COVER: Still Strong
Lauren Brill is president of Virginia’s Fauquier Education Association (FEA). She expected to lose members in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision handed down last summer. Many claimed the ruling would devastate labor. Instead, FEA is growing. The affiliate is part of a 14,000-member increase experienced by NEA since last year.
Rally Signs to Make You Think and Smile
#RedForEd isn’t a moment. It’s an entire movement that continues to make a difference for students across the U.S. Inside, check out some of the smart and creative signs carried by pro-public education activists who’ve shown up at #RedForEd rallies, walk outs, protests, job actions, and strikes.
There is No Substitute for a Good Union Contract
From Maryland to Maine to Washington state, substitute educators who belong to wall- to-wall unions say they have a voice that leads to more professional pay, some access to health and retirement benefits, and professional development opportunities that make them better teachers.
Special Sections
First and Foremost
Got Counselors?
Schools are hiring new personnel to help keep students healthy and safe, but they’re not bringing on counselors to help protect students’ mental health. Instead, a lot of money is being spent on enforcement and discipline—even in the face of scant evidence that these measures actually work. In March, the American Civil Liberties Union found that millions of students are in schools with law enforcement but no support staff.
#RedForEd Protests Driving ‘Substantial’ Increases in Education Funding
Arizona, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and West Virginia are among the states that made the deepest cuts to education in the decade since the Great Recession.
In 2018, however, lawmakers in these states boosted school funding. It’s no coincidence, according to a recent paper issued by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), that these improvements came soon after educators launched successful strikes to protest the chronic underfunding of their public schools.
Although the news is encouraging, the CBPP study makes it clear that states have a long way to go before they dig themselves out of the hole. Per-student formula funding in Arizona, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and West Virginia is still well below pre-recession levels.
What Happens When Teachers Leave Mid-Year?
The impact on students may be greater when turnover occurs during the school year, underlining the urgency to strengthen the teaching profession.
Issues and Impact
Your Year in Activism
Education activism is at a historic level, thanks to NEA members who are powering #RedForEd, helping pro-public education candidates win, and making Washington listen and act.
People and Places
2019 ESP of the Year Matthew Powell Does It All
Meet 2019 ESP of the Year Matthew Powell who says his tenure will be about shining the spotlight on critical issues faced by ESPs.
Teaching and Learning
Use Curiosity to Help Drive a Lesson
When you encourage student questions, and give them the freedom to zigzag toward the answers, engagement builds along the way.
Departments
A Note from the Editor-in-Chief
Educators are the Storm
As another school year comes to a close, the solidarity and activism of educators has shown the nation that you are more determined than ever to stand together and create better outcomes for students.
Lily's Blackboard
I Am Worker, Hear Me Roar!
Since 2018, more than 485,000 workers have hit the streets across the nation. That’s the highest number in more than 30 years, and we’re just getting started.
Talk Back
Why We Stay
Michelle Usher was 100 percent correct when she stated “I really care about you.” (students). (“Why We Stay,”April NEA Today) Erika Navarro-Dix also mentioned that “I’ve always enjoyed being around kids.” These two statements are the main reasons why I am still teaching in the public schools after 57 years. My first seven years were in the Philippines and the next 50 years have been in Los Angeles Unified School District. May they last longer than I do as public school teachers! God Bless!
—DIOSDADO S. DE LEON
Having a strong mentor helped me stay in the profession and I’ve been hanging in there for 28 years. Knowing someone has your back and can talk you off the ledge is something all teachers need, especially in mid-career. I would recommend an active mentoring program that follows teachers through their career.
—M. HAUCKE-DAVIS
We Need Community Schools I agree but we need to empower families and social organizations to wrap their own arms. (“Like Arms Wrapped Around a Family,” April NEA Today) Framing this as another duty of public schools is contributing to burnout.
—D.WOODS
