NEA Today

Kickoff National Higher Education Month with NEA, on October 1, by joining our webinar for higher education faculty and staff to learn how to protect their voice on campus and take a stand for academic freedom. Register now:

NEA HigherEd | Know Your Rights! In this webinar, we'll discuss the principles of academic freedom and provide actionable ways to better advocate for greater protections on your campus.

Book bans and vouchers are two sides of the same coin, both posing serious threats to public education. While book bans limit students’ access to diverse and inclusive materials, vouchers funnel resources away from public schools, creating inequality in education. Now is the time to advocate for public schools and stand for every student’s right to learn in an equitable environment.

What do Book Bans and Vouchers Have in Common? | NEA A new book explains where attacks on public schools are really coming from and what Americans need to know about them.

This , find a new read! 📚 Little Free Library recently launched a new interactive map to show the locations of book bans across the country and nearby Little Free Library book-sharing boxes. Use the map to find your next banned read:

Book Ban Hotspots and Nearby Little Free Library Locations Shown on New Interactive Map - Little Free Library We are pleased to introduce an interactive map that highlights two key features: locations of book bans across the United States and locations of nearby Little Free Library book-sharing boxes!… Continue reading Book Ban Hotspots and Nearby Little Free Library Locations Shown on New Interactive Map

Teachers are using TikTok to inspire, educate, and connect with students and fellow educators worldwide! Whether they’re offering creative lesson ideas or shining a light on classroom realities, these NEA member creators and TikTok stars are making waves in education:

Exploring the World of Teachers on TikTok | NEA Educators have created influential platforms on TikTok to positively impact the profession

Back-to-School Night is a great chance to connect with families & set the stage for a successful year! Get tips on how to prepare and make a lasting impression:

Preparing for Back to School Night | NEA Back to school night is an opportunity to start the year off right, and this article offers tips and conversation starters to help parents make the most of it.

Educators across the U.S. have proven that collective action works! By striking, teachers have secured higher pay, smaller class sizes, and increased state funding for schools. When we unite, we strengthen public education and improve outcomes for all students. Learn more about the power of teacher strikes and their impact: https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/teacher-strikes-lead-higher-pay-lower-class-sizes-more-state-funds?utm_campaign=union&utm_source=facebook%2Ctwitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=1726606439

Teacher Strikes Lead to Higher Pay, Lower Class Sizes, More State Funds | NEA A first-of-its-kind study on teacher strikes shows they bring new money into districts, increasing student spending and all educator pay.

Extreme heat is taking a toll on students and educators alike. Schools should be a safe place to learn and work, but many classrooms across the country are feeling the heat—literally. 🥵 It's time for our lawmakers to prioritize better infrastructure, adequate ventilation, for our schools that address climate-related challenges.

Find out what NEA is doing to advocate for safer school working conditions, and how we can all take action to protect our students and educators: https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/addressing-excessive-heat-workplace-including-schools?utm_campaign=climate+change&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=1726775495

Addressing Excessive Heat in the Workplace Including Schools | NEA The Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed a new rule to protect workers from extreme heat.

Congratulations to our Albemarle Education Association!

This is yet another historic victory for Virginia Education Association members, the students they serve, and even more continued momentum for the labor movement.

Albemarle Education Association wins right to represent employees in collective bargaining negotiations It is a job the labor union said it fought long and hard for.

Wishing the best of luck to Indiana State Teachers Association member Richard Goodall who’s made it to the finals of America's Got Talent! Richard has wowed his colleagues and students, and now the nation with his incredible voice. Tune in at 8 pm to watch Richard take the stage.

Indiana's Richard Goodall advances to 'America's Got Talent' finals Richard Goodall was back for his third performance on the show Wednesday night, singing "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor.

Happy ! ✊🏽 We're proud to celebrate the contributions of Hispanic Americans in public schools across the nation. Let's honor their achievements and continue to champion equity and opportunity for all.

Find lessons and resources to celebrate in your classroom here: https://bit.ly/3ZKEy7V

Hispanic Heritage Month | NEA Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month with the following lessons, activities, videos, and more.

NEA Secretary-Treasurer Noel Candelaria joined Colorado Education Association to raise awareness about the misleading nature of Amendment 80 in the state. This amendment threatens to divert public funds to private school vouchers. Protect public schools—vote NO on Amendment 80!

Teachers to Congress: We Shouldn't Have to Work Second Jobs Teachers at a Senate hearing called for a pay boost while Republicans questioned whether it should be a federal priority.

The 2024 election could reshape public education in profound ways. 🎙️ Tune in as Mary Kusler, NEA's Senior Director for Advocacy, discusses the stakes for educators, including student loan debt, union rights, and federal funding for schools on the latest Duty Free Lunch episode with PSEA - PA State Education Association:

2024 Election: What's at stake for public education with NEA's Mary Kusler The PSEA officer team dives into the 2024 election and its potential impact on public education with Mary Kusler, NEA's Senior Director for the Center for Advoc

Join public school parents, family members and supporters from across the country to learn ways to protect and transform public schools that serve all children. Sign-up for the next virtual meeting: https://bit.ly/3ItNtRi

Public School Strong Orientation! · The National Education Association Do you want honest, equitable and fully-funded public schools in your community? Are you concerned that while those of us who want this are in the majority - our voices are not being taken into account? Are you concerned about the rising tide of book-bans and attacks on students of color, LGBTQ stud...

