The Future We Build 

I’ve been an Aspiring Educator member for seven years, but I’ve known I wanted to teach for almost 20. As I write my final message in this role for NEA Today for Aspiring Educators, I reflect on memories from my years as an Aspiring Educator: 

I remember the nerves I felt before walking into the first chapter meeting for Aspiring Educators at my campus, the University of Oregon. In the hour that followed, a wave of relief washed over me as I realized that I was not alone in my big dreams to become an educator-activist. 

I remember the anticipation I felt before my first state conference with the Oregon Education Association. That weekend, I realized I was a part of a community larger than just my campus, with protections and opportunities to grow over the course of my career.  

I remember the energy and excitement I felt during my first national Aspiring Educators Conference. I sat in my college apartment Zooming into the four-day virtual conference. I left invigorated and inspired for what the future held. I knew that no matter where teaching took me, I would have a support system with our union.  

I would not have entered those spaces, feeling all the ways I did, without the invitations from fellow union members who noticed me, encouraged me, and supported me in my big dreams.  

In the years that followed, I experienced high highs and low lows—always remembering that I’m not alone in the pursuit of a safe, just, and equitable education system. And when I needed to take a step back, whether for personal reasons or just to finish my EdTPA, I knew that Aspiring Educators like you were stepping up. 

In my two years as the Aspiring Educators chair, I have been inspired by your aspirations, creativity, and bravery. You have shown up to legislators’ offices, school board meetings, art builds, rallies, classes, and internships—holding your values close and building a better world, together. You have pushed the Aspiring Educators program into a new era, by growing our power, solidarity, and advocacy skills, and building a new generation of leaders. 

Keep showing up. Show up in the ways you can: Organize, mentor, teach, listen, vote, and write. Bring someone with you to the next No Kings Rally, to May Day, or to Labor Day. Connect with fellow workers, union members, and students to advocate for the schools and communities we need. Feel the nerves, anticipation, energy, and excitement that I feel too. It takes all of us showing up in our different ways to topple the pillars of authoritarianism facing our country.  

The reality we seek is possible.  

Aspiring Educators, thank you for being a part of the movement for education justice, for inspiring me to keep fighting, and for giving me a space to dream big, advocate boldly, and know that we are not alone in the pursuit of justice and equity. 

Our commitment to racial and social justice does not change depending on who is in power. Educators are advocates. We have the honor of continuing that fight. We will march. We will raise our voices. We will learn. We will teach. Because we believe there is a better world possible. Thank you. 

— Hannah St. Clair