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Magazine

NEA Today-Retired October 2020

In this issue learn how NEA members are organizing for their rights and benefits during the pandemic; read why community schools are addressing student and family needs; learn more about the history of voting rights for women; and meet NEA's new leaders.
October NEA Today cover image
Published: October 1, 2020

Cover Story: Our Moment -- Election 2020
The presidential election of a lifetime looms before us. In this special election section, educators speak out about why candidate Joe Biden is the clear choice for public education. Find out how you can help turn out the vote.

Retiree Activists Gear Up for November
NEA-Retired activists are coming out in force this election season. They are working to elect Joe Biden for U.S. president and are turning out the vote for state and local candidates and members of Congress. Some are even running for office themselves.

NEA-Retired Election Results Are In!
NEA-Retired President Sarah Borgman was reelected! Plus, meet the newest members of the leadership team. 

Hear Us Roar!
State and local unions stick together and win big on heath care, pay, and reopening safely.

Coping with Crisis at Community Schools
Many community schools were better prepared for the pandemic thanks to strong relationships with families and social services.

Meet the New Leaders of NEA
President Becky Pringle: ‘We will lead a movement for racial, social, and education justice.’

A Woman's Place is in her Union Leadership
NEA has a long history of women leaders who have fought for voting rights, equal pay, and access to education.

‘We Desperately Need Change’
Two paraprofessionals, both deeply concerned for their students, share why they are all in for Joe Biden.

Departments

First and Foremost
The U.S. Supreme Court delivers good news and bad news for educators and students; learning has suffered during the coronavirus outbreak; more educators are interested in social-emotional learning due to the pandemic; and a study shows "Anger bias" against Black students.

Issues and Impact
NEA members have the poser to create change in the upcoming presidential election; and educator Robin McNair works to stop the school-to-prison pipeline.

People and Places
Need some inspiration? Look no further than the incredible educators who won NEA's Human and Civil Rights Awards.

Teaching and Learning
A Delaware teacher, named her state's "Compassion Champion," offers tips on how to prevent compassion fatigue. Also, our tech expert provides online resources for teaching students about elections.

A Note from the NEA-Retired President
Sarah Borgman

NEA-Retired President Sarah Borgman
NEA-Retired President Sarah Borgman

In my home state of Indiana, the colors are turning a gorgeous palette of scarlet, gold, and amber, but in our hearts and minds we see red, white, and blue as the November election draws near. We are committed to electing a new U.S. president, and we must soldier on! I trust you’re involved in whatever you are called upon to do. The usual list of making calls, sending cards and emails, and knocking on doors are always available. And the need for poll workers and drivers on Election Day is greater than ever this year. Let’s not rest until we have done all that we can safely do!

The best part was in July when nearly 100 retired members offered in- put into Campaign 2020. Our opinions matter and help shape this process!

The work of our virtual committees is just beginning, following the first 2020 – 2021 meeting of the NEA-Retired Executive Committee, where we outlined our work for the year. I was pleased with the responses from state retired presidents this year in naming members to virtual committees. The Membership Committee and state presidents were also involved in training for reaching out to longtime members and possible future members. State captains of our political action committee are once again at work under the capable leadership of Callie Marksbary, of Indiana, a longtime member advocate.

So what remains? YOU and your part in the big picture. We are all needed to ensure that NEA-Retired remains a viable, contributing membership within our NEA family. Even if you do not hold an elected leadership position, there’s a job for you, too. Ask your local or state leader what you can do. Volunteer in your area of expertise. It takes all of us working together! Never forget, we are NEA-Retired. Our commitment continues, and we ARE needed now more than ever!

President's Viewpoint
Newly-elected NEA President Becky Pringle calls for new leadership for our country.

Extra Credit
A teacher's poetic reflection on tactile learning in the time of coronavirus

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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.