January 2022 NEA Today Retired

For the latest news, go to JANUARY 2022 nea.org/NEAToday or sign up for our e-newsletter at nea.org/signup. NEA TODAY for NEA-RETIRED MEMBERS An edition of NEA Today Aging in Place WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO STAY IN YOUR HOME SEE PAGE 28

OUR PROMISE TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR CHILDREN That’s why we’ve teamed with California Casualty to create the NEA® Auto and Home Insurance Program designed exclusively for you and your fellow retired NEA members. It’s California Casualty’s policy to do more for the people who give more. Starting with you. Exclusive Member Benefits | No-Obligation Policy Review | Free ID Theft Resolution | wFiQtRhuoEAtEuet!o And... for the opportunity to provide you a no-obligation quote, California Casualty will give you a $25 Gift Card — while supplies last. Gift card offer not available in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, NC, ND, MD, MS, SC, TN, TX, UT and WV. CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE, NEA® Auto and Home Insurance Program NO-OBLIGATION QUOTE. in partnership with 1.866.268.1754 CA Lic#0041343 ©2020 CCMC Insurance not available in AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, WI. Coverages described WeProtectEducators.com/NEA are subject to availability and eligibility. NEA, NEA Member Benefits and the NEA Member Benefits logo are registered marks of NEA Member Benefits. Restrictions apply. See website for complete details. AHNT0122

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January 2022 VOLUME 40, NUMBER 3 FOR NEA-RETIRED MEMBERS 30 46 28 COVER F E AT U R E S The Inspiring Story of Educators Who Spoke Up Design Your Home How the Union Changed My Life About Pandemic Relief to Age in Place 30 Meet four retirees whose union activism 42 Casper, Wyo., feels a world away from 28 What will it take to stay led them in unexpected directions. Washington, D.C. But local educators— in your home as you age? working through their union—made sure What renovations are essential, Jim Crow 2.0 federal rescue funds were used for the and how much will it all cost? 34 Voter suppression laws are targeting supports their students needed most. Experts agree that the answers all depend on good planning. People of Color—again! A Serving of Food Justice, One Ingredient at a Time 34 46 Healthy, locally sourced food for all How You Can Start a Community School students? Visit a school cafeteria in Maine 38 Learn how NEA members are where the catch of the day and farm fresh produce are on the menu. transforming schools into community hubs. SPECIAL SECTIONS DEPARTMENTS EDUCATION SUPPORT First and Foremost 7 FROM THE NEA-RETIRED PROFESSIONALS 10 Education news and trends PRESIDENT Issues and Impact What’s Fueling the 14 Educators and allies fighting for 8 BECKY’S JOURNAL Bus Driver Shortage? 18 Low pay and poor benefits public schools 22 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT combined with pandemic fears are People and Places 52 RESOURCES leaving thousands of school bus 20 Meet the people making news driver positions unfilled. Students and 56 NEA IN ACTION drivers are paying the price with later in education NEA is working every day for great drop-off times and crowded buses. public schools for all students and The Bulletin Board educators 24 NEA-Retired members across the country are making a difference JOIN THE Get the NEA Today App Sign up for NEA Today news! CONVERSATION Available in the App Store and on For timely news about issues impacting educators, visit nea.org/ 2 Google Play. NEAToday or sign up for NEA Today’s biweekly e-newsletter at nea.org/signup. COVER PHOTO: KARINE AIGNER; PHOTOS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: BOB SELF, NATIONAL SCHOOL TO FARM NETWORK

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mission, vision, and values NEA-RETIRED PRESIDENT OUR VISION IS A GREAT DEMOCRACY. NEA TODAY (ISSN 0734-7219) is PUBLIC SCHOOL FOR published ve times a year by the Sarah Borgman EVERY STUDENT. We believe public education is the National Education Association, cornerstone of our republic. Public 1201 16th St., N.W., Washington, VICE PRESIDENT OUR MISSION education provides individuals DC 20036-3290. Periodicals with the skills to be involved, postage paid at Washington, D.C., Jean Dobashi To advocate for education informed, and engaged in our and additional mailing of ces. professionals and to unite our representative democracy. Postmaster: Send address changes to SECRETARY members and the nation to NEA Today, Attn: NEA Membership ful ll the promise of public PROFESSIONALISM. Management Services Address Marilyn Warner education to prepare every Change, Suite 510, 1201 16th St., student to succeed in a diverse We believe that the expertise and N.W., Washington, DC 20036-3290. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL and interdependent world. judgment of education professionals Copyright 2021 by the National are critical to student success. We Education Association of the United Meg Gruber Janice Poirier OUR CORE VALUES maintain the highest professional States. All rights reserved. Roberta Margo JoAnn Smith-Mashburn standards, and we expect the status, Telephone: 202-833-4000 Linda McCrary Tom Wellman These principles guide our compensation, and respect due to NEA Today for NEA-Retired Members, work and de ne our mission: all professionals. is mailed to all NEA-Retired members BOARD OF DIRECTORS as a bene t of membership. Ed Foglia Judy Rohde EQUAL OPPORTUNITY. PARTNERSHIP. Advertising within NEA Today for Anita Gibson Barbara Schram NEA-Retired Members is screened, but Julie Horwin Mae Smith We believe public education is We believe partnerships with parents, the publishing of any advertisement the gateway to opportunity. All families, communities, and other does not imply NEA endorsement of Janet Kilgus, Alternate students have the human and civil stakeholders are essential to quality the product or views expressed. Diane L. Larson, Alternate right to a quality public education public education and student success. To change your address and/or stop Diccie L. Smith, Alternate that develops their potential, receiving print materials from NEA, Stephen Gorrie, Elections Chair independence, and character. COLLECTIVE ACTION. visit nea.org/about-nea/contact-us, or call 202-833-4000. NEA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR A JUST SOCIETY. We believe individuals are strengthened when they work together for the common Kim A. Anderson We believe public education is vital good. As education professionals, we to building respect for the worth, improve both our professional status and THE NATIONAL EDUCATION dignity, and equality of every the quality of public education when ASSOCIATION individual in our diverse society. we unite and advocate collectively. We, the members of the National Education Association of the United States, are the voice of education professionals. Our work is fundamental to the nation, and we accept the profound trust placed in us. Dental and Vision coverage that’s affordable, comprehensive and easy to use GREAT COVERAGE - Covered services include preventive care HASSLE-FREE BENEFITS - PPO participating dental offices will like routine exams and cleanings, plus dental procedures such as complete and file claims for you, so you don’t have to deal with crowns and implants. paperwork or wait for reimbursement. FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Visit any licensed dental professional GENEROUS ANNUAL MAXIMUM - Options for a maximum that you choose. Members may save the most money by visiting a increases over a three year span. dentist from our nationwide PPO network, which includes more than 300,000 dental access points.* VISION COVERAGE - Plan options to add vision to your dental coverage for an affordably bundled price. Visit NEAMB.com/DentalVision Or Call 855-865-2285 To Enroll Today! * Renaissance internal data 2020. Underwritten by Renaissance Life & Health Insurance Company of America, Indianapolis, IN, and in New York by Renaissance Life & Health Insurance Company of New York, Binghamton, NY. Both companies can be reached at P.O. Box 1596, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Products may not be available in all states. A0011 v1 NEAM DV Half Page Ad-RETIREES | REN 11/20

