Skip Navigation
Great Public Schools Engaged Families & Communities Teacher Quality
Fair Pay & Benefits Bargaining & Educator Voice Student Debt Support Inclusive Workplaces Resource Library
Just & Equitable Schools Student Engagement Professional Learning Leadership Development Conferences & Events
Action Center COVID-19: Creating Safe and Just Schools Racial & Social Justice Funding for Students & Schools Educator Pay & Benefits Every Student Succeeds Act New From NEA
Become A Member Become a Community Ally Connect with Us Join a Campaign Donate
Our Mission, Vision, & Values Our Leaders Our Members Governance & Policies Partnerships Contact Us Grants & Funding
Articles NEA Today Past Issues All NEA Magazines
Press Releases
We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, provide ads, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies.
Action Center Logo
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
Learn More
Issue Explainer

COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for meaningful action on long-ignored challenges in public schools ranging from rebuilding our infrastructure to providing universal pre-K.
washing hands covid
By: National Education Association
Published: 12/02/2021

COVID-19 forced America to see the faces of the Black, brown, and Indigenous students stranded by the digital divide, the students who go hungry, the students who have no place to call home, the LGBTQ students who are bullied, the differently abled students who are denied the support they need.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 included the single largest federal investment in education in our nation’s history. It also revamped the child tax credit to cut poverty in half for U.S. children under age 18.

Bills in Congress

Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools

See all COVID-19 Bills in Congress

Letters & Testimony

NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.

See all COVID-19 Letters & Testimony
Bethany Jarrell
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated education inequities—especially for younger students who are experiencing speech, language, and other developmental delays—and that has made the need for universal pre-K and programs like Head Start even more critical.
Quote by: Bethany Jarrell, preschool teacher, Alamogordo, N.M.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.

Are you an affiliate?

Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.
Becky Pringle at an immigration rally with a bullhorn

Speak Up For Students and Public Schools

When we act together and lift our voices together in unison, we can improve the lives of children.
National Education Association

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.
About us
Partner with us
Advertise with us