In June, the U.S. Supreme Court made it unlawful for unions to collect “fair share” or “agency” fees from workers who choose not to join the union that provides them with representation. The court’s decision in Janus v. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees stifles educators’ ability to bargain collectively on behalf of students.
Some say the court’s action portends labor’s demise. NEA sees Janus as fuel that strengthens our resolve to provide every public school student with a great education.
Our cover story examines 10 other challenges educators face as they go back to school. That article is flanked by two other important pieces about teacher activism—confirmation that public school students are in capable, dedicated hands.
Two of those hands belong to 2018 NEA Education Support Professional of the Year Sherry Shaw—a paraeducator at Tanaina Elementary in Wasilla, Alaska. Relentless about providing encouragement, Shaw shows students “what they can do without limits.”
Next, read about 2018 National Teacher of the Year Mandy Manning of Newcomer Center at Joel E. Ferris High School in Spokane, Wash. In July, at the NEA Representative Assembly in Minneapolis, Minn., Manning listened as Minnesota high school student, Faaya, who is originally from Oramia, urged more than 6,000 delegates to speak out. “Students are your stars and you are the night sky. The power of education has no borders,” Faaya said.
Indeed. Wishing you a successful school year during which you skillfully overcome challenges and cross borders.