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president’s viewpoint NEA-RETIRED PRESIDENT Members SARAH BORGMAN Insurance Trust Complimentary [email protected] Life Insurance Plan 574-849-5580 The NEA Complimentary Life Protecting Democracy, Insurance Program offers eligible Building Membership NEA members life insurance protection for their families at Redistricting, running for office, racial and no additional cost. The NEA social justice for all, protecting voters’ Members Insurance Trust has rights … all on the front burner when modified the program so that it comes to legislative issues and protecting any NEA Member who is in democracy. I’m not sure where your state is in the program and whose death the process of protecting these precious founda- occurs any time after January 1, tions, but I trust you are there on the front lines, 2021 will receive the full $1,000 lobbying, sending messages, making calls, and death benefit, regardless of the standing up to speak out! If you aren’t sure what number of years that the member you can do, contact your retired state president has been an NEA member. and get an assignment. We cannot wait or expect This program modification is a someone else to do it! permanent enhancement. While lobbying is going on, your leadership con- Department of Labor Reg. tinues to work on membership growth, communication, and leadership §2520.104b-3, the following development. Be sure you are reaching out to your ESP members with the special material modifications 60 percent discount on membership dues. Don’t forget to ask our Higher Ed. mem- have been made to the bers to belong also. We are an all-inclusive membership, and we need everyone NEA Complimentary Life working together. Insurance Plan in the 2020- 2021 fiscal year, ending Plan now to attend the March NEA-Retired Post-Summit meeting at the Leader- August 31, 2021. ship Development conference. Ask your fellow members to attend and to be a part of the training, learning, and activities. Yes, there will be an auction for the NEA BENEFITS Fund for Children and Public Education, our political action committee, so get ready to shop, and then to bid. Go to nea.org/retired to find out more. Term Life Insurance Benefit. If death of an My goal this year as well as last has been to work on membership growth. Eligible Member is not due While we continue to grow, we capture fewer than 2 percent of those retiring. to an Accident, Assault Soon our active members will be deciding on retirement, and we really can’t afford or Homicide, the benefit to let one more retiree slip through the cracks without joining this final member- payable is $1,000. ship category. Please be sure to register Please work with your local to get those names and even do a special drive your Complimentary Life right at home to help sign up everyone in your area. We are stronger together beneficiary to ensure that the because We Are NEA-Retired and WE Are Needed NOW More Than Ever. Our benefit amount is paid to the Commitment Continues! family member or person you stipulate. You may register N E AT O D AY your beneficiary at www.neamb.com/complife. PUBLISHER AND MANAGER COPY EDITOR DESIGN AND SENIOR DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION AND ART DIRECTION 7 CENTER FOR PUBLICATIONS Judy Rowe COMMUNICATIONS Groff Creative LLC Earline Spence PROGRAM AND Ramona Oliver PRODUCTION ADVERTISING SALES EDITOR SPECIALIST ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Carson Helsper AND DIRECTOR Robin Terry Brown Tammy Funderburk [email protected] 301-527-2195 Anitrá Speight SR. WRITER/EDITORS NEA.ORG/NEATODAY CONTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Brenda Álvarez Tim Walker EDITORIAL AND Mary Ellen Flannery Janet Rivera Mednik PUBLICATIONS Amanda Litvinov SR. CONTENT Amanda Menas Cindy Long STRATEGIST, NEA.ORG James Paterson Steven Grant Jeannie Wamego Michelle Chovan Van Veen Yvonne White WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK: MAIL: NEA Today, 1201 16th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20036 EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 202-822-7207 FAX: 202-822-7206 FACEBOOK: facebook.com/neatoday

Becky Pringle NEA President Dear NEA members, I am honored Face to Face with NEA Members to serve as your president. This fall was a whirlwind of school visits across the Midwest—in what I United, we will reclaim public call the “Joy, Justice, and Excellence Tour”—where every person I talked education as a common good and to, every story I heard, gave me new insight into NEA members’ passion and transform it into a racially and resilience. My journey began in Pennsylvania, where I met educators like high socially just system that actually school teacher Becky McLain, and then continued through Illinois, Iowa, and prepares every student—not one, Michigan. At my last stop, in Wisconsin, paraeducator Katrina Collins chatted not some, but every single stu- with me about local efforts to create safe and just schools, promote equity, dent—to succeed in a diverse and develop leaders, and more. Read more at nea.org/justice-and-joy. interdependent world. Onward! “One of the surest ways On a tour of the Midwest, NEA President Becky Pringle met with Pennsylvania to ensure educators have teacher Becky McLain (top) and Wisconsin paraeducator Katrina Collins (bottom). what they need … is by protecting the right to vote. PHOTOS FROM LEFT: NEA; MOSES MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY As the great voting rights protector, Stacey Abrams recently said to NEA members: ‘When it comes to voting rights, it’s just like education—your ZIP code should not change who you get to become and how you get to be heard!’” — BECKY PRINGLE, AT A DETROIT VOTING RIGHTS RALLY 8

