School Me

A conversation with Kwame Alexander: a poet, educator, and best-selling author of The Crossover, Booked, The Door of No Return, and so many other books that have inspired young readers across the country. In celebration of NEA’s Read Across America, Kwame has teamed up with NEA for a unique project—bringing literature and music together with a jazz-infused reading of The Crossover. You can hear Kwame’s special 10th anniversary reading at https://www.nea.org/crossover.

In 2020, collective bargaining for public sector workers returned to Virginia after a nearly 50-year ban—a huge win for Virginia educators. But change doesn't happen overnight. Fairfax Education Association President Leslie Houston joins the show to talk about how educators in Fairfax, Virginia came together to create their first collective bargaining agreement since the ban, and what other districts can do to bring similar wins to their schools.

Read more from Mary Ellen about how low pay affects education across the nation, and how unions are helping educators get the pay increases they deserve:https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/dear-educators-youre-still-not-paid-enoughAs the nation’s largest labor union, we stand in solidarity with the Costco Teamsters in their fight for a fair contract. Just as we fight for the rights and dignity of educators and their communities, we proudly stand with all workers demanding the wages and benefits they deserve.

Learn more about the Washington Education Association’s Apprenticeship Residency in Teaching https://www.washingtonea.org/events-training/residency/

Learn more about Read Across America, and access the calendar: https://www.nea.org/readacrossamericaCheck out Simon B. Rhymin' : https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america/find-your-book/simon-b-rhymin

Mentioned in this episode:Pensions, Explained for Educators - https://www.nea.org/resource-library/pensions-explained-educatorsFrequently Asked Questions about Pensions - https://www.nea.org/resource-library/frequently-asked-questions-about-pensions

Check out NEA.org/SeeEducatorsRun for more information about taking the first step toward holding public office.

Mentioned in this episode:Report of the NEA Task Force on Artificial Intelligence in EducationHuman-Centered Artificial Intelligence in SchoolsaiEDU

See photos from the kitchen, the transcript, and more here.

Learn more about the ESP Bill of Rights campaign: http://nea.org/espbillofrights