Inside MSEA with Sean Johnson
Looking Ahead: MSEA’s Priorities for the 2026 Legislative Session
The 2026 General Assembly session arrives at a defining moment for Maryland’s public schools, students, and educators. Even with recent significant progress, Maryland faces real challenges: funding uncertainty, educator shortages, a national push toward vouchers, and the ongoing needs of vulnerable communities. Our union will again play a critical role in keeping our public schools strong and our profession respected.
Protecting Public Education Investments We must safeguard the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and the long-term investments that make it possible for every student to learn in a well-resourced school. As budget pressures and national politics introduce new uncertainty, educators must ensure that Maryland continues forward with equitable funding, career and technical education expansion, mental health supports, and staffing to reduce workloads and class sizes.
A Better, Fairer Star Rating System Test scores alone cannot define student or school success. This session, we will advocate for a star rating system that captures academic growth, school climate, access to a well-rounded curriculum, and the many indicators that truly reflect student opportunity. The successes of teaching and learning cannot simply be reduced to standardized test scores.
Standing Firm Against Vouchers With federal proposals like the new Trump voucher plan in the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the threat of diverting public dollars to private schools is real. We will oppose any voucher scheme or expansion that drains resources from public schools.
Strengthening Worker Rights and Protecting Maryland’s Most Vulnerable From fighting for the ESP Bill of Rights, to expanding organizing protections, to ensuring educators have a meaningful voice in decisions, strengthening worker power remains central to our mission. And as Marylanders face the impacts of deepening poverty, immigration crackdowns, and potential federal government shutdowns, we will support policies that protect families, students, and communities.
Stay plugged in and be ready to talk with colleagues about these critical issues. Together, we’ll show legislators that Maryland educators are united, informed advocates for the future our students deserve.