Jocelyn Benson is Michigan’s next governor. Here’s what education will look like in her administration.

November 4, 2026

Michigan has elected Jocelyn Benson as its new governor, with her securing 55% of the vote against opponent John James. Benson, whose parents were special education teachers, campaigned on her "Michigan Education Guarantee" aimed at ensuring students graduate ready for college and careers—an ambitious goal given that only 24% of students currently meet college-readiness standards. Her comprehensive education platform includes raising starting teacher salaries to $60,000, implementing science-based reading instruction, expanding prekindergarten programs, and creating a separate education-focused cabinet.

Who is affected

Michigan K-12 students, particularly third graders and students in grades 3-8 struggling with literacy
Michigan teachers, especially first-year teachers currently earning around $41,000 annually
Students with disabilities and their families
3- and 4-year-old children and their parents
Early childhood workers
Students from low-income homes and English language learners
Michigan colleges and universities
Parents paying for childcare

What action is being taken

The state is currently investing in curriculum and training for teachers based on the science of reading. Lawmakers have been experimenting with a weighted funding system in recent years and codified it into state law this year. Michigan currently operates a PreK for All program providing free preschool for 4-year-olds.

Why it matters

Michigan faces a severe education crisis, ranking 42nd nationally in education with historically low literacy rates—only 44% of students in grades 3-8 are proficient in reading, and third-grade proficiency is at its lowest level in 12 years. With just 24% of students meeting college-readiness standards on the SAT, the state's ability to prepare students for future success is severely compromised. Benson's comprehensive education reforms could fundamentally transform how Michigan approaches public education, addresses teacher compensation, supports vulnerable student populations, and holds the system accountable for outcomes.

What's next

Benson will push to establish a constitutional right to a world-class education
She plans to expand PreK for All to include 3-year-olds
She will enable statewide tracking of literacy rates and improvements
She will ensure first-year teachers receive $60,000 minimum starting salaries
She plans to create a separate education-focused cabinet
She will create an independent state office to advocate for students with disabilities and resolve disputes
She will stop the practice of funding higher education from the School Aid Act by creating separate funding for colleges and universities
She plans to mandate an inflation-adjusted budget continuation if lawmakers miss the July 1 deadline

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com