Cash Cow

The $393 billion public education “industry” is becoming increasingly lucrative for private companies, which are now landing contracts for everything from cafeteria and tutoring services to full management of schools. Meanwhile, voucher plans continue to get a toehold in more and more districts. Who’s benefiting as these public monies flow into private hands? Not kids.

Technology

Tired of screeching chalk and dust-covered clothing? Such teaching hazards are becoming a thing of the past as schools send traditional classroom tools the way of fountain pens and dunce caps.

Your Desk

Where else does Disney meet Shakespeare and Tim the Tool Guy? NEA Today sent a team of investigators to discover the real purpose behind those zany belongings that find comfort on a teacher’s desk.

ESP

Minnesota paraeducators opt for “strength and knowledge” by joining the merged NEA-AFT state affiliate.

NEAFT

K–12 educators aren’t the only ones fighting assaults on public education, as higher ed members in Washington State show with their votes.

Health & Fitness

Here they are! They’ve strutted and strolled through miles of hallway and track; trimmed and slimmed to take the top NEA Fitness Challenge prizes home to their schools. Competing in their own unique ways—walking, workout tapes, gym routines—hundreds of members participated in the NEA Fitness Challenge, the organization’s first initiative to help you get in shape.

People

Meet Teacher of the Year Kathleen Mellor (right), who started a successful program for ESL students, and ESP of the Year Sunny Story, a paraeducator who made an incredible career helping troubled children.

Last Bell

She may not have all the answers as she begins her new teaching career, but Rhonda Lewis says she’s psyched and ready for showtime.

Editor's Note

President's Viewpoint

UpFront

It’s taken two and a half years, but a reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is in sight.

State Report

Leading the Way

Debate

Should teachers allow students to call them by their first names?

Resources