Former teacher and member of the Michigan State House of Representatives Gail Haines

Many excellent classroom teachers have also served as competent politicians. A great example of this is Gail Haines, a public school teacher who also served in the Michigan State House of Representatives.

Gail was born in 1951 in New York State. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at the State University of New York in 1973 and her Master’s in Education at Nazareth College in 1975. She taught in the public school system for 12 years, and she also coached middle school and high school. In addition, Gail worked as a computer educator for a medical center.

Gail gained experience in the political arena as a former member of the Lake Angelus City Council, as an executive committee member for the Oakland County Republican Party, and as a precinct delegate. From 2008 to 2014, Gail was elected as a Republican to represent the 43rd District in the Michigan State House of Representatives. While in office, she served on the committees for Families, Children, and Seniors; Military and Veterans Affairs; and Homeland Security. She also served as the Assistant Majority Whip and the Chair of the Health Policy Committee.

While on the Health Policy Committee, Gail garnered the Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Business & Professional Association and the Michigan Food and Beverage Association. The organizations cited Gail’s distinguished and dedicated service on behalf of small businesses, diversity issues, and concerns involving food safety.

As for education issues, the former educator worked towards restructuring public school teacher health care and benefits and the attempt to qualify her state for the federal “Race to the Top” school improvement program.

Gail’s affiliations since she left office include membership on the Advisory Board of the College of Arts and Sciences at Oakland University, membership on the Art Gallery Board of Oakland University, and serving on the Dean’s Advisory Board at the University of Michigan-Flint.