Michigan Teachers Unions

Educators in Michigan are primarily represented by the Michigan Education Association (MEA) and the American Federation of Teachers Michigan (AFT Michigan).

Each organization is also involved in collective bargaining for fair wages, benefits and classroom conditions. In addition to addressing issues like school funding, teacher evaluations and standardized testing, these unions actively engage in political advocacy in support of candidates and policies that align with their political goals.
Understanding how these unions operate can offer valuable insight into how your union dues are spent and your rights and opportunities as a member.

Michigan Education Association

Leadership

• President: Chandra Madafferi
• Vice President: Brett Smith
• Secretary-Treasurer: Aaron Eling
• Senior Executive Director: Erok Edoff

Organization
The Michigan Education Association (MEA) represents more than 120,000 public school employees. The organization is structured into local affiliates across school districts and regions, allowing members to address issues specific to their communities. At the state level, the MEA is governed by an elected Board of Directors and a Representative Assembly, which includes delegates from across the state.

Member Dues
Typically $800 to $1,000 per year in total for the local, state and federal associations.

Meetings
The MEA Representative Assembly (RA), the union’s highest decision-making body, typically meets once a year. This annual meeting is where major policy decisions, budget approvals and organizational goals are set.

In addition to the RA, the MEA Board of Directors meets more frequently, often on a monthly or quarterly basis, to oversee the organization’s operations and make decisions on pressing issues.

Local affiliates also hold regular meetings depending on the local chapter’s needs. These meetings focus on issues specific to the district or region and provide an opportunity for members to engage with decision makers at the local level.

Requirements
To join the Michigan Education Association (MEA), members must work in education as public school teachers, support staff, or higher education faculty. Membership is typically obtained through a local MEA chapter and members are required to pay union dues. While there are no formal political requirements, joining implies support for the union’s advocacy and political activities.

Recent Activity
Conservative group wins legal victory in case over teachers union’s $12.5M COVID loan (2023)

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Members gain access to scholarships, benefit from active public policy advocacy, and receive protection in the workplace through union representation.
• Cons: Membership involves paying high dues, dealing with partisan political positions that may not align with personal beliefs, and experiencing little measurable impact on wage improvements.

AFT Michigan

Leadership

• President: Terrence Martin
• Treasurer: Kirsten Herold

Organization
The American Federation of Teachers Michigan is made up of local unions across different districts and institutions, each representing members at the community level. It is governed by an Executive Board, elected by members, which oversees the union’s policies, budget, and strategic plans.

Member Dues
AFT Michigan’s dues are structured similarly to other unions and typically include three components: national dues (for the American Federation of Teachers), state dues (for AFT Michigan), and local dues (for the member’s local affiliate).

The amount of dues can vary based on the member’s role (e.g., teacher, support staff, higher education employee) and the policies of the local union but is typically $800-$900 annually.

Meetings
AFT Michigan holds meetings at both the local and state levels. Local unions typically meet regularly, often on a monthly or quarterly basis, to address issues specific to their members and districts. At the state level, AFT Michigan’s Executive Board meets periodically, often monthly or bi-monthly, to guide the union’s activities and decision-making.

Requirements
Membership is open to public school employees, including K-12 teachers, paraprofessionals, higher education faculty, and support staff working in Michigan schools, colleges, or universities.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Members enjoy the benefits of national union collaboration, access to scholarships, and strong advocacy for public policy reforms that support workers.
• Cons: Dues are required and the pace of change can be slow. The union’s political positions and involvement in controversial social issues might not reflect the views of all members.

Call to Action

Union membership is a choice. If you decide union membership is not right for you, opting out is easy.