NEA’s Aspiring Educators Program supports, develops, and empowers diverse, pre-service teachers with the resources, networks, and opportunities to lead in their schools, communities, and in all phases of their career. This is accomplished through an embodiment of its four core values in all program activities:
Aspiring Educators become activists at all levels of the organization—local, state, and national—so that all their students can maximize their potential.
NEA Aspiring Educators matter because they are the leading voice of the next generation of educators and leaders in this nation. Aspiring Educators make a difference because of their passion, commitment, and vision as association members who believe in public education and its potential to uplift individuals, families, and communities.
Like you, NEA Aspiring Educators advocate for and support:
- Improving the quality of educator preparation programs
- Providing affordable college options
- Recruiting and supporting diverse educators
- Enhancing safe and supportive learning environments for all students.
Join NEA and Aspiring Educators—a pathway to excellence as an empowered educator and leader—today and tomorrow!
Jack Kinnaman Scholarship
NEA Aspiring Educator members may apply for an NEA-Retired Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship of $2,500. Up to five scholarships are awarded each year, funded through the generosity of NEA-Retired members. To be considered for this award, aspiring educators must submit an application and several letters of recommendation. The NEA-Retired Intergenerational Committee selects the winners, who are announced at the NEA-Retired Annual meeting.
To learn more about the scholarship and apply, click here.
2021 Aspiring Educators Elections
National Education Association Aspiring Educator Program (NEA-AE) elections are held each year in the summer at the NEA Aspiring Educators Conference (AEC). Anyone interested in running for one of our positions must declare their candidacy by submitting a Candidate Certificate of Eligibility form no later than 5pm ET, May 1, 2021. Declared candidates will have the opportunity to participate in the candidate activities scheduled in the conference including the official nomination process, speeches, question & answer session and virtual tabling. Details about the elections procedures, requirements, Candidate Certificate of Eligibility form, and more can be found in the NEA Aspiring Educators Procedures Handbook.
This year the Aspiring Educators will elect members to serve in the following positions:
- Board of Directors Member- (1 position) 2-year term, September 2021- August 2023
- Board of Directors Member- (2 positions) 1-year term, September 2021- August 2022
- Resolutions Committee Member- (3 positions) 1-year term, September 2021- August 2022
Aspiring Educator Speaker Request
Request the Aspiring Educator Program Chair to speak at your event!
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