and hosted events. They’ve connected with leaders from the Marquette Education Association, which will be offering professional learning on classroom management and parent communication.

FENMU President Summer Morrison, an aspiring chemistry teacher, said the AEM leadership role has provided resources needed to plan informative and enjoyable events for NMU students.

“I am very passionate about education, and I think it is important that pre-service teachers connect to form a wide support web,” Morrison said.

AEM membership is increasing, with overall one-year growth of 38% in 2024-25 and 49% so far in 2025-26, helped by programming such as Next Gen, a summer residency program for aspiring educators, and Educators Rising, a program for middle and high school students.

MEA co-hosts an annual Educators Rising conference and competition with Wayne State University, which drew more than 500 middle and high school students in March. MEA has nearly 3,000 current EA members who were previously student members.

The excitement for public education and union membership is palpable among our AEM members. All of us can help to nurture the next generation!

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