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NEA Today January 2022

In this issue we learn how NEA members advocated to put pandemic relief funds to work for their students, examine the impact of voter suppression laws, shine a spotlight on school bus driver shortages, and explain how your school can become a community school.
NEA Today January 2022 Cover
Published: January 2022

The Inspiring Story of Educators Who Spoke Up About Pandemic Relief

Casper, Wyo., feels a world away from Washington, D.C. But local educators—working through their union—made sure federal rescue funds were used to meet their students’ needs. Find out how you can speak up for students in your district, too.   

What’s Fueling the Bus Driver Shortage?

Low pay and poor benefits combined with pandemic fears are leaving thousands of school bus driver positions unfilled. Students and drivers are paying the price with later drop-off times and crowded buses.

But Is It a Sport?

Laser-sharp reflexes. Teamwork. Strategy. The benefits of esports may surprise you. 

The Healing Power of Books

NEA’s Read Across America offers books to help students overcome grief and anxiety.

Imagine a World Without Student Debt

More vacations? Early retirement? What would debt-free living mean for you? 

Jim Crow 2.0

Voter suppression laws are targeting People of Color—again! 

How You Can Start a Community School

Learn from NEA members who are transforming schools into community hubs. 

A Serving of Food Justice, One Ingredient at a Time

Healthy, locally sourced food for all students? Visit a school cafeteria in Maine where the catch of the day and farm fresh produce are on the menu.

Issues and Impact

You Can Help Protect the Vote

People and Places

Gratitude: Art Teacher Honors Health care Workers

Teaching and Learning

Poet Amanda Gorman is Teaching Students to be Change-Makers

Becky's Journal of Joy, Justice, and Excellence

NEA's president spent her fall visiting schools and NEA members and speaking out on the issues that matter to public education.

Editor's Note

A Better Future is Within our Grasp

Supporting Vaccinations

“Vaccination requirements in schools are nothing new. They work, and they’re overwhelmingly supported by educators and their unions and all school officials trying to do the right thing by our children. I’ll always be on your side." —President Joe Biden

in the Fall

"Everyone needs to follow the science, and evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines, combined with masking and other mitigation strategies, are the most powerful weapon we have against the pandemic." —Becky Pringle on the Virginia News Site The Patch

Join Our Movement

We ask only what is right: equal opportunity for every student, every educator, every family. At home, in school, online, in Washington–there’s a right place for all of us to make a difference.

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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.