JOY, JUSTICE, In the News AND EXCELLENCE “[Today’s national shortage of substitute teachers] is a crisis situation. We must do more to address the systemic JOIN ME underlying issues. Educators as professionals have been underpaid forever. We have never reached parity with other Three Things professionals, and have actually lost ground over the last You Can Do for couple of decades.” Your Students, Your Union, and BECKY, ON NBC NEWS Yourself What I’m Reading There’s no better time for action than the start of a new year! Here are three The Cat I Never Named: A True Story things you can do kick o 2022 in the of Love, War, and Survival spirit of joy, justice, and excellence. By Amra Sabic-El-Rayess Set your intentions for 2022. I first heard Professor Amra Sabic-El-Rayess speak Resolve to meet friends for co ee, at last year’s meeting of NEA’s National Council of gaze upon a favorite piece of art, Urban Education Associations, where she shared or make time for other activities her horrific experience of living through the Bosnian that bring you happiness and genocide. The terror and tragedy she faced took relieve stress. A happy and healthy place decades ago and an ocean away, but her educator is a better educator! message is extremely relevant in the U.S. today. Protect the dream. Students who As a Muslim teenager in Bosnia during the 1990s, were brought to this country as Sabic-El-Rayess had friends and relatives who were raped, tortured, and children have been living in fear for killed simply because of their ethnicity. (Sound familiar? If it doesn’t, I’ll too long. I support legislation to remind you about the men and women killed in the racially motivated keep families together and provide shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, in Charleston, pathways to citizenship. Join me at S.C., in 2015.) edvotes.com/immigration. In Sabic-El-Rayess’ book, written for young adults, the main character Share this magazine with a non- is a teenager also named Amra. She describes the grim impact of war on member in your school building! her family and friends, but also finds moments of hope and humanity. This month’s cover story (Page 42) shows how local associations are @BeckyPringle making sure that federal money from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan will be spent to help educators and students. That’s #UnionPower! Find out how NEA is working every day for educators, students, and public schools in \"NEA in Action\" (Page 56). 9

EDUCATION NEWS AND TRENDS. NEA Demands Action on lence fueled by corporations, with no Threats Against Educators oversight and no accountability to the communities they harm.” Educators across the country have been exposed to a steady stream of threats, harassment, and disinformation disseminated NEA’s letter was picked up by na- on social media platforms. tional media, helping to bring public This disturbing trend began with false information over COVID-19 attention to the tremendous reach of safety protocols, then intensified with threats surrounding critical race social media and the absence of any theory over the summer. In September, so-called TikTok “challenges” real accountability measures. urged students to vandalize school property and then “slap” a teacher. School board meetings have become arenas for chaos and threats, “Your companies have both driven by small cadres of parents as well as individuals associated with the power and responsibility extremist right-wing groups. to stamp out disinformation and violent trends—for the U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced, in October, sake of public education and that in response to “a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and the future of democracy. To threats of violence” against educators and school board members, he that end, we’re demanding was directing the FBI and federal prosecutors to meet with federal, that your companies make state, and local agencies to address the growing problem. a public pledge to students, educators, and their families And in a letter to the CEOs of Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter, NEA to regulate lies and fix your President Becky Pringle urged the companies to “make a public pledge algorithms to put public to students, educators, and their families to regulate lies and fix your safety over profits.” algorithms to put public safety over profits.” NEA PRESIDENT BECKY PRINGLE, “Our nation’s educators are still working through a pandemic after IN A LETTER TO CEOS OF FACEBOOK, two years,” Pringle wrote. “We’re all exhausted, stressed, and stretched TIKTOK, AND TWITTER. so thin it feels like we’ll crumble—and now we’re facing growing vio- Protesters against a COVID-19 mandate are escorted out of a Clark County School Board meeting, in Las Vegas. 10 PHOTO: BIZUAYEHU TESFAYE/LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL VIA AP ILLUSTRATION: ©SIBERIAN ART STOCK.ADOBE.COM

















