Federal Education Association

Teacher Appreciation Week Spotlight | National Black Teacher Appreciation Day (May 7)

FEA Member Spotlight: Dr. Michael A. Pope

This Teacher Appreciation Week, FEA is proud to highlight Dr. Michael A. Pope, a middle school science teacher at Zama American Middle-High School and a National Teachers Hall of Fame inductee.

Dr. Pope centers his teaching on student agency, global relevance, and personal connection. His induction into the National Teachers Hall of Fame reflects not only his individual achievement, but the collective impact of students and educators, especially within DoDEA.

Drawing on experiences like his Fulbright fellowship and NEA Global Learning Fellowship, he developed the G.L.P. (Global, Local, Personal) model to make learning meaningful and student-driven. He also emphasizes the “power of one,” believing that a single teacher can profoundly shape a student’s life.

In recognition of National Black Teacher Appreciation Day on Thursday, May 7, we also celebrate Dr. Pope as part of the legacy and continued impact of Black educators who lead, innovate, and inspire across our schools and communities. His work reflects the excellence, care, and commitment that define the profession.

Through practices like ethical gamification, Dr. Pope helps students become confident thinkers and problem-solvers, while encouraging fellow educators to embrace growth, lifelong learning, and meaningful connection.

Read more from the National Teachers Hall of Fame: https://bit.ly/4cICiCP

Learn more about NTHF and upcoming events: https://bit.ly/3OVFdQI

Want to be featured in the FEA newsletter or Spring Journal? Email [email protected] with a photo and a few details.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Teacher Day on Tuesday, May 5, FEA is proud to spotlight Jessica Yucel, named DoDEA-Europe West Teacher of the Year.

Jessica teaches English and Social Studies at Spangdahlem High School in Germany, where her work reflects a deep commitment to student growth, academic excellence, and meaningful engagement in the classroom. This recognition highlights not only her teaching, but the broader impact of educators who lead with purpose both inside and beyond their schools.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Jessica serves as the Europe-West District Representative for FEA. In this role, she advocates for educators, supports colleagues, and helps strengthen the professional community across the region. She sees union membership as a way to elevate the profession, build solidarity, and ensure that strong teaching and strong advocacy go hand in hand.

As a DoDEA graduate, being named Europe West Teacher of the Year is especially meaningful to Jessica. It represents a full-circle moment that connects her own experience as a student to the work she now does to support and empower the next generation.

For Jessica, this recognition is both humbling and motivating. She views it not as a finish line, but as a platform to continue growing, refining her practice, and contributing to a profession she cares deeply about. She is proud to represent her district, her students, and her colleagues.

If you’d like to spotlight yourself or a colleague in the FEA newsletter or Spring Journal, please email [email protected] with a photo and a few details.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we honor the educators who show up every day with care, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to their students.

At FEA, we know that behind every lesson plan, every late night, and every moment of encouragement is a professional who believes deeply in the power of education. Your work shapes lives, strengthens communities, and builds the future.

Union membership is part of that impact. It’s how we stand together, support one another, and ensure that educators are respected, protected, and heard.

To every FEA member, thank you for the work you do and the difference you make. 💙📚

FEA Member Spotlight: Joshua Kaufman

Joshua Kaufman is a Math Support Specialist at The Sullivans School in Yokosuka, Japan, where he has spent nearly two decades helping students engage with math in meaningful and accessible ways. His teaching centers on building true understanding, encouraging students to think critically rather than rely on memorization.

As part of the Pacific Area Subject Matter Experts, Joshua contributes to a “Professional Development For Us By Us” model that emphasizes teacher-led learning and gives educators a stronger voice in their professional growth.

He specializes in Math Talks, an approach that builds conceptual understanding, strengthens mental math skills, and encourages all students to participate. His work has made a broad impact, including the creation of a math support website used by over 11,000 educators across DoDEA schools and leading professional development for fellow teachers.

Joshua’s dedication to student engagement and educator collaboration reflects the power of teacher-driven innovation in education.

Josh was originally featured in FEA's weekly newsletter. If you missed it please email us at [email protected] to join our mailing list.

Also If you’d like to spotlight yourself or someone else in the weekly FEA newsletter or the upcoming Spring Journal, please reach out to us at [email protected] with a photo and a few details.

FEA's Annual Membership Meeting (AMM) and the National Education Association (NEA) Representative Assembly (RA) will take place from June 30 to July 8, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.

