COVER: No More!
Educators—most of them women are underpaid and struggling. Their growing frustration has fueled #RedForEd—a nationwide movement that demands professional pay for professional work.
‘My Union is Standing Up for Me’
Califoria High School Counselor Kris Bertsch-Rydel was threatened with disciplinary action for advocating for her students, but her students and her union have backed her all the way.
Inside a Trauma-Informed Classroom
From dimming the lights and creating a cool-down corner, to prioritizing social and emotional learning, educators can help smooth the road for students who are coping with trauma.
When Work Hurts
An increasing number of educators are being bitten, kicked, scratched, and punched at work. Now, they’re doing something about it.
Building Love and Trust
How restorative practices are making a difference for educators and students in Denver, Colo.
RA Wrap-Up
More than 6,000 delegates to the annual NEA Representative Assembly gathered in Houston in July to chart the Association’s path for the next year and to make plans for selecting the next U.S. president.
ESPs Benefit From Professional Development Opportunities Too
“ESPs also need the opportunity to learn and grow in their careers,” says Matthew Powell, 2019 NEA ESP of the Year. This is why NEA’s Professional Growth Continuum—a first-of-its-kind system—is rooted in standards that apply to all ESP job categories.
Departments
First and Foremost
Only Five States’ Charter School Laws Rated ‘Mediocre’ or Better
A new NEA report card on state charter laws and statutes zeroes in on the weak regulation and lax oversight that enable for-profi t organizations to open and manage charters in most states. The report, titled “State Charter Statutes: NEA Report Cards,” found that nearly every state (44 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico currently have charter schools) fails to require adequate oversight over the charter school sector.
Statutes in 40 states received “F” grades. Five states that have laws requiring some oversight received “mediocre” ratings, with grades ranging from “D” to “C-”.
Nationwide measles outbreak underscores need for school nurses
The U.S. is experiencing the highest number of measles cases since the disease was considered eliminated in this country in the year 2000. Fighting the spread has been made difficult by the underfunding of school nurses.
High-poverty schools feel the impact of teacher shortage the most
A new report finds that the deficit that is “much more of an acute problem in high-poverty schools."
How Closing Schools Traumatizes Students and Communities
And a new book by author Eve L. Ewing, describes the emotional effect of school closings.
Issues and Impact
The Educator-Activist’s To-Do List
Here's a simple checklist to help you advocate for your students and your profession through the upcoming school year and beyond.
Be Like Bobby: Revitalize Your Local
How Bobby Jenkins—vice president of the Fauquier County Education Association (Virginia)—is making sure the voices of ESPs are heard.
People and Places
Meet Virginia teacher Rodney Robinson
"I hope to be the voice for all students who feel unseen, unheard, unappreciated and undervalued in America,” says Virginia social studies teacher.
Health and Lifestyle
Making Movement a Part of Your Classroom Culture
Whatever the grade or subject area, every teacher can effectively incorporate movement in the classroom throughout the school day.
Teaching and Learning
Learning Your Way Toward Wellness
Why carve time out for your own wellness only during the summer? Why not make it a focus for you this school year as well?
How to Evaluate Tech Tools You’ve Never Used in Less Than Seven Minutes
Here are some tips on finding the best web apps and programs for your classroom without running through all of your free time.
A Note from the Editor-in-Chief
Welcome Back!
Stories like his renew our commitment to use the pages of NEA Today to showcase the greatness of public education and the dedication of public school educators whose work changes the lives of students every day.
Lily's Blackboard
‘Something Big Is About to Happen’
NEA member Evelyn Fabito works three jobs to make ends meet. When it comes to the next presidential election, we can’t let her down.
Extra Credit
An example of how one NEA member puts his issue of NEA Today to work.
"Just wanted to thank you for your hard work in publishing the NEA
[Today] magazine and send along this photo of our staff association bulletin board for which I use cut-outs from NEA Today...[Y]our literature helps me keep the staff at Lecanto High School informed of important national and statewide issues." - Brian F. Sullivan
Inspired by Florida's Brian F. Sullivan from the Citrus County Education Association
