In our cover story, “The Science of Learning” (Page 38), you’ll hear from colleagues who teach psychology and offer insights into how students’ minds work. Their tips may help your students succeed. In “Teaching With an Anti-Racist Lens” (Page 28), we offer a counterbalance to the relentless assault on teaching about race in the classroom. In this story, NEA members speak out about what it really means to teach history honestly and accurately, with truthful conversations about race and racism. And a sample lesson plan provides a starting place for teaching anti-racism in your classroom.
Another ongoing concern of educators is the amount of time students spend watching screens—and then came the pandemic and remote learning. Suddenly, constant screen time became a necessity, both for schoolwork and for students’ social needs during quarantine. Our article “When Screen Time is All the Time” (Page 34) explores what role can educators play in getting students to look up.
In “Four Things to Know About Partnering With Families of English Language Learners” (Page 42), the 2021 National Teacher of the Year, Juliana Urtubey, shares how cultural barriers can get in the way of family engagement. As a specialist in bilingual education, she shares strategies for embracing these differences and seeing them as a benefit to the school community rather than an obstacle.
While we all wish the pandemic had never happened, educators have learned many important lessons from the experience. In “Local Power” (Page 46),
find out about NEA-affiliated locals that used both collective bargaining and collaboration with management to create healthier and more equitable workplaces. These negotiations offer a road map that locals across the country can follow.
Finally, in “You Keep What in Your Desk?” (Page 32), we went on Instagram to ask teachers what they stash in their desk drawers. Sure, everyone has paper clips and Sharpies, but healing crystals and yoga-ball inflators? Find out how your desk compares and join the conversation on Instagram @NEAToday.
