COVER: No More!
Educators—most of them women are underpaid and struggling. Their growing frustration has fueled #RedForEd—a nationwide movement that demands professional pay for professional work.
Recruiting ‘More Teachers Like Me’
NEA-Retired member Samevelyn Morgan Rock explains why after 40 years of service to the Chattanooga Public Schools she remains active in her local association.
Little Space, Big Results
Started in 2009 by the late Todd Bol as a tribute to his educator mom, there are now more than 80,000 Little Free Libraries sprinkled across the U.S.—many of them maintained by retired educators.
It’s About Building Power
NEA-Retired has grown faster than any other organization within NEA, They’re using that power to make a difference.
Inside a Trauma-Informed Classroom
From dimming the lights and creating a cool-down corner, to prioritizing social and emotional learning, educators can help smooth the road for students who are coping with trauma.
When Work Hurts
An increasing number of educators are being bitten, kicked, scratched, and punched at work. Now, they’re doing something about it.
Building Love and Trust
How restorative practices are making a difference for educators and students in Denver, Colo.
Departments
First and Foremost
Only Five States’ Charter School Laws Rated ‘Mediocre’ or Better
A new NEA report card on state charter laws and statutes zeroes in on the weak regulation and lax oversight that enable for-profi t organizations to open and manage charters in most states. The report, titled “State Charter Statutes: NEA Report Cards,” found that nearly every state (44 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico currently have charter schools) fails to require adequate oversight over the charter school sector.
Statutes in 40 states received “F” grades. Five states that have laws requiring some oversight received “mediocre” ratings, with grades ranging from “D” to “C-”.
Nationwide measles outbreak underscores need for school nurses
The U.S. is experiencing the highest number of measles cases since the disease was considered eliminated in this country in the year 2000. Fighting the spread has been made difficult by the underfunding of school nurses.
High-poverty schools feel the impact of teacher shortage the most
A new report finds that the deficit that is “much more of an acute problem in high-poverty schools."
How Closing Schools Traumatizes Students and Communities
And a new book by author Eve L. Ewing, describes the emotional effect of school closings
Issues and Impact
The Educator-Activist’s To-Do List
Here's a simple checklist to help you advocate for your students and your profession through the upcoming school year and beyond.
Be Like Bobby: Revitalize Your Local
How Bobby Jenkins—vice president of the Fauquier County Education Association (Virginia)—is making sure the voices of ESPs are heard.
People and Places
Meet Virginia teacher Rodney Robinson
"I hope to be the voice for all students who feel unseen, unheard, unappreciated and undervalued in America,” says Virginia social studies teacher.
Departments
The NEA Fund Needs You!: A Message from NEA-Retired President Sarah Borgman
Now is the time to establish a purpose and a plan and build power by contributing to the NEA Fund.
Lily's Blackboard
‘Something Big Is About to Happen’
NEA member Evelyn Fabito works three jobs to make ends meet. When it comes to the next presidential election, we can’t let her down.
Extra Credit
An example of how one NEA member puts his issue of NEA Today to work.
"Just wanted to thank you for your hard work in publishing the NEA
[Today] magazine and send along this photo of our staff association bulletin board for which I use cut-outs from NEA Today...[Y]our literature helps me keep the staff at Lecanto High School informed of important national and statewide issues." - Brian F. Sullivan
Inspired by Florida's Brian F. Sullivan from the Citrus County Education Association
NEA’s Substitute Educator Members
Illinois desperately needs this kind of help! (“There is No Substitute for a Good Union Contract”) A fair wage, benefits, training, and raises would bring a higher number of substitutes to the schools along with re- spect and credibility. I have not received a raise in over 10 years!
—PAULA VAN BEEK
Retired Educator Donates Ranch to Needy Kids
What a fantastic example of hu- manity in action (“I Want to Help These Kids”) in a nation where we are continuing to evidence man’s inhumanity to man.
—JACK PHLUG
