MEA break is a break during the school year in Minnesota that takes place on the third Thursday and Friday of October. During this break, most, if not all, schools across the state are closed. The break is named after the Minnesota Educators Academy (MEA), which is an annual professional development conference for teachers hosted by Education Minnesota, the states teachers union. The conference dates back to 1861 in some form. The MEA break is an opportunity for teachers to attend professional development courses and workshops. While students enjoy the time off, the break exists to offer teachers a chance to find some professional development that may be helpful in their classrooms.