SMEA  Membership Benefits

What is SMEA?

The Student Michigan Education Association (SMEA) is a preprofessional organization for people preparing for the teaching profession in any of the higher education institutions in Michigan and who are not regularly employed as educators by an educational institution or agency.

Top Ten Reasons to join SMEA:

1. You get FREE Libility Insurance
2. You Learn about Current Issues in Teaching
3. It's a way to make your voice and vote heard
4. You can get involved in our community
5. You get FREE publications of the NEA
6. It looks great on any resume
7. You'll get to know Education Faculty
8. You can get involved with campus activites
9. It is a good way to network with others entering the teaching field
10. And there will be fun for all...

The Student Program (SMEA):

1. Improves Teacher Education Student members serve on accreditation teams that evaluate teacher programs nationwide.

2. Protects Students Rights Student members are covered by $1 million of liability insurance to protect them financially while they are assigned to the classroom.

3. Provides a Professional Network Student members have access to contacts around the country who can provide information that may be beneficial in future employment decisions.

4. Supplements Formal Education Student members may participate in MEA/NEA workshops and conferences to enhance their formal education.

 5. Influences Government Student members testify before government agencies on topics that concern education majors, such as financial assistance.

6. Works Toward Human Relations Student members recognize that teachers must be able to relate to people without racial, cultural or sexual biases.
 

What Do Students Receive for Their Dues?
A. Students receive professional and student publications designed to keep them up to date on current education news and trends, including the NEA Today newspaper and the MEA Voice.

B. Students receive $1 million worth of liability insurance to protect them during student-teaching assignments and other on-site classroom activities under the direction of a professional educator.

C. Students may take advantage of the MEA/NEA workshops and conferences designed for the needs of future teachers.

D. Students have a chance to work with the organization to effect changes in such things as teacher education, legislation affecting teachers and certification requirements.

E. Students have multiple opportunities to serve in leadership roles. The skills and experiences gained as an active, involved member-leader will be beneficial as a professional.

F. Students have access to MEA's and NEA's instructional and professional resources.

G. Students can make many valuable professional and personal friendships to help them feel more comfortable as a classroom teacher.

H. Students have the opportunity to meet and share ideas with other SMEA members and practicing classroom teachers.

I. Students have input into recommendations on programs of the SMEA, MEA, NEA-SP, NEA and their local campus organization.

J. Students are entitled to a $10 credit on their first-year's teacher membership for each year they are an SMEA member (maximum credit $40).

K. Students receive all of these benefits and more than $23 (NEA-SP and SMEA dues), plus local campus dues, where applicable.
 

How do I join SMEA?

I. You may join SMEA by contacting your local chapter or by contacting the SMEA Department at the Michigan Education Association through the e-mail address below. Please be sure to include your mailing address so that we may send you an application.

                                   Local: SMEA of SVSU
                                                7400 Bay Rd.
                                                University Center, MI 48710
                                                President: Kelly Zalewski (krzalews@svsu.edu)
 

                                    State: SMEA/Michigan Education Association (MEA)
                                                1216 Kendale Blvd.
                                                East Lansing, MI  48826-2573
                                                800.292.1934