NEA Today for Aspiring Educators, Spring 2025

A MESSAGE FROM NEA ASPIRING EDUCATORS PROGRAM CHAIR 
HANNAH STCLAIR   

The Power of Courage and Collective Action  

During my sophomore year of high school, I was frustrated, angsty, and anxious. I had a passion for helping others and doing good—alongside a deep love of musicals. It was 2016, and I did not have Spotify Wrapped yet. But if I had, my top-listened album that year would have been Newsies (Original Broadway Cast Recording).   

One lyric from the song “Seize the Day,” became my mantra: “Courage cannot erase our fear/ Courage is when we face our fear.” I even wrote it on my bedroom wall as a reminder that it was OK to feel afraid.  

Newsies tells the story of New York City newsboys who form a union and strike to demand fair working conditions. Their power comes from both their individual and collective actions.  

Flash forward to my first year of college at the University of Oregon. I learned about a campus club for aspiring educators. I was so excited to find a community of like-minded, passionate people. To my surprise, this club was a part of a union! Was I about to live out my musical theater dreams?! Eighteen-year-old me had no idea what was coming.  

Today, being part of something bigger than myself has given me courage. Through my work with NEA Aspiring Educators, I see that there is good in the world and that many people are fighting for what is right. Our union creates opportunities to amplify our voices and experiences—including meeting with our college deans or legislators in Washington, D.C., to advocate for public schools, educators, and students. We, the members of NEA, are a collective of passionate, albeit tired, individuals who care deeply about being the best educators we can be for all of our students.   

In times of chaos, it can feel easier to opt-out of action—after all, what difference can one person make? When I get into that cycle of hopelessness, I reimagine my sphere of influence. Suppose there is a call to action to share stories that can make an impact. I may doubt that my story will make a difference, but I share it anyway. Then I ask my best friend to share her story, and she then asks others to share their powerful stories. Soon, individuals I do not even know are speaking up. Before long, people across the country are raising their voices. Alone, our voices may shake and waver, but together, we become a chorus of advocates. In the song, “The World Will Know,” the Newsies say it best: "When you got a hundred voices singin’/ Who can hear a lousy whistle blow?"  

As we move forward and face challenges related to education, remember that you are not alone. Attend campus events, invite a friend, hop onto a call when you can, share your story, and encourage others to share theirs. You never know the impact one action can have.   

I will end where I began: When you are feeling anxious, remember: “Courage cannot erase our fear. Courage is when we face our fear.”