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NEA Today August 2020

In this issue, learn what we need to support educators and students dealing with COVID trauma. Find out how educators are influencing decisions about schools reopening, distance learning, and teacher pay. And, explore some steps your school can take to confront the injustice of systemic racism.
NEA member Lindsey Jensen in her classroom Mariah Karson
Published: August 1, 2020

Cover Story: Helping Students and Educators Recover From COVID-19 Trauma

Students and educators will start the school year forever changed by the pandemic. Schools must support their emotional well-being, so teaching and learning can begin.

Your Voice Matters

These educators demanded a seat at the table and influenced decisions about reopening schools, pay cuts, and more.

Profiting Off the Pandemic?

While public schools face massive budget cuts, Betsy DeVos and her allies have diverted coronavirus relief funds to for-profit schools.

Meet the 2020 Teacher of the Year

Tabatha Rosproy is the first early-childhood educator to receive the honor.

An Unequal Starting Place

NEA's Leaders for Just Schools training helps educators recognize bias and create more equitable learning spaces.

‘This Is No Time for Us to Look Away’

Educators must work to stop violence against Black people, says NEA President Lily Eskelsen García.

The Power of Ethnic Studies

Courses that explore the history of different ethnic groups can boost achievement and attendance, especially for students of color.

Educators Vow to Help Lead the Nation Through Crisis

Some 7,000 delegates meet in NEA’s first-ever virtual Representative Assembly.

Custodians Are the First Line of Defense Against the Virus

Find out what custodians in a New Jersey school are doing to keep students and staff safe from the coronavirus. They worry that they will not have enough equipment and staff to do the job right.

Thank You, Lily!

NEA honor outgoing president Lily Eskelsen García.

Departments

First and Foremost

The pandemic exposed a huge "homework gap"; concern about student debt is creating a shortage of teachers of color; parents give educators a thumbs-up during the pandemic; educators can help with the U.S. census; it's the 100th anniversary of women's right to vote; and crowdfunding is a way of life for teachers.

Issues and Impact

NEA's virtual organizing tools can help you get out the vote—from a social distance! And teacher-activist Melanie Buchanan tells her story.

Health and Fitness

Burn off those pandemic pounds, No gym required.

People and Places

An award-winning teacher learns self-care and rediscovers her love for her profession; and Kansas art teachers get creative with virtual lessons.

Teaching and Learning

A theater teacher recommends using drama techniques to help kids reconnect after school closures; and our technology expert offers advice on how to assess digital literacy for students (and educators).

Editor's Note

As the school year begins amidst uncertainty, we must create safer and more equitable schools.

Lily's Blackboard

In her last column as NEA President, Lily Eskelsen García reflects on why social justice is the essential work of our union.

Extra Credit

A teacher takes in her student’s newborn brother while his family recovers from COVID-19.

TalkBack

Online Learning During COVID-19

Online instruction is fine if all of your students have access to a computer with an internet connection. (“The Great Distant Learning Challenge”) A significant number of my inner city students do not have digital access at home. Lesson plans for each two-week period must accommodate these students, so I must resort to paper lesson packets. —Tom

 

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The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.