Whatever it Takes
Educators will do whatever it takes to get the job done—from working a second job to make ends meet and remain in a profession they love—to tackling the nation’s most serious challenges, including racism, environmental degradation, and sexual assault.
Our cover story, “Moonlighting,” examines why so many teachers and paraprofessionals work nights and weekends to supplement the income they receive from teaching. With teachers’ pay falling behind the pay of other workers with similar experience and education levels, many are finding it hard to make ends meet.
But being an educator is already more than a full-time job, especially for those who are standing up for their students, their schools, and their communities. In “Environmental Justice,” read about how teachers in California are leading the fight for regulations to restrict pesticide sprays near schools.
In “Woke,” learn how one teacher in Washington state, who considers himself an anti-racist white educator, is determined to spread the message of racial justice in white spaces. And in “The Secret of Sexual Assault in Our Schools,” discover how one school system in Virginia is combatting sexual assault by teaching lessons on consent.
Finally, in this issue, we recognize the work of 12 social justice heroes whom NEA honored in 2017. These educators, activists, and policymakers are fighting for what’s right. When you read about their work in “Social Justice Warriors,” you will be inspired.
Educators work hard—at your day jobs, at your night jobs, in your schools, and in communities nationwide. And because you have stamina, expertise and dedication, our schools and our nation are better off. Thank you.
Editor-in-Chief
