2009-2010 NEA Higher Education
Emerging Leaders Academy

The NEA Higher Education Program is soliciting nominations for candidates for the eighth annual NEA Higher Education Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA).  The purpose of the ELA is to provide hands-on training to new and future leaders of NEA higher education locals to help strengthen the long-term viability and effectiveness of these locals and their state associations.  The goal of the ELA that is reinforced at each session is to: “Enhance your leadership skills and use those skills in your local association to build a strong organization.”  The ELA also provides these emerging leaders the opportunity to become part of a national network of ELA class members and graduates.

Class enrollment is limited to 30. The deadline for all application materials to reach the NEA Higher Education Program for Class of 2010 candidates is Friday, February 20, 2009.

Additional questions regarding the program can be e-mailed to Phadra Williams, ELA coordinator at pwilliams@nea.org.

Download the 2009-2010 application, program requirements and instructions for submission now.

NEA's 27th Annual Higher Education Conference: The Seamless Web of Education
March 27 - 29, 2009
Portland, OR

NEA's 27th annual higher education conference will convene in Portland, Oregon, March 27-29, 2009, at the Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel.Leadership Day is Thursday, March 26th.The conference theme is "The Seamless Web of Education." The conference will explore issues that affect education from pre-K through higher ed, e.g., accountability, college readiness, funding, dual enrollment, P20 councils, articulation, and we will feature examples of how NEA and our affiliates are involved in such efforts.

Advocate Online:
Changing Styles

Recent research on how the brain learns has led to a wider use of learner-centered teaching strategies. The trick now is to help our students understand that we ask them to play a larger role in their own learning because this is the best way for them to learn. But first we must help them gain the skills they need to accomplish the tasks we give them. Thriving in Academe has some ideas.

Contingent Action Plan

The report, "The NEA and Contingent Academic Workers in Higher Education: NBI 2004-60 Action Plan" ( 217k, 46 pp) is a comprehensive plan of action developed "to secure for contingent academic workers throughout public higher education the rights, benefits and protections that full-time tenure track workers currently enjoy." The elements of the plan include recommendations for research, organizing, political advocacy, collective bargaining, leadership development and capacity building, and communications. For more information, contact highered@nea.org or call 202-822-7162.

Free Exchange Legislation Tracker

Stay informed about legislation in your state that affects academic freedom and intellectual diversity. Check out legislation tracker on the Free Exchange on Campus web site. A quick scan of this table reveals largely unsuccessful campaigns to pass legislation in 2005-06.