When educators are respected and given the resources they need, they can give their students the very best. Through their union, educators have successfully raised wages, improved working conditions, and delivered real change for students and schools. That is why joining and getting involved in your local union should be at the top of your back-to-school check list! https://bit.ly/3XKXgJZ

Your Back-to-School Union Checklist | NEA This school year, follow these steps to hit the ground running.

"Trump's America: vile, racist dogwhistles to stoke fear and division. Dehumanizing language is dangerous for our immigrant neighbors in Springfield, Ohio, and beyond—and undermines the multiracial democracy we need," NEA President Becky Pringle stated today in response to multiple bomb threats in Springfield, Ohio.

Schools were forced to close because of these threats, disrupting the lives of students and families. Our communities deserve to feel safe, and we must stand together against this hate. Let’s use our votes to tell the Trump campaign what we think.

Every student, regardless of race, background, or ability, deserves a supportive environment where they can thrive emotionally and socially. Teachers and support staff embody this commitment by helping students develop critical life skills like communication, conflict resolution, and empathy.

But while educators are working tirelessly to support students from all walks of life, some lawmakers and extremist groups are attempting to undermine these efforts by spreading disinformation and attacking essential programs like social and emotional learning (SEL). We cannot allow fear and division to strip our students of the skills they need to succeed in this world.

How has SEL made a difference in your students' lives?
https://bit.ly/4ehBns7

How Did Empathy Become the Enemy? | NEA When extremists attack social and emotional learning, students pay the price.

Breaking the cycle of bad behavior in schools requires more than punishment—it’s about understanding, support, and collaboration. Programs that teach social-emotional learning and restorative justice are helping students take responsibility for their actions while building healthier school communities. Read how schools are transforming discipline into growth:

Breaking the Cycle of Bad Behavior | NEA We love our students, but behavior problems have reached a crisis point. We can do something about it.

Today, we honor the lives lost and the brave first responders who showed extraordinary courage on 9/11. Together, we reflect, remember, and teach the next generation about resilience and unity. These curated lesson plans can help:
https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/teaching-about-911

Teaching About 9/11 | NEA The following lessons and resources will help provide context for examining events before, during, and after the attacks.

Every student deserves a safe space to manage emotions and refocus, and calming rooms provide that support. These spaces teach accountability and emotional regulation, helping students return to class ready to learn.

As misinformation threatens these essential resources, we must protect them to ensure all students can thrive. Learn how calming rooms have helped educators across the country: https://bit.ly/47jX4p6

Does your School Have a Calming Room? It Should! | NEA Providing a place to calm down and learn self-regulation strategies averts future outbursts and gets student back in the classroom ASAP.

Every school and classroom must be equipped with high-quality HVAC systems to ensure a safe, comfortable environment where students can focus and thrive. As summer temperatures rise, many schools are being forced to delay the start of the school year, highlighting the urgent need for adequate climate control in our schools.

In what ways does your school ensure you and your students are comfortable during hot summer days?

Hotter August days push some schools to delay start dates • Stateline Owen Driscoll, a 17-year-old senior at Rufus King International High School in Milwaukee, was skeptical about starting school after Labor Day this year, three weeks later than before. But he is beginning to see the advantages. “Last year when we were on the old schedule, we had a few heat days [of...

Anti-union forces often circulate disinformation online that pushes false narratives to undermine trust in public schools. Katie O’Connell, a specialist in NEA’s Center for Communications with expertise in countering false information, shares step-by-step advice: https://bit.ly/4ghTi3E

How to Stop Disinformation | NEA Make a truth sandwich.

Managing the behavior, social emotional, and learning needs of 30 or more students is one of the biggest challenges most educators face. Paraeducators Fred McFadden and Jason Fletcher are certified in crisis prevention intervention and conduct trainings for NEA members. Read their tips for what to do when a student’s behavior is spiraling: https://bit.ly/3B5ZImk

How to De-escalate Classroom Conflict | NEA Paraeducators offer tips for defusing volatile situations.

Who suffers the consequences when educators don’t have enough time? Students do! Yet, 84% of educators don’t have time in their workday to get everything done, according to a 2024 Pew Research Center report.

With the help of NEA Today's August cover story, learn helpful ways to make time and how collective bargaining through your union can help with educator workloads: https://bit.ly/3XbxUo8

The Time Crunch | NEA Too much work, too little time. How can educators win their race against the clock?

Fill in the blank: All educators deserve...

From big rallies to small classes, this week NEA President Becky Pringle met with educators, students, and pro-public education leaders for a back-to-school tour in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

The power of every educator’s voice depends on the strength of their union. That is why NEA is proud to partner with our affiliate staff and members to support organizing across the country during the season. https://bit.ly/3X8rRRe

The Back-To-School Organizing Campaign | NEA The Back-To-School campaign is the fall component of the NEA's year-round organizing program.

What is the one thing you plan to do this year to make things better for you and your students?

We grieve for the students, educators, and families in the Winder community. We cannot—and will not—normalize mass shootings.

NEA remains committed to ending gun violence and demanding our elected leaders enact gun safety measures that make it safe for everyone to walk to school, attend church, or shop at a grocery store without fear of violence. We owe that to our children.