MSEA’s 2025 Convention: Building Union Power and Presence
The 2025 MSEA Convention and Representative Assembly (RA) on October 17-18 was filled with 600+ delegates, special guests, and solidarity. “Members from across the state came together for two days of building power, professional expertise, and friendships across schools, counties, and job types,” said MSEA President Paul Lemle. “It was a great combination of serious work to meet the moment and serious fun to make the most of our time together.”
Business Priorities RA delegates passed bylaw amendments to enhance representation in MSEA elections and approved the work of the Resolutions Committee to update a wide range of policy and value statements, including a revamped resolution underscoring the union’s belief that public employees should have the right to strike. Also passed was a trio of new business items that support work addressing the school funding challenges of rapidly growing counties, allowing agricultural and agritech courses to qualify for Maryland’s technology education credit requirement, and celebrating MSEA’s 160+ year history.
2026 Statewide Endorsements The RA makes recommendations for statewide elections, and moved forward with strong endorsements of Governor Wes Moore, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and Attorney General Anthony Brown.
“MSEA has been with me from the start, and as the state’s largest union supporting over 76,000 educators, I’m honored to have their endorsement as I seek re-election,” said Moore. “Together we will continue to make strong investments in our public schools, keep lowering the teacher vacancy rate, and support the work of all of the educational professionals who put in countless hours of hard work to ensure our students’ success.”
“As both a parent of two public school students and a statewide elected official, I witness daily the dedication and impact of Maryland’s educators. I am honored to partner with MSEA on initiatives that support our schools, empower our educators and, in turn, position our children to meet their full potential,” said Lierman.
Special Guests Governor Moore made a surprise visit to the convention the day after the RA voted to support his re-election. “I stand by you because you stand by our kids. I stand by you because you make it very clear that anyone who wants to come after our children has got to come through you first. And anybody who comes after you has got to come through me first,” the governor declared to a standing ovation.
NEA Vice President Princess Moss, whose brother Erskine was a longtime MSEA member, visited, too. “I have so much faith in you, MSEA,” she said. “Keep leading with love. Keep defending the truth, and keep demanding justice.” Maryland Teacher of the Year ALonna Soward-Puryear, a Frederick County elementary school teacher and FCTA member, and MSEA ESP of the Year Stephanie Patterson, secretary for the CHESPAX program in Calvert County and a CAESS member, also addressed the delegates and received big ovations.
Fun by the Shore Nearly 500 members checked out MSEA’s first-ever Union Axe-tion Night, a family-friendly celebration featuring food, music, arcades, and axe-throwing. “We had a great time welcoming members—and their families—from across the state at Axe-tion Night and having some time together outside of our school and union work,” said MSEA Vice President Nikki Woodward.
“Our educators and their students are the foundation of Maryland’s future. Together, we will work to strengthen public education, protect teachers, support students, and ensure that every child in Maryland has a fair shot at success. Thank you for standing with me in this campaign,” said Brown.
Workshops Hundreds of members also came to attend the more than two dozen professional development workshops taking place on Friday and Saturday. Participants attended from 17 counties across the state and came away with up to five free Professional Development Points towards recertification.
Strategic Planning and Budget Development Delegates gave feedback on MSEA’s next five-year strategic plan and priorities. That feedback will help inform development of MSEA’s next two-year budget, which delegates will debate and vote on at the 2026 Spring RA in April. All members are welcome to share ideas on budget priorities at this link.