EDUCATION SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS and even September, the temperature in the buses soars over 110 degrees with the windows down. Then you throw a mask on [top of] that.” During the pandemic as well as cold and flu season, many drivers have been concerned that masking isn’t enough. They’ve asked for a plastic partition to protect them from boarding students, but the request has been largely ignored. Or, in the case of Randy Mondragon, a bus driver in Santa Fe, N.M., the school district honored the request but installed the dividers in the wrong place. The partition is behind his seat rather than to the right, where kids get on and o . Now driving conditions are even worse because the reflection from the partition makes it harder to see the children in the mirror. “The way they have it “We have to do New drivers also have “I have 71 kids on my bus, and they structured, maybe the better. People to jump through hoops get on talking, or laughing, or even top few get benefits, delivering to even get the job. coughing,” he says. “A partition behind but the rest of us aren’t They have to pay for my head doesn’t help!” working enough hours,” boxes get $30 their physicals and Show solidarity for bus drivers he says. an hour, and background checks and ESPs we’re delivering and go through weeks According to Saylor, of training and testing Mondragon is active in his union drivers have to work 32 hours a week to children!” without pay. and advocates for his fellow drivers, get benefits, but the “If you want to but his is a “wall-to-wall” union, vast majority only work HENRY SANCHEZ, become a new driver, meaning there is one union working about 4.5 hours a day. SCHOOL BUS DRIVER, the onus is on you,” on behalf of teachers and education “Anymore, you GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN he says. support professionals (ESPs), including can’t have a career as a Beyond the low pay bus drivers. school bus driver,” he says. and application obstacles, the driving “I fight for ESPs and I fight for “We are the first school faces that conditions are almost unbearable in teachers, because I believe we are kids see in the morning and the last the heat of the Deep South. a team,” he says. “Don’t forget about they see at the end of the day,” Saylor “We’re forced to drive buses with us! Collective bargaining agreements says. But all that seems to matter to no air conditioning. They won’t require need to be for all school employees … . district administrators is having a warm it,” Dukes says. “In Alabama, in August Everyone needs a piece of the pie.” body in the seat, no matter how much the bus drivers care about the safety ATACKTEION Human Infrastructure Investments = and well-being of their riders, he adds. More Union Jobs for ESPs Working conditions must Labor shortages exist across ESP job categories, including paraprofessionals, improve Alabama school bus driver Kenneth custodians, and food service professionals. The best way to ease these Dukes agrees that pay is too low in shortages is to advocate for the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan Shelby County and across his state. funding to be directed to support school sta . Learn more at educationvotes. “A regular route driver makes org. And find out how districts are using rescue funds in our article, less than $15K per year,” he says. “Our “Educators Guiding the Recovery” (Page 42). superintendent makes that in a month.” PHOTO: FATCAMERA 19

MEET THE PEOPLE MAKING NEWS IN EDUCATION. Turning Tragedy Strong leaders are constant into Hope learners Through NEA’s leadership de- velopment resources and programs, NEA EMPOWERS EDUCATORS TO LEAD BEYOND educators are becoming stronger practitioners and association leaders. CLASSROOMS AND INTO THEIR COMMUNITIES In 2019, Alonso-Garza took NEA’s When Yulil Alonso-Garza’s 17-year-old son, Martin, was leadership competency self-assess- murdered by a gang member, in 2013, she channeled her ment, which validated her existing pain into establishing the Mothers and Men Against Gangs work within the community. She also learned a few things about herself, (MAG) Coalition. such as how to be an active listener. As an eighth-grade language arts teacher in Calexico, Calif., and She adds, “It a rmed for me that a member of the California Teachers Association (CTA), Alonso-Garza serving others is my love and passion.” used her skills as a union member to turn a scholarship fund into a gang-prevention and outreach program. To find out more about NEA’s She has also worked with California State Assembly member Leadership Competency Frame- Eduardo Garcia to o cially recognize January as Youth Development work, visit nea.org/leadership- and Engagement Month, dedicated to raising awareness about gang- competencies. prevention services. Alonso-Garza is working to make this a permanent observance in schools as well. BRENDA ÁLVAREZ AND Educators are leaders YVONNE WHITE Leaders are often people who run large organizations, commu- nity centers, and local unions. They’re also people like you—educa- tors—who lead students through challenging tasks and reinforce the importance of work ethic, community, and justice. While some educators are natural leaders, others have received training and grown into these roles. For Alonso-Garza, it’s been both. When she started teaching in 2002, she was eager to get in- volved with her NEA-a liated unions. “Unions have been the fabric of my family,” she says. Her maternal grandparents were part of the United Farm Workers. On her paternal side, many of her family members belonged to the national teach- ers union in Mexico. “When I was given an application, I was ready to continue the work my family had established with union leaders.” Through CTA, Alonso-Garza learned how to advocate and be a better leader. These skills proved invaluable when tragedy struck her family. After Yulil Alonso-Garza “Learning to build a network within the union al- lost her son to gang violence, she used lowed me to build a network in my community,” she her skills as a union says. “I’ve learned through my involvement with the member to help fight California Teachers Association and NEA that I’m gang violence in her able to create and change policies that go beyond community. the four walls of my classroom and reach the area in which I teach.” 20 PHOTO: COURTESY OF YULIL ALONSO GARZA

PEOPLE AND PLACES A Gratitude Project “I want [students] fear entering a COVID room, to be engaged and she faces that fear and does AN ALASKA ART TEACHER HONORS consider what they what she needs to do [for] her HEALTH CARE WORKERS have to say and part in saving lives.” how they feel”. Last winter, as COVID-19 deaths peaked across the U.S. With sensitivity, respect, and images of haunted, worn-out health care work- —JACOB BERA and the tools of their art, ers flooded the news, Alaska art teacher Jacob Bera the students rendered their wondered, What can I do to help? portraits. “There was so much empathy,” Bera says. “The “These are people in our communities who are always students really wanted the there for us. They’re working hard, not tooting their own [workers] to know they cared.” horns,” Bera says. “We appreciate them. We need them. And I wanted to shine a spotlight on them.” The housekeeper’s por- trait is one of Bera’s favorites. Inspired by the work of New York artist Steve Derrick, A student artist created a who paints portraits of health care workers, Bera invited digital portrait, telling Bera: local medical workers in Anchorage to provide selfies and a “A couple of years ago, my little information about themselves through an online form. mom died of cancer. Every day in the hospital, after the nurses and doctors left, the Meet nurse Eryn; medical director Jennifer; hospital housekeeper housekeeper would come and sit with us and talk. She Shawn; and nurse Brittany—as portrayed by young Alaska artists. was so busy, but she would take that time. I know this isn’t that housekeeper, but this is my way to send thanks into He received so many submissions—more than 100—that he the world.” invited other teachers to join his project, which eventually became known as “Portraits of Those Who Serve.” What do you have to say? Sending thanks into the world Through assignments like these, Bera’s students build and improve artistic technique, of course. More critically, At local secondary schools, like Bera’s Eagle River they learn to reflect on the world around them—and figure High School, educators asked students to create portraits out what they have to say about it. based on the selfies. Some teachers folded the work into their art curriculum; others made it an optional, extracurricu- Most years, Bera also has his students participate in the lar activity. Meanwhile, at local elementary schools, students Memory Project. The program challenges young people to drew expressions of gratitude and sent them to health draw portraits of children living in international orphanages, care workers. refugee camps, and other war-affected communities, or to create inspirational art for those children. Emergency room and intensive care nurses, respiratory therapists, clinical lab workers, doctors, and even a hospital “Everybody’s views are different, and I’m not trying to housekeeper—who wondered if she qualified for the project push one message,” says Bera, who was honored last year by (“Heck, yeah!” Bera said)—sent in their photos. The students the NEA Foundation. “But I want [students] to be engaged studied those faces and read the accompanying notes. and consider what they have to say and how they feel.” “This is my wife Genoveva. She is literally my hero,” wrote His wish for his students? “To crack the door open.” a phlebotomist’s spouse. “Even when she is scared, or has —MARY ELLEN FLANNERY PHOTO: JACOB BERA 21

