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NEA Today June 2021

How NEA members have helped each other carry on during the pandemic.
Lean on me
Published: June 2021

Cover: Lean on Me

As one of the most challenging school years in history draws to a close, educators share how their colleagues and fellow union members supported them and lifted them up, creating bonds that will last long after the pandemic is over.

In Our Own Voices

Being a teenager is hard enough, but when you’re an LGBTQ+ student of color, the pressures can be even greater. NEA Today interviews three students about how their race and gender identities affect them at school and how educators have helped them along the way.

What’s Your Inspiration?

A woodworking class taught from Home Depot? Young children performing a collaborative reading on Zoom? Read about these brilliant ideas and other creative ways educators engaged with students and created a sense of community in their virtual classrooms.

Q&A: Meet the New Secretary of Education

NEA President Becky Pringle hosted a town hall with Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. Find out how he answered members’ questions about his priorities for public schools.

EDUCATION SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS

NEA’s ESP of the Year Gives Back in Every Aspect of Her Career

The ever-energetic Kimberly Scott- Hayden is a leader in her union and spearheads efforts to create an inclusive curriculum in her district. Among her contributions, she also helped organize food services during the pandemic.

Issues and Impact

Educators helped reset the nation’s leadership, reshaping public schools for years to come

Educator advocacy played a key role in Joe Biden’s election and the passage of the American Rescue Plan—which includes $170 billion for schools!

Be Like Vanessa: Stand up for Staff Mental Health

Learn how a local union negotiated for health and wellness specialists for school staff.

People and Places

Meet the Next Generation

Three aspiring educators explain what drives their activism

Students Deserve a Welcoming and Inclusive School Setting

Check out a program that aims to create LGBTQ+- and gender-inclusive schools.

Become an Aspiring Educator

Click the state where you are attending school to become an Aspiring Educator.
Educators collaborating around a table

Collaborating for Student Success

Successful collaboration requires commitment. The Collaborating for Student Success guidebook includes a comprehensive framework for successful collaboration, grounded in research and on-the-ground practice, as well as a number of tools to support you in your own collaboration efforts.

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Great public schools for every student

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.