2002 Tomorrow's Teachers: State by State

Testimonials

What does it mean to be a part of the NEA Student Program? Three members share their own experiences and reasons for joining.

"I've always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a little girl. The NEA Student Program is a wonderful group to belong to because you get to meet people from all over the U.S. and learn about their experiences and their perspective on teaching."

Jessica Jepson
Highland Community College
Highland, Kansas

"The NEA Student Program opened my eyes to many aspects and benefits of teaching I had not considered. Now that I have more knowledge of the teaching career, I am more confident than ever about becoming a teacher. The best part about the NEA-SP is that by joining the organization, I am given the key to so many resources, so that when I have doubts or questions, I can depend on the NEA-SP to provide guidance and support."

Christina Cabrera
Albertson College of Idaho
Caldwell, Idaho

"The NEA Student Program gives us a voice on the national level and strengthens our leadership skills inside and outside the classroom. We learn how to become advocates for our student and our profession."

Rudy Ortiz
California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, California

Membership

Membership, leadership, services, and opportunity. These are the keys to a strong NEA Student Program. Your membership and activism are vital to our success.

Be a Member
Why join the NEA Student Program? Ask any current or former NEA Student member--they'll be eager to tell you.

By joining NEA, you become part of the largest education organization in the nation, with more than 2.6 million people dedicated to America's children and schools.

Your involvement in NEA can help advance the cause of public education and open doors to exciting opportunities in public schools. Your voice can add greater dimension to the network of retired and active teachers working in today's classrooms and advocating for children.

As a NEA Student member, you also join a network of students dedicated to improving teacher education and supporting prospective teachers. You're also plugged into your NEA state affiliate and statewide leadership conferences, workshops, and public forums. Last year, the NEA Student Program launched a new initiative called Hook Up to promote even more cooperative relationships between Student Program locals on campus and nearby NEA affiliates, including retired and higher education members and education support professionals. As the program grows, we foresee greater access to experts in our fields, job information, and a better understanding of our profession and the Association.

Be A Leader
As a Student member, you have the chance to become a local, state, even national officer, and these roles are guaranteed to enrich your teaching and advocacy skills. Many NEA Student Program leaders go on to become leaders in their local and state Associations. And as a delegate to NEA's annual Representative Assembly, you get a sense of what it's like to be a national leader as well.

To help you, the Student Program offers a variety of materials to help you in your leadership role. Make it Happen: Teach--a Handbook for Local Leaders will guide you as you organize chapters, conduct meetings, and plan effective workshops. The Student Program offers grants through SOAR (Student Organizing Assistance Resources) to help you build a strong NEA presence on your campus.

On a national level, you are eligible to run for NEA Student Program chair, NEA Board of Directors, and the NEA Resolutions Committee. The Student Chair appoints a Student Advisory Committee.

You have a chance to serve on one of the many NEA committees that cover everything from human rights to legislation and membership. For information, contact the NEA Student Program Office, 1201 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036, (202) 822-7130.

Be a Community Activist
NEA Student members are very creative when it comes to community partnerships, and it's not just the children who receive the benefits from the service projects. From after-school care to reading programs to intergenerational events, these community outreach programs give students valuable learning experiences and the chance to be leaders on their campus and in their community.

Participate in NEA's Read Across America children's literacy campaign and other outreach projects with the help of a CLASS (Community Learning for America's SchoolS) grant up to $1,000. So what are you waiting for?