+ member spotlight Big Heart Woman BY JEANNIE WAMEGO VAN VEEN, AS TOLD TO JANET RIVERA MEDNIK Iguess you could say I’m a lot like the land and people of Oklahoma, tough and persistent. I credit both my Catholic faith and my Potawatomi heritage for fostering my grit as well as my compassion and optimism. My 12 siblings and I grew up in Tulsa, Okla., in a home that was always open to others, Oklahoma Education Association even though space was tight. If someone as soon as I started my first job needed a place to stay, we would find a and eventually became a building bed and a seat at the kitchen table. representative. I, too, was blessed to meet people When I had been a certified outside of my family who encouraged me teacher for about 10 years, NEA along the way. Notably, a counselor from a invited me to a national con- non-profit called Oklahomans for Indian ference with the goal of mobilizing Opportunity opened my eyes to becoming People of Color to take on a teacher. leadership roles. I took the honor No one in my family had gone to seriously, pledging to learn our college. My Potawatomi ancestors didn’t (From top) Jeannie Wamego Van district contract backward and even have basic human rights. In fact, they Veen (in purple skirt) attends a forward to ensure that I, along walked the aptly named Trail of Death, in traditional Potawatomi Gathering with my fellow educators, would 1838, when the governor of Indiana in Canada; Van Veen (on right) be treated fairly. Given my authorized the forced removal of the tribe delivers books to an Oklahoma ancestral heritage, I was fed up from Indiana to Kansas. I carry this heritage elementary school, in 2019. with injustice and proud to be in with me always. As my grandfather always a position to stop it. said, “Don’t forget you come from the ‘Big Woods,’” But as my college professors always said, you can’t which is what he called his Native homeland. fight systematic unfairness alone. This lesson stayed I had the opportunity to enroll at Haskell Indian with me even when I retired, in 2007. Turns out, I filed my Junior College, where I loved meeting students from paperwork two days too late to get a 2 percent cost-of- tribes all over the U.S., from Alaska to New York. living adjustment (COLA). I also found out that all other Cherokee, Sioux, Navajo, Apache, Crow, Cheyenne—you retired pensioners in my state got a 4 percent COLA. name it, chances are, they were part of the student body. Well, that set a fire under me. I got involved in my county We weren’t monolithic by any means, but we shared a unit, the Cherokee County Retired Educators love of the land and a desire to help future generations. Association, and then became a board member of the On that campus, my spiritual faith, pride in my Native Oklahoma Retired Educators Association (OREA). American heritage, and a desire to serve others all In 2020, after 12 long years of aggressive lobbying came together. and mobilization, OREA scored another 4 percent After a short marriage and the birth of a wonderful COLA increase. That’s more money for our retirees to daughter, I completed my dream of becoming an spend on medicine, food, or whatever makes their educator. With a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in lives easier. special education from Northeastern State University My contribution to OREA and the charitable work I (NSU) in Tahlequah, Okla., I felt prepared for the do with my husband, Dr. Hank Van Veen, makes me classroom. NSU professors had encouraged us to be hopeful that I am living up to the Potawatomi name my involved in our professional associations, so I joined the father gave me: Kche De’ Kwe, Big Heart Woman. 22 PHOTOS: COURTESY OF JEANNIE WAMEGO VAN VEEN

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The Bulletin RenteTiawrhreocsedouolumnanndteeNtmtrsEhytbAee-rs Board Helping When says. She was among the Disaster Strikes many who fanned out to churches and shelters, On the morning of Saturday, August 21, providing food and supplies a torrential flood swallowed the town as well as day care and of Waverly, Tenn. In this tight-knit counseling sessions for community of 4,000 people, the flood killed survivors. Williams also 20 people and destroyed 176 homes as well worked with a local non- as the local elementary school and junior profit to collect and distrib- high school. The high ute school supplies for school and local board students and teachers who of education were also lost everything that was in seriously damaged. their school buildings. “There was deep “Although this has been grief for the loss of life, and still is a horrible tragedy, also grief for all the we have witnessed over- families that lost their whelming support from homes,” says Waverly every corner of the nation,” resident Carolyn Williams, a member of the Tennessee Williams reflects. “We are a Retired Teachers Association who spent her career strong community and working in the local schools. “One of the first thoughts somehow we will return from was how blessed we were that this did not happen on this devastation.” a day when students were in school.” (From top) Carolyn Williams distributes emergency “As soon as the flood waters subsided, active and supplies to flood victims; a historic flood this summer retired educators were boots on the ground,” Williams destroyed 176 homes in Waverly, Tenn. Inspiring Young Voters Retiree Phil A. Long hosts a voter registration drive Across the nation, young people ages 18-29 are the least likely to vote. But for students. Phil A. Long, vice chair of the Ohio Education Association-Retired, is working to change that in his state. He is spearheading a partnership between the Ohio Education Association (OEA) and Kids Voting Ohio (KVO), a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to educate students in grades 3–12 about the importance of voting. Long serves as president of KVO’s board and is teaming up with OEA Executive Director Patricia Collins-Murdock and OEA member Jennifer Juggler—who are also KVO board members—to encourage educators to sign up for the innovative program. OEA is a major financial sponsor of KVO, which offers voter education, mock elections, voter registration drives, social justice initiatives, government field trips, and more. KVO programs were offered statewide for the first time in fall 2021. “We are especially focusing on groups who tend to not have the high percentage of participation in the election process,” Long says. “Kids Voting Ohio wants to make sure that all young people are informed of their right and responsibility to vote.” 24 PHOTOS FROM TOP: COURTESY OF CAROLYN WILLIAMS; PATTI HOEHN DAMESWORTH; COURTESY OF PHIL A. LONG

NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION 2022 Post-Summit NEA-Retired Conference MARCH 16-18, 2022 Uniting for a better future for our students, our educators, and our communities — Retired Ready For Action For location and fees, go to nea.org/retired.

“I joined NEA pre-retired to show  Volunteer in community-based pro The Bulletin Board my support for an organization I projects that help make America s believe in whole heartedly. I did this Belonging to NEA-Retired gives you in advance of my retirement to begin tunity to remain engaged on import facing students, education and educ a one-time lifetime subscription fee $300 (plus applicable state dues), N lifetime membership provides: planning now. I have been an active Discounted NEA-Retiredmember of NEA for over 34 years ANNOUNCING THE 2022and still have no idea when I plan on Membership for ESPs!retiring. My heart and soul are with this union and so are my NEA-RETIRED activities. It is my hope that when IGdordeecaidet tno reetwirest!heEreducation smupempboertrsphirpoafends-benefits  Pre-subscription to NEA-Retired lif COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS!will be a spot for me actively with thseiroetnireadlosrgaanrizeatinono. Iwt eligible Mfoermab6er0shpipeirncaepnotwerful, active is never too early to join, and the primce eis mrighbt!”ership rate with NoErAga-nRizeattiiroendth. at understands the — Vivian Zimmerman, Chair of HigheSr EpdurceataiondCotuhnceil IEwA-NoErAd if you kpnuobwlicaedruectairteiodn ESP bgeoctoomMAmneaeesutmaaibo.bonsmecrtrroegispm/gatjinioovbdneienPytror-o!eouN-FrueaEortArh-ireeTaomddeasnyttafrpotlraoNnn Annually the NEA-Retired Executive Council Communica- who would like to tions Committee recognizes NEA-Retired a liates for more information, outstanding communications work! movement/become-a-maefimnabnecira.lly secure retirement  Leadership opportunities includin CATEGORIES: and holding office in your retired o tion and participation in literacy, m • Established State Retired Newsletter early career educator and lobbyin • Established Local Retired Newsletter “When I looked around and “When  lCeoloiogniktbienleudifnoagrrNomuEeAnmdMbaeenrmsdhbieprkBeeenpesfiytsous • E-Newsletter saw how retired members • State Retired Website I swaewrehsotwilclMliarraeeebddditliiviitcrtoyeaccaridneradsmstu/uesrepaasmnpvaiclnebengm,edslroepsnnrtgoa-glteirnarsmmusrcaanrceein were still advocates and as active as ever, I decided I • NNneeEwwAs-slRleeettttteierrer/dmHSaalPgl OaozfTinFLeaIGmcHoeTveArwinagrdNE(sAta-tRee“tAireCdTIiVssEcranue”oostuweailrdeAps.srNeGaD-vrse—ebuaebmRtsroodcebneraiiecndbyiyesEbdintoyodnmrj!joeioRsimin,neibEtnweidgrriuetcmhaemtniIsjyotoncucisoSibolnculelpsuoapwscgoleudrrrteiiastPsbnhrwdaoehfcmveedlosnessyImeiomrcn!e”aoolmlnlabeeseayrgabnucyoetijwsvowcOBeiwoenAwranglihNonswtaeangDe.nncngvaitbezIiestnaearoregta,.riotItoeiphyrdrnagoreeeed/u.ocor-yGrfeindtsrttloiheteyraaeedottdeNff.aiEcfAifai!lliaJRoteeitnio • To apply, visit nea.org/ram, then scroll down to decision! Retirement is closer and closer!” Communications Awards. ROBIN ENDRIS, EDUCATION SUPPORT Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2022. PROFESSIONAL Help elect National Education Association-Ret champions like 1201 16th Street, NW President Biden! Washington, DC 20036-3290 President Biden has already made PHOTO: COURTESY OF ROBIN ENDRIS the single largest investment in students and public education ever. Your contribution to the NEA Fund helps elect champions like President Biden! Donate today at neafund.org 26

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Design Your Home to Age in Place MAKING SMALL CHANGES NOW CAN HELP YOU STAY IN YOUR HOME AS YOU GROW OLDER BY JAMES PATERSON wheelchair or walker, and are in the process of fixing uneven flooring. Barbara and Gary Allen have been planning for the future for the last 12 years. Over time, “We wanted it to be safe for each stage of our lives, but they have slowly and lovingly renovated their also don’t want to leave [our home],” Anna says. “I believe Northern Virginia home, making thoughtful in one saying that I repeated throughout my career and I changes that will help them live there for think it applies here: ‘If you fail to plan, you fail.’” many years to come. Safety first They tackled practical improvements one-by-one. As people live longer, “aging in place” has become a In the bathroom, they replaced the tub with a walk-in growing trend among older adults. So much so that shower; raised the height of the toilet; and added an builders are now trained and certified by the National adjustable magnifying mirror so Barbara can apply eye Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) as aging-in-place drops for her glaucoma. specialists. For many, this is the fastest growing part of their business. The couple also lowered the outdoor steps leading NAHB provides a checklist of improvements that to their entry, installed a sturdier handrail, and replaced can help people stay in their homes as they grow older. windows in their bedroom with a sliding glass door. Some move bedrooms to the The other exits in the house would be hard for them to first floor; add ramps or wider reach quickly in a fire. doorways to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers; or But safety wasn’t their only consideration. They also make substantial renovations to wanted to design their home to give them joy in their bathrooms, like the Allens and older years. So they converted a large porch into a Boohers did. comfortable, enclosed sunroom. But smaller fixes can also make living at home more “This room was the improvement that I appreciate comfortable, such as rearrang- the most,” says Barbara, a retired special education ing cabinets to put frequently teacher. “We wanted our house to meet our needs, but used items in easy-to-reach Anna and Ralph Booher also hoped to make it an inviting place. We love it here and want to stay here as long as we can.” places; adding lighting in dark areas; moving a When the unexpected happens microwave from over the stove to a countertop; and installing faucets and doorknobs that are easier Nearly 400 miles to the south, in Bristol, Va., Anna on arthritic hands. and Ralph Booher made changes to their home after Ralph took a fall, cracking his hip and sustaining Renovations for a range of budgets other injuries. Taking care of the most important items—including The couple, who are both retired social studies the bath, living area, and kitchen—could cost about teachers, made their bathroom handicap accessible, $250 per square foot, or about $150,000 for an average got rid of rugs, purchased a lift chair, and raised and house, estimates Steve Cunningham, head of the NAHB widened their driveway to make it easier to get from the remodelers’ group. That’s a staggering figure for many car to the house. The Boohers also replaced doorknobs with lever handles, rearranged furniture to make space for a 28 PHOTO: COURTESY OF ANNA AND RALPH BOOHER

Retired educator Barbara Allen and her husband, Gary, renovated their home for their safety and enjoyment. Their upgrades include (clockwise from top): An enclosed sunroom; extra lighting under the bathroom vanity; and the addition of a walk-in shower with safety bars and a seat. retirees, but more affordable options can also have Planning is everything a big impact. Designing your home for aging-in-place means The shower is by far the most dangerous place planning ahead and making changes before you for elderly people, Cunningham notes. Simply replac- actually need them, Hager says. “Most homes in this ing a tub with a walk-in shower and adding grab bars country were designed for the average 22-year-old, … can be much more economical, ranging from $750 but what about when we are 80?” he adds. to $2,500. To get started, Hager recommends consulting with Similarly, moving a bedroom downstairs could cost an occupational therapist to determine your specific $50,000, if you build an addition. Or you can recon- needs and then getting bids from multiple builders. figure an existing room downstairs, and then all you need is some help moving furniture around. Ever the planners, the Allens have researched nearby assisted living facilities, so they are prepared if It’s worth comparing the cost of renovations to the that step becomes necessary. “We are realistic and cost of an assisted living facility, says aging-in-place prepared to do that,” Barbara says. “But why not stay in consultant Mark Hager. “[Assisted living] costs your home as long as possible?” considerably more a month than what a $150,000 renovation costs spread over several years,” he says, MLEOARREN For an aging-in-place adding that retrofitting a home can extend the remodeling checklist from owner’s time there by 15 years. the National Association of Homebuilders, go to bit.ly/RemodelChecklist. The Boohers have remodeled their home several times, spreading out the cost over many years. To find aging-in-place professionals who can help you get started, check out the American “We have thought carefully about what needed to Occupational Therapy Association at be done here,” Anna says. “We also have had several bit.ly/StayInHome. former students do the work. They’ve been very generous with their advice and have done an excellent job. That’s one benefit of being a teacher.” PHOTOS: KARINE AIGNER 29

How the Union Changed My Life JOINING THE UNION SET THESE EDUCATORS ON UNEXPECTED PATHS. FOUR RETIRED EDUCATORS REFLECT ON THEIR JOURNEYS. BY JAMES PATERSON Many young educators join the union for I worked for a superintendent candidate who was a the insurance, but soon find themselves member of the local and had progressive ideas about on the road to self-discovery. They tap race and gender. We became close friends through the into confidence they never knew they union, and after she won with the union’s support, she had; make friends who inspire and helped me get a new position—in the department where support them; and learn how to raise their voices to I had first applied. make a real, direct impact on students in their communi- ties and across the country. That was just one of the many times the union opened doors for me. Since then, I’ve had success in NEA Today spoke with four NEA-Retired educators support positions in district schools and have held top who shared their stories of personal and professional leadership positions in the union locally and statewide. transformation. In 2007, the campaign skills I developed through the Power in the district, standing in union helped me become the first Black woman to serve community on the Green Cove Springs Town Council. The strategies I learned, the confidence I gained, and the support I received from the union all made that possible. FELECIA HAMPSHIRE Felecia Hampshire in her Green Cove Springs, Florida hometown of Green Cove Springs, Florida It was 1983, and I was excited—and ner- vous!—to be interviewing for an office position with a school administrator. My husband and I had three children, and I had dropped out of college because we were struggling. I needed a better job, but the interview did not go well. “Gal,” he said, “you can’t work here. I can’t hire you in the office. But there’s a custodian position you can have.” I felt strongly it was a racial issue— discrimination was a known problem in our school district. But I didn’t give up. I took the custodian position and got involved with the Clay Educational Staff Professionals union. My colleagues there taught me about my rights and opportunities. I also began to see how essential it is to build strong relationships and have the right people in key positions. 30 PHOTO: BOB SELF

Later, I put my bargaining and consensus-building Jane Franz at the polls on Election Day 2021 skills to use in winning a pay increase for city workers. I remember that I disagreed with another leader in Through these successes, I earned the support of city the union on nearly every political issue, but she was employees. I’ll never forget the sanitation worker who highly supportive during that strike. I vividly remember told me: “Felecia, you were really there for us, and we protesting alongside her when unauthorized workers appreciate all you have done.” The police also cooperated from other states filled our jobs. with me, because I lobbied federal legislators to secure funds for a much-needed new headquarters. We all wanted to protect our rights, but we mostly valued the work we did together. That unity grew from One of the most important benefits has been the the idea that we guided 11,000 kids from childhood to connections I’ve made in the community that I was born adulthood successfully. We all wanted that. in and have grown to love so much. I have also seen that sense of unity more personally. Twenty years ago, my husband, Clarence, and I When I became a field consultant for local unions in decided to celebrate our city by starting a festival that 1995, I worked with a young man who was struggling as a some 7,000 people now attend each year. teacher. Several of us in the union encouraged him to keep trying and offered support. A long-running community parade has now become part of the festival. I marched in it when I was five, and Several years later, the teacher had received better just a few years ago, I was the grand marshal. training and help, and he was succeeding. He became a happier, better teacher, and our schools gained a valuable Retired auto mechanics teacher Jerry Rukavina in his shop asset. Working together paid off in the best way. A sense of unity I began my labor experience with the machinists union even before I became a teacher. I was an instructor JERRY RUKAVINA for apprentices and then began to teach auto mechanic Great Falls, Montana trade skills at our local high school. I loved teaching and served 21 years as an educator and leader in the union. For me, one word comes to mind when I think about my years in the union: unity. I hope others like me find the value of the union in practical ways, but also understand how the word itself I felt it during a strike by the Great Falls Education conveys what really counts: unity in our profession and Association. It was one of the longest local strikes in the unity in our union. nation during the late 1980s, with 820 teachers walking out for nearly a month. It was very hard on members. Impacting local education policy As an executive committee member at the time, I JANE FRANZ worked with a local credit union to secure $1,000 loans Newton, Massachusetts for union members who were on strike. I was an auto- matic mechanics teacher, so I fixed cars in driveways to My husband teases me about my odd habit of make ends meet. Members helped each other in a host of watching school committee meetings on TV, no matter ways, even financially. how long and tedious. I suppose I should have had my fill after teaching for 35 years. But through activism with my local as well as the Massachusetts Teachers Association and NEA, I have come to appreciate how important PHOTOS FROM LEFT: GARRETT THOMPSON, JESSICA SCRANTON 31

HOW THE UNION CHANGED MY LIFE school policy is. And the union has given me a wonderful Lifelong member Lisa Fricke at her union headquarters opportunity to have a voice in the future of our suburban Boston schools. our son’s college expenses. I felt others likely faced a similar problem. And for some young people, this law As an executive board member with the Newton could dash their dreams of going to college. Teachers Association, I have interviewed dozens of politi- cal candidates over the years, talking with them about I discussed the issue with NSEA leaders, and they education issues and bringing information and recom- encouraged me to run for election as an at-large delegate mendations back to my union colleagues. Now when I to the NEA Representative Assembly. I went for it—and I walk around town, candidates stop me on the sidewalk won! And, in front of about 5,000 delegates, I presented and say, “Jane, so nice to see you. We’ll have to get coffee.” my resolution, which would make it a priority for NEA to advocate for changing this harmful law. I develop a relationship with them. Then, if the candidates get elected, they often seek my opinion. I was scared to death, but with the confidence I had gained from my union work, I apparently made a I appreciate how the union has paved the way for me persuasive argument. The delegation approved the to do this meaningful work, but these efforts are really resolution, and with NEA’s lobbying efforts in Washing- for the benefit of my students. They have always been a ton, in partnership with others, Congress eventually magnetic pull for me. I still love being a part of a school voted to change the law. and seeing students grow and learn. I now serve on the Nebraska State Board of Educa- When I turned 60, I was ready to retire, but I was tion, working on equity and inclusion, early childhood asked to stay on to teach English language learners. Now, education, and state standards, among other issues. My at 73, I’m still doing it, teaching math in middle school understanding of politics has given me the self-assurance three days a week. My students make small gains each to testify at legislative hearings and speak to constituents day, but seeing the extent of their academic needs and legislators. It has allowed me to have a voice where it reminds me of the importance of local school policy. really matters. So when I watch those school committee meetings MLEOARREN Inspired by these so closely, it’s because I have the pleasure of seeing my members’ stories? ideas and the union’s position come to the floor and hopefully come to fruition. To help advocate for students in your community and across the country, go to educationvotes.nea. Finding her voice org/take-action/#all. LISA FRICKE Omaha, Nebraska I remember when I first felt the power of our united voice. I was at a Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) government relations training in 1976. I was a fairly new teacher and union member, and the words of a trainer have stuck in my mind to this day. Teachers often say they “aren’t political,” he noted, but they need to understand that every education decision that politicians make affects their classrooms. I took this message to heart. And through trainings like these, I’ve learned that educators need to collaborate on political issues in order to improve public education. I held several positions over the years where I could influence political activity, including chair of the NSEA Government Relations Committee. I also met with politi- cal leaders and testified on critical education issues. This experience launched me into a new role in 1992, when a personal issue became political. I was frustrated by the penalties my husband and I incurred when we borrowed from our IRA to help pay for 32 PHOTO: DON SHEPARD

2022 NEA-Retired Check the Annual Meeting NEA-Retired website for updates about the 2022 Nominations for NEA-Retired 0ffice: annual meeting: The easiest and most preferred way to submit a nomination for NEA- Retired office is to use the website: nea.org/nea-retired-nomination-form. nea.org/retired Deadline for receipt for a nomination is May 1, 2022. If the following paper form is used, please scan and email (preferred) or mail to the address at the bottom of the form. 2022 NEA-RETIRED ELECTIONS NOMINATION FORM Retired Vice President (3-year term) Retired Executive Council (2 seats / 3-year term) Retired Director on the NEA Board of Directors (2 seats / 3-year term) Retired Alternate Director on the NEA Board of Directors (1 seat / 3-year term) *Retired Member on the NEA Resolutions Committee (6 seats / 1-year term) Nominations must be received no later than May 1, 2022, for the candidate to be on the ballot. *Nominations for Resolutions Committee positions also will be accepted during the Retired Annual