Saving the Joy

Teaching reading well—getting kids to love it, embrace it, know how to do it right—takes skill, thought, and time. But educators working under the heady pressures of the federal education law say the rush to meet academic targets is making it hard to put those pieces together and play up the fun that should come along.

NEAFT

NEA and AFT affiliates work together in New Mexico to elect an education-friendly governor, while in a landslide victory, Florida higher ed faculty vote for union representation.

Retirement

For these NEA-Retired members, public service didn't end at retirement, it just went global. Meet Rosalie Giffoniello, who launched a nonprofit and teaches homeless children in Kolkata, India. Mary Jo Huelle trains fellow teachers in Arusha, Tanzania, where professional development is rare. Tom Mechtenberg helps St. Lucians create support services for students with special needs, and Barb Gosh worked to modernize schools in Thailand.

Organizing

Members of a Colorado ESP local step beyond their comfort zone to speak up, build membership, and earn the respect of administrators.

Spotlight

A favorite storybook character, a little starpower, the U.S. postal service, and one creative teacher help North Carolina second graders reconnect with reading.

ESP

Ohio support professionals develop job descriptions that clarify their roles—and their contributions to public education.

Health & Fitness

If you're among the hundreds of educators taking the NEA Fitness Challenge and your zeal is starting to fade, take heart: There is a way to stay psyched and keep those pounds rolling off. How? Just ask your colleagues (and a few experts, too!).

People

Listen to the uplifting music of Karen Collins' two bands and you'll know not all cowgirls get the blues. Read about Karen and about committed educator Lucille Decker, who's in her 60th year of teaching.

Last Bell

A corporate whistleblower trades the business world for public education and learns the truth about teaching: It's harder, more demanding, and the best career decision he ever made.

Editor's Note

President's Viewpoint

UpFront

Trends, Facts, Innovators, Wisdom, Research, First 5, News, Quotes, Humor

Rights Watch

State Report

Leading the Way

Debate

Should we ban cell phones in school?

Dilemma

How do you respond to religious intolerance among students?

Resources

Books by NEA Members Online