September 2002 NEA Today

Cover Story:
My First Year

Right now, thousands of new teachers are beginning their careers educating the nation's next generation. What are they faced with? NEA Today collected reflections of teachers who just completed their first year on the job.

Debate

"Never smile before Thanksgiving"--is that a good policy?

Textbook Democracy, NEA-Style

Representative Assembly delegates elect new NEA leaders and tackle issues that touch your profession and your pocketbook.

Quite Simply, an Issue of Fairness

NEA steps up drive to repeal Social Security provisions that impoverish retired educators and hinder teacher recruitment efforts.

School Funding Adequacy--What It Costs To Do the Job Right

'Adequacy' defined: After you crank out educational standards, you cost out what it takes to implement them. It's really that simple.

Rights Watch

Despite a legal setback, NEA's voucher battle will continue. On another front, the Supreme Court upholds student drug testing and nixes privacy lawsuits.

Interview

NEA's new president, Reg Weaver, hones in on safe schools, true education reform, and parental involvement in schools.

In Focus

A leading scientist speaks out on what English-language learners need to succeed in school.

Problems & Solutions

How one Atlanta school meets the challenge of educating low-income children.

Reading

In one California town, NEA members reap the benefits of a reading program created and trumpeted by the local newspaper.

Inside Scoop

Who Profits When For-Profits Run Schools?
Money changes hands--but student achievement doesn't budge.

ESP on the Team

Paraeducators rally a Vermont town for better wages and campaign for new school board members.

Tips for the Wired Classroom

Picture Perfect Project

Letters

Readers react to the May 2002 issue of NEA Today.

President's Viewpoint: NEA Everywhere

We are the right people, in the right places, at the right time. And we have the right ideas for public education.

My Turn

Kansas students carry out a Holocaust investigation that is making headlines.

Health & Fitness

Subsidized breakfast programs have been around for years, but some schools offer them with a new twist.

Money

Look Before You Leap

People

Chauncey Veatch hopes he can share his love of teaching with his peers as he tours the country as the 2002 National Teacher of the Year.

NEA RA

Delegates show ESEA the money.

Resources

A collection of art and poems by New York City public school children serves up compelling food for thought on this first anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

In the Light Lane

Facts of Life