There’s nothing more discouraging than joining an organization, full of enthusiasm for its mission, and then attending your first meeting to find lukewarm
La Croix, absentee leaders, and near-empty rows of chairs. But that’s not going to happen to your Aspiring Educator chapter, because teachers, even student ones, know all about how to engage and motivate. So roll up those sleeves and take our advice to make your professional association the most exciting student group on campus.
Remember Your Why
More often than not, people need that human connection to feel a part of the community. Think back to the reason why you first joined and attended an event. There were probably one or two people who stand out as the ones who pushed you, encouraged you, and welcomed you into our union family. How can you step up and be that person for the next generation of chapter leaders?
Try building a relationship outside of meetings. Grab coffee on campus with a new member, or invite the person to a study session or the next sporting event. Our union family extends way beyond our chapter meetings, so don’t limit yourself when looking to recruit members.
Meet Them Where They Live
Find like-minded future educators at orientations and events for first-years, transfer students, and student teachers. Ask advisors and other organizations to promote your group. Staff a booth or hand out flyers at campus fairs and events.
Talk to students in education classes, and don’t forget the other departments—history, science, fine arts, or athlet- ics—where most secondary education majors spend their time. In some cases, professors will allow campus union leaders to give a five-minute pitch at the beginning or end of a class. Make sure to bring flyers and stick around after class to talk with any interested students. No matter where you go, the bottom line is to make the effort to enter their space and be welcoming.
Create Opportunities to Grow
Being a part of the NEA Aspiring Educators Program is about more than just liability insurance, and it’s up to you to show that value! This is important for both the growth and retention of chapter members.
Beyond the friendships and camaraderie that come with belonging to a group, there are tons of opportunities to provide memorable experiences for new and existing members. Providing a special session for Praxis or edTPA prep for your chapter is a great way to attract students and provide current members with helpful and practical extracurricular help. In the past, chapters have reached out to their state affiliates for assistance in setting up these courses, and have had successful and well-attended sessions.
Another area for growth is in the social justice space— whether at the campus, state, or national level. Many chapters are already engaged in social justice issues, including race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, education, and mental or physical ability. Some students are exploring tough topics like white supremacy culture and their role in relation to it.
And the 2020 election will undoubtedly be a huge motivator for aspiring educators to get involved. The NEA will be rolling out a comprehensive plan that will involve student members and chapters, but you don’t have to wait for the big plan to come out to start organizing. Post advertisements around campus announcing that your chapter will be canvassing and working on 2020 issues. Election organizing always involve long hours and deep conversations, so this important work also provides a bonding opportunity for new and old members alike.
Lean on Your Union!
The NEA works to support you, so use the resources that are already out there!
Reach out to your state student organizer for swag and supports, and resources that can compliment your successful recruitment and offerings for members on campus. Find your organizer by connecting with your state association.
Talk to your Aspiring Educator leaders to help connect you to resources, or apply for an NEA Aspiring Educator Program grant to fund a new initiative at nea.org/ aspiringed-grants.
Check out your state and the NEA (nea.org) websites to see all of the ways we can help you!
