COVER: Teaching the Children of the Opioid Crisis
In the wake of the nationwide opioid crisis educators are doing their best to address students’ physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
Inspiring Children to Walk in Their Own Dreams
How NEA prepares educators to help erase institutional racism, protect immigrant families, stand up for LGBTQ students, and more. Plus, why social justice matters.
#MeToo At School
Nationwide, the #MeToo movement has prompted important conversations in the nation’s public schools.
This is Not Fake News
During a time when it’s not easy to be a journalist, the number of journalism students continues to rise.
So You Want to Be a Blogger?
A veteran of the blogosphere shares rules of the road and describes how newbies can carve out a unique space.
Bitter sweet
Teaching abroad has some benefits, but there are some challenges, too.
Departments
First and Foremost
Study Upends Conventional Wisdom About Private School Advantages
School voucher proponents insist low-income students benefit more from private schools. Wrong, say researchers at the University of Virginia.
Public Support for Teacher Strikes, Higher Pay Increases
Social Media's Impact on Students' Mental Health Comes Into Focus
Research suggests social media is increasing student anxiety and depression, eclipsing any positive role it could potentially play.
How Higher Education Helped Derek Black Renounce White Supremacy
Derek Black, godson to former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke, was being groomed to lead the white nationalist movement. Then he went to college.
A National Epidemic of Untrained Teachers
Since last year—and particularly in states like Oklahoma and Arizona where educators have long been frustrated or deterred by a lack of classroom resources and extremely low pay—the teacher shortage has grown acute.
In fact, the nonpartisan Learning Policy Institute (LPI ) estimates that hundreds of thousands of U.S. students are being taught this year by unqualified or under-qualified instructors.
Short-term strategies, like hasty certification programs, likely worsen the problem, and under-prepared teachers leave at two to three times the rate of well-prepared teachers. LPI also notes that students of color, and students in low-income communities, are most likely to be assigned uncertified or inexperienced teachers.
Issues and Impact
K–12 Public Schools: Our Crumbling, Critical Infrastructure
If we are committed to helping every child fulfill his or her potential, then safe and modern learning environments are essential.
Be Like Janene: The Power of Restoration
NEA sits down with Janene Onyango, a teacher from Twin Hills Elementary School in Willinboro, New Jersey to discuss restorative practices and her anti-racist organizing.
People and Places
Veteran Teacher Inspires New Educator
Former student becomes first-grade teacher
From the Gambia to the South Bronx
A New York educator helps students understand “your obstacles don’t have to define your future.”
Teaching and Learning
Solve 50 Percent of Tech Problems with 16 Simple Solutions
Simple solutions can solve tech problems
Effective Engagement Focuses on Getting Students to Care
Engagement can be fun, but one of the best ways to connect students to the material is to make learning meaningful.
Health and Lifestyle
Feel Like You're Burning Out?
How meditation can help you steer clear of burnout. Plus, some easy tips for starting a practice.
Lily's Blackboard
The Best is Yet to Come
During the 2018 midterm elections, educators’ voices were heard loud and clear. But there’s still more work to be done.
Editor's Note
Educators Refuse to Lose Hope
In the face of all sorts of odds, educators continue to respond to students’ greatest needs and remain hopeful.
Extra Credit
NEA and Social Justice: 60 Years and Counting
A look at 60 years of NEA social justice work.