The AMM is where FEA members come together to discuss organizational business, set priorities, and address issues impacting members across DoDEA. It provides an opportunity for members to engage directly in the governance and direction of FEA. NEA leadership often attends this meeting to deliver updates and offer support to members.

The NEA RA is the largest democratic deliberative body in the country, where elected delegates from across the nation set policy and guide the direction of NEA.

If you are interested in attending the AMM as a non-delegate, please email us at [email protected] for more information.

Key Dates
June 30: Arrival / Free AFSPA Reception
July 1-2: FEA Annual Membership Meeting
July 3-7: NEA Representative Assembly (Registration on July 3)
July 8: Departure

If you have any questions or are interested in attending the FEA Annual Membership Meeting as a non-delegate, please contact [email protected].

The Winter 2026 edition of the FEA Journal is now available online.

Inside, you’ll find:
• A message from FEA President Sharon Manuel
• A message from former FEA President Lynne Holland
• 2026 Pacific Area Director election information
• Additional association spotlights and updates

Read the full digital edition here:
https://feaonline.org/fea-journal-winter-2026

Please note: The Winter edition of the FEA Journal will be available in digital format only and will not be mailed to members’ homes.

National School Counseling Week 2026, observed February 2–6, recognizes the critical role school counselors play in supporting students and strengthening school communities. This year’s theme, “School Counselors Amplify Student Success,” highlights the impact of FEA members who serve as DoDEA school counselors and advance student excellence, readiness, and resilience every day.

FEA school counselors support students through advocacy, individualized guidance, and collaboration with educators and families, helping to advance the goals of the DoDEA Blueprint while upholding the values of public education and student-centered support. This week, we celebrate and thank our FEA counselors for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to student success across the DoDEA system.

🌟 2027 Awards for Teaching Excellence 🌟

The NEA Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Awards for Teaching Excellence. These awards honor educators who show outstanding teaching, strong advocacy, and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

✨ Who’s eligible?
All current members of an NEA local affiliate or bargaining unit, including teachers, ESPs, and higher education faculty and staff.
FEA may submit one nominee to NEA, but all active FEA members are encouraged to apply for internal review.

🏆 Awards include:
🏛️ Awards ceremony: February 2027 in Washington, DC
✈️ Expenses-paid travel to Washington, DC
💵 Five Horace Mann Award recipients receive $10,000
🌟 One recipient also receives the NEA Member Benefits Award, including $25,000

📅 FEA submission deadline: Monday, February 23, 2026

📎 Scan the QR code or go to https://feaonline.org/member-resources/grants-awards/nea-awards-teaching-excellence to see the required nomination materials and the full packet.
📧 Submit completed packets to [email protected]
and [email protected]

Know an educator who deserves this recognition? Or is it you? 👀📚

✊🏽 FEA is showing up and fighting for America’s workforce.

Over 1 million federal workers lost their union rights under an Executive Order. On January 14, unions and allies came together to fight to get them back.

FEA and NEA showed up at the U.S. Capitol for the January 14 rally in support of the Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA), a bipartisan bill that would restore union protections for federal workers and require the administration to honor collective bargaining agreements.

PAWA has already passed the House with bipartisan support. The focus now is on pushing it through the Senate, and continued public pressure matters. Leaders from Congress, national unions, and local labor organizations stood united to demand action and protect collective bargaining rights for federal workers.

As discussions resume in the Senate about PAWA, NEA has released an updated action alert for members. FEA members are encouraged to contact their Senators about this critical legislation that protects federal workers’ rights nationwide.

👉 Take action here:
https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/action-center/take-action/urge-senate-pass-protect-americas-workforce-act

Your voice matters, and collective action helps ensure this bill stays front and center for lawmakers.

🌟December 10: International Human Rights Day 🌟

The holiday season can hold both joy and heaviness. Many families are navigating tension shaped by fear, racial divides, and the fading of values that once held this country together.

The United States was built on the hope that people from every background could come here and build a better life. We may have drifted from that vision, but drifting is not the same as being lost.

On December 10, the world observes International Human Rights Day, first established in 1948. It stands on one powerful truth: Every human being is born with equal dignity, rights, and worth.

As we gather, rest, or reconnect this month, let’s also reflect on who we are as a nation and who we aim to become. Our deepest strength has always come from our diversity, unity, and courage.

This December 10, let’s renew our commitment to:
❤️ Dignity
🤝 Equality
⚖️ Justice
🌍 Shared humanity

Together, we can move closer to the promise of this country through collective compassion and courageous action.