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Our Voices

Our Voices, August 2024

Quick takes: What gives you hope?

Quote byAnne N.

Genuine curiosity in students.
—Anne N.

Quote byJane Ann Sykes

When I see that [as a school nurse] I am making a difference. A kid gets glasses and the world opens up! Or she goes to the dentist and isn't in pain anymore!
—Jane Ann Sykes

Quote byGreg M.

Being part of a strong union that has our back-even when the world forgets to appreciate our work!!!
—Greg M.

Quote byDebi B.

Those little notes from the toughest and sweetest saying, "I want to be an art teacher like you when I grow up!"
—Debi B.

Quote byJennifer H.

My amazing students! Especially my middle school’s newcomer immigrant students. These kids have lived through incredibly challenging life experiences, and yet they show up at school with positive attitudes, ready to learn.
—Jennifer H.

Quote byAmy Harrison

My union family!
—Amy Harrison

Quote byEcho M.

That even on my longest, hardest, most dispiriting days, I will have a student bring me a bag of chips or something from the vending machine, and suddenly nothing seems as terrible because one random teenager, who is biologically geared to be totally selfish, thought about me enough to bring me food.
—Echo M.

We want to know what’s on your mind. We asked this question on NEA Today’s Facebook page and received so many great answers! Keep an eye on facebook.com/neatoday for our next question, and share this link with your fellow NEA members.

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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.