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NEA provides guidance and resources for returning to classrooms safely, and with an emphasis on racial and social justice.
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COVID-19: Take Action

The House passed the HEROES Act. Demand the Senate take similar action now! Schools cannot re-open safely with massive budget cuts, fewer educators and less help for students.
By: National Education Association
Published: 10/19/2020

The COVID-19 crisis has pushed unemployment to Great Depression-era levels and massive budget cuts to schools are on the way, threatening educator jobs and the ability to safely re-open schools to serve our students. The House passed the HEROES Act, which could keep hundreds of thousands of educators from getting pink slips. Our students have suffered during this crisis — especially students of color, those with disabilities, and in poverty — and need more attention and instruction from educators than ever before. The Senate cannot delay any longer. It must deliver for our students and educators right now.  Read more about our demands.

Here is what you can do to help students, educators, and communities so that we all rise together out of the COVID-19 crisis. 

Action 1: Write Your Senators

With our country and public schools facing serious financial challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis, students need you to speak up now! Congress MUST prioritize dedicated funding to support public school students, educators, and communities in the next coronavirus relief package, not just billionaires and corporations.

Action 2: Call Your Senators

We all want our schools and campuses to safely reopen, but massive budget cuts are a threat we cannot ignore. The House of Representatives passed a bold plan to help called the HEROES Act but the Senate – led by Mitch McConnell – refuses to act. We need your help by calling your senators to ensure our students do not suffer any more from the COVID-19 crisis. Fill out this form to be automatically connected to your senators’ offices. We’ll walk you through what to say. If the Senate does not step up, schools face cuts far worse than the Great Recession, with fewer educators and less help for students.

Action 3: Tweet Your Senators

The U.S. Senate left town without reaching a deal on the next coronavirus aid package. This means 30 million Americans got their unemployment slashed and public schools across the country are left to fend for themselves without additional funding for PPEs, cleaning supplies, or tech for online learning. Tweet your Senators and tell them to get back to Washington to pass the funding our schools and communities need.

Action 4: SIGN THE OPEN LETTER TO SCHOOL BOARDS

No student should have to sacrifice their health or safety in order to access a great public education. Whether school buildings are open or not, school systems must make sure each and every student has equitable access to the best possible learning experiences. Students and educators must be equipped with the tools and resources they need for effective remote instruction, including devices, internet connectivity, digital literacy training, and professional learning. Add your name to an open letter to school boards asking them to ensure safe and equitable learning amid COVID-19.

Action 5: BUILD COLLECTIVE ACTION — BECOME AN NEA COMMUNITY ALLY

Together, we will advocate for legislation to help students, educators, and public schools navigate the fallout from COVID-19. But we need your support. Become a community ally for $25 and help fund our efforts. Join today.

Action 6: Pledge Your Support

The coronavirus may have closed school buildings and campuses, but it didn’t stop educators from working to ensure their students learn, cope, and even get fed. It has revealed how critical public schools and educators are to our students, communities and country. Educators are dedicated to every student’s success and opportunity, even through this difficult time. And, they are fighting to prevent deep, negative impacts on students particularly those most vulnerable students in communities of color or those in deep poverty, or living in rural, isolated communities. If you believe in the power of public schools to create opportunity for all students, add your name to show your support. We’ll let you know what you can do to help our nation’s students and educators get through the coronavirus and its aftermath.

Already taken the pledge? Click here for more actions.
NEA provides guidance and resources for returning to classrooms safely, and with an emphasis on racial and social justice.
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.
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