NEA Resources
Guide for School Leaders Sorts out Legal
Issues Regarding Sexual Orientation, Identity
A consortium of national organizations -- including NEA -- has issued "Dealing with Legal Matters Surrounding Students' Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity." ( PDF, 409 KB, 21 pages ) It provides practical guidance on schools' legal rights and responsibilities with respect to students, school programs, and curriculum. Using a question-and-answer format, the publication addresses everything from student organizations and clubs to dress codes.
NEA Offers Values/Character Education Resources
Without taking a position on any specific approach to values/character education, the NEA has compiled a wealth of authoritative and respected resources to assist members, other educators, and concerned citizens in finding the approach that will work best in their communities.
Learning First Alliance Offers Guidance on ESEA
The Learning First Alliance, a partnership of NEA and 11 other leading national education groups, has developed and released a comprehensive set of materials to help schools and communities understand and respond to the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). NEA members can get professional onsite assistance in conducting community "conversations" aimed at increasing understanding of the new regulations.
The package gives special attention to schools that are labeled "in need of improvement" under the new federal requirements of ESEA, which was officially renamed the Leave No Child Behind Act. The entire set of materials (in PDF) is available for download at the Learning First Alliance Web site.
NEA Offers Resources to Improve School Quality
Keys to Excellence for Your Schools (KEYS) is a survey tool and school reform process to help NEA members work with administrators, parents, and the community to improve local schools. The KEYS program is a major part of NEA's efforts to make public schools great for every child.
NEA Report Offers Teachers' Views on Reading
The Report of the NEA Task Force on Reading 2000 (76k PDF, 30 pages) moves beyond the ongoing debate about the best ways to teach reading and calls for a focus on "complete" reading programs. The report states that "...amid all the discussion by special panels of experts and statements by policy makers, the voices of teachers -- the people whose expertise is based on real teaching experiences in real classrooms -- are not usually heard."
NEA's report was written by teachers and offers guidance for practitioners and policy makers seeking to make a difference in real classrooms.
The NEA Task Force on Reading agreed on three key points around which the report's recommendations revolve.
- There is no one way to teach reading that works for all children all the time.
- The teacher, not the method, makes the real difference in reading success.
- Teachers cannot do the job without the support of the community and good policy.
The report also describes 10 key elements of what should comprise a complete reading program.
Bookstore
NEA "Professional Library" books can help you and your colleagues manage classrooms, inspire students, and transform learning. You can read most of our newest titles free online. Ordering what you need to succeed is simple, secure, and just a mouse click away!
Web Site Points Hispanic Students to Scholarships
Get easy access to more than 1,000 sources of college financial aid at the Hispanic Scholarship Directory Web site. Sponsored by NEA and the National Hispanic Press Foundation, the site includes college application guidelines and a scholarship database searchable by state, college, and field of interest.
NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education
The NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education (NFIE) awards grants to educators who propose innovative and promising ways to help all students experience academic success and reach their full potential, especially those who have been historically underserved by society's institutions.
NEA Today
NEA Today is the Association's flagship publication. Published eight times a year, it presents a collaborative exploration of the hottest challenges and solutions facing today's teachers.
Urban Grants Program
Grassroots initiatives that promote a spirit of cooperation among local educators, students, and urban communities are recognized by the NEA Urban Grants Program. Each year, NEA awards 25 grants of $5,000 each to local NEA affiliates. Hurry! This year's deadline is September 30.
President's Columns
NEA's President offers a regular commentary on the education scene. He addresses everything from teacher quality to student achievement in his Washington Post column.
Substitute Teachers
Substitute teachers perform a vital function in the maintenance and continuity of daily education. They serve as educational bridges when teachers are absent. Learn more about these professionals and find out what states are doing to recognize them.
Works4Me
The NEA's popular Works4Me program provides an ongoing supply of classroom tips from fellow educators. Each week, Works4Me subscribers receive an e-mail message with two practical classroom tips submitted by the real education experts - your colleagues.
NEA members also can read the weekly tips on OWL.org, an NEA Web site that provides members with practical tips, strategies, and education materials. Free registration is required for this member-only site; once you have registered and logged in, go to the My Profession section and scroll down to the Works4Me feature.
To join the mailing list, simply send an e-mail message to: lyris@list.nea.org. Type: "subscribe works4me" in the message field.
Works4Me Tips
NEA's Works4Me tips library contains hundreds of ideas and solutions you can use in your classroom right now. They are divided by topic. All activities and techniques are submitted by fellow teachers to enhance effectiveness and interaction with parents, students and peers.
Topics
NEA can help you discover and understand all the key issues in education today -- from charter schools and vouchers, to teacher quality and professional development. Teachers may find the following topics especially interesting:
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