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NEA Today for NEA-Retired Members magazine cover, 2026 January
Magazine

NEA Today for NEA-Retired, January 2026

If downsizing or decluttering is on your to-do list for 2026, our latest issue has a step-by-step guide to help you stop procrastinating and start organizing. You’ll also read inspiring stories of NEA-Retired members who are mentoring the next generation of educators, and you’ll meet a retiree whose book is being featured this month in Read Across America!
NEA Today for NEA-Retired Members magazine cover, 2026 January

Result List

Maine retiree Jane Conroy rotates former students’ drawings on her seasonal “Wall of Fame”
Cover Story

What to Keep and What to Throw Away

by: James Paterson January 12, 2026
Is it time to declutter or downsize? Instead of dreading the process, consider it an investment in your future self.
Aspiring Educator Jordan Hoy and her NEA-Retired mentor, Sara Kaufman
Feature Article

Mentoring the Next Generation

by: Janet Rivera Mednik January 12, 2026
When NEA-Retired members team up with NEA Aspiring Educators, the learning goes both ways
lauren hallgring
Feature Article

How to Help Students Value Democracy

by: Amanda Litvinov December 18, 2025
Great social studies classes are essential, but they're not the only place students learn about democracy.
Dwayne Taylor and kindergartners
Cover Story

Strategies for Teaching Boys

by: Mary Ellen Flannery December 10, 2025
Boys today are less likely to go to college and more likely to struggle with loneliness and lack of purpose. NEA members are working to change that.
later school start times
Feature Article

Does School Start Too Early?

by: Tim Walker October 31, 2025
Everyone agrees students need more sleep. But even as districts have adopted later school start times, the momentum behind this change seems to have stalled. “Are we really thinking this through?” asks one educator.

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New Beginnings: Embrace the Power of a Fresh Start

As the calendar turns, and we step into a brand-new year, there’s a certain magic in the air—a sense of possibility, hope, and renewal. It’s a time to reflect on the lessons of the past while daring to dream about the future. The beginning of the year is not just a change in date; it’s an invitation to reinvent ourselves, set new goals, and embrace the endless opportunities that lie ahead.

Every new year offers a blank page, waiting for your story. Perhaps last year brought challenges and setbacks, but remember that growth often comes from overcoming adversity. Take pride in your resilience and let those experiences fuel your journey forward. Now is the perfect moment to let go of what no longer serves you—old fears, doubts, and regrets—and to welcome fresh ambitions with open arms.

Set your intentions with courage and clarity. Whether you’re pursuing a personal goal, nurturing relationships, or seeking new adventures, trust that small, consistent steps can lead to profound transformation. Surround yourself with positivity, cultivate gratitude for what you have, and strive always to become the best version of yourself.

Most importantly, remember that the journey matters just as much as the destination. Celebrate your progress, learn from your mistakes, and support those around you. As you move through this new year, let hope guide you, let kindness inspire you, and let your dreams lead the way.

Here’s to new beginnings and the courage to make this year your most remarkable yet!
 

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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.