In her almost 20 years at NEA, Cindy has reported from schools as varied as a one-room schoolhouse in North Dakota to large, ethnically diverse high schools in the Washington, DC, metro area, covering topics from the impact of community schools on student learning and well-being to the resurgence of high school bands after COVID. Cindy is NEA's go-to writer for issues affecting education support professionals and her stories elevate the need for fair pay and respect for the staff who make public schools run. A former director or internet communications at the American Red Cross, Cindy also covers gun violence and school crisis response.
The Latest from Cindy Long
Helping Students Cope with Anxiety About School Shootings
When a mass shooting happens at school, students may feel afraid, especially if the tragedy is close to home. Here are some tips on how educators can help.
Feature Article
How Schools Are Tackling Chronic Absenteeism
Chronic absenteeism—when a student misses 10 percent of school days or more in one academic year—is a persistent nationwide problem. And many schools are still working to get students back to the classroom.
Educators Who Ensure Students and Public Schools Thrive
Amid threats to public education, there are standouts who prove how much communities benefit from and rely on the extraordinary people who work in our public schools.
Helping Students Spot Misinformation Online
Navigating today's 'infodemic' of news and information requires media literacy, critical thinking, and a healthy dose of skepticism.
Education Support Professionals
The Political Power of Education Support Professionals
Many states—including Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, Michigan, Vermont, and Washington—have or are creating their own ESP Bill of Rights.
Education Support Professionals
Local Union Challenges District Over Temp Hires—and Wins!
Illinois paraeducators prevent students from paying the price for privatization.
Feature Article
Breaking the Cycle of Bad Behavior
We love our students, but behavior problems have reached a crisis point. We can do something about it.
What do Book Bans and Vouchers Have in Common?
A new book explains where attacks on public schools are really coming from and what Americans need to know about them.
New Rule on Overtime Will Boost Pay for Thousands of School Support Staff
Labor Department rule ensures salaried workers making less than $58,656 receive fair pay for long hours.
Feature Article
Quality Preschool is More than ABCs
Investing in critical early-learning opportunities delivers results for students and our country.
What Do Students Want to Read? It Might Not Be What You Think
Move over Dog Man! Make room for nonfiction books.
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