DEAR NEA MEMBERS,
I am honored to serve as your president. United, we will reclaim public education as a common good and transform it into a racially and socially just system that actually prepares every student—not one, not some, but every single student—to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. Onward!
Face to Face With NEA Members
“What’s your why?” That’s the question I asked Adriana, Alissa, K’Sean, and other members of The Student South Carolina Education Association (The Student SCEA) this winter when I traveled to Columbia, S.C., with first lady Jill Biden. Why a career in public education? Their answers inspired me, and I advised them to keep them always in mind.
When we hear about yet another book ban or voucher scheme, those reasons will fuel our fire. When we see teachers attacked for teaching the truth about our nation, those reasons will keep us strong. As NEA members, our collective “whys” tie us together and empower our union. They provide hope that we will make public education what it should be for every student. Ask yourself, “What’s your why?” And let your answer guide you in making our world a better place.
Who I’ve Been Talking With
A few months ago, I connected with Maryland music teacher Keith Kelsey as part of my “Honesty in Education” Instagram Live series. Keith is one of the few people who knows I played violin as a child—and made the all-city orchestra in Philadelphia! However, the main topic of our conversation was not the enormous value of music education, but rather how community schools improve educator retention and student outcomes.
“We’re the ones who know what our neighborhoods need and what our children need,” Keith told me. I know that’s right! Learn more about community schools and NEA’s efforts to expand their numbers at nea.org/communityschools.
3 Things to do for Yourself and Your Union
Raise Your Voice!
Appreciate and be appreciated
