School Crisis Guide
NEA's School Crisis Guide is a step-by-step resource created by educators for educators to make it easier for union leaders, school district administrators, and principals to keep schools safe — before, during, and after a crisis.
We’re here to make sure that every student & educator succeeds.
The National Education Association (NEA) is more than 3 million people—educators, students, activists, workers, parents, neighbors, friends—who believe in opportunity for all students and in the power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society.
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Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.
Our journey began more than a century ago. Yours starts now.
We’ve spent decades working for students and educators—but, there’s still more to do. Like our progress during the civil rights and women’s rights movements, we need to dig in and speak up for the students and educators who are still facing inequality every day.
Let’s get real
Let’s bring real change
Let’s get real
Forty-two percent of LGBTQ youth said they seriously considered suicide in 2021.
Let’s bring real change
“LGBTQ+ students are at an extreme disadvantage in schools where they are not accepted. In classrooms where educators affirm only opposite-sex relationships and narrowly defined expressions of gender, LGBTQ+ students will feel unheard or inadequate. They will wonder if they should trust or value all of the identities that make them who they are.”
— Amber Myrrh Ingram, ESL elementary school teacher, New Jersey
How can schools and educators help?
A 2020 study found that 28 percent of transgender youth whose pronouns were not affirmed attempted suicide in the past year.
Let’s bring real change
“Every child deserves to have teachers who share their experiences and identities because these adults provide hope and proof that a fulfilling life is possible. For our growing number of trans and nonbinary and questioning students, I get to be that proof.”
— Sam Long, science teacher, Colorado
Create a safe school climate for students and staff
The war in Ukraine is providing the “teachable moments” educators seek, but they’re treading carefully.
Let’s bring real change
“We talk about current events all the time, and the ultimate goal is to teach our students how to apply what they’re learning to real world scenarios. But it’s important to target the information to the age and comfort level of your students. You have to know where they’re coming from. For example, we have a lot military families and some kids have family or friends of family who’ve been deployed to eastern Europe. They’ve asked, are we going to war?”
— Dustin Rhoades, social studies teacher, Maryland
How teachers are talking about the war in Ukraine
What’s on Your Mind?
We’re here to help. Our community comes to us seeking tools (guides, reports, trainings, and more) to help answer everyday questions. We’re here to support you in whatever you need.
Ensuring Safe School Communities
NEA remains committed to ending gun violence in our nation’s public schools and communities. Access our resources to support the mental health of students and educators, cope with crisis, and advocate for safer schools.
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Great public schools for every student
The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest
professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of
public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of
education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has
affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities
across the United States.