2002 Tomorrow's Teachers: Letter from NEA President

Teaching in a Brave New World

The National Education Association's 2.7 million members welcome you to the noble profession of teaching! As you begin your new career, rest assured that our resources are available to you every step of the way. Whether you need professional development, mentoring, advocacy advice, or better salaries and working conditions, NEA will be there for you.

The tragic events of September 11, 2001 shook the nation and forced us all to reflect on our lives and our future. Indeed, college guidance counselors report students are shying away from business careers and are expressing an increased interest in public service--particularly in teaching. Many Americans are recognizing the emptiness of life in pursuit of the "bottom line" and, in contrast, the fulfillment of touching a child's life.

As a future educator, many challenges lay ahead of you. You may enter a classroom where more than a dozen languages are spoken, with numerous special need students, where school supplies are few or where many parents are uninvolved in their children's education process. Despite these hurdles, you are charged with educating America's most precious resource--our children. And I guarantee you will swell with pride when you see a child's face light up with delight upon learning new concepts.

By joining the NEA Student Program, you embark on a lifelong career of activism to improve student achievement and the education profession. From giving books to needy children to networking with seasoned veterans in our Outreach to Teach or Hook Up partnership initiative, your membership in the NEA Student Program will quickly become a major landmark in your professional life.

I look forward to meeting and working with you.

Bob Chase
NEA President