NEA Today for NEA-Retired Members, May 2024

Magazine

In our latest issue, former educators share how they find a sense of belonging in retirement. And, if you are caring for aging parents, you’ll hear from experts about how to manage stress, share responsibilities, and cherish this precious time. Plus, you’ll meet Oregon retirees who helped Portland teachers strike and win!

Download the Issue

Result List

Mike Ragan dancing the tango with his partner in a dance studio with a mirror in the background.

Feature Article

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

by: Mary Ellen Flannery March 27, 2024

Sociologists call them “third places.” Retirees may call them a home away from home. What’s yours?

Retired teacher Robin Aslakson and her father, John Stafford

Feature Article

When Retirement Means Caring for Your Parents

by: James Paterson April 2024

Being there for aging parents can feel both trying and sacred. Sharing the load can help you treasure the time spent with them—and strengthen bonds with other family members.

preschool teacher Rita Bamba sits at a table with students using pictures and blocks to teach

Feature Article

Quality Preschool is More than ABCs

by: Cindy Long May 6, 2024

Investing in critical early-learning opportunities delivers results for students and our country.

Feature Article

Winning Streak

by: Amanda Litvinov April 19, 2024

How NEA locals are defeating toxic, far-right school board candidates—and yours can too.

Cover Story

Teachers Need a Bathroom Break

by: Mary Ellen Flannery May 9, 2024

Urologists call it “teacher bladder,” and it can lead to serious health issues.

Feature Article

Utah Paraeducator Named 2024 ESP of the Year

by: Cindy Long March 24, 2024

Jen Bramson is dedicated to fighting inequities for her students and improving the lives of education support professionals everywhere.

Special Sections

In the Know
Explore education news and trends.
Issues and Action
Learn how unions reduce income inequality for all workers.
Member Spotlight
A former Iowa PE teacher holds candidates accountable on workers’ rights and gun safety.
Bulletin Board
Oregon retirees help strking educators win; and a creative Maine member raises money for her union through a thrift store.

Departments

Becky's Journal
NEA in Action
Classroom Tips
Seven ways to reduce classroom noise and chatter
Resources
Resources to counter antisemitism and Holocaust denial

NEA-Retired Is Powering Up for Election 2024

The NEA-Retired Conference in Chicago, from March 3–5, was an awesome event! Participants received updates on Election 2024, took part in inspiring breakout sessions, and celebrated the 40th anniversary of Illinois workers winning the right to bargain collectively.

Summer is fast approaching, which means the 2024 NEA-Retired Annual Meeting is just around the corner. This year, NEA-Retired delegates will meet in Philadelphia on June 30 – July 1.

They will elect members to the NEA-Retired leadership team and will have an opportunity to participate in fundraising for our political action committee—which supports candidates who are friends of education—and our Jack Kinnaman Scholarship Fund (DonateKinnaman.com), which helps NEA Aspiring Educators with their college expenses. For updates about the annual meeting, I encourage you to visit nea.org/Retired.

This year, we are heavily engaged in Election 2024 as we work to support candidates who will stand up for public education. As retirees, our K–12 educators count on us to be a force in getting out the vote. I am confident that this election will once again see us engaged and leading the way to the polls. Learn how to get involved at EdVotes.org.

As busy as NEA-Retired members are, you always seem to find time to volunteer in your communities and local schools. You make a tremendous impact through your work and on the lives you touch. Thank you for your advocacy for students and for your colleagues who are still in the classroom. Your commitment to your profession continues and is much appreciated.

—Anita Gibson, NEA-Retired President

[email protected] 256-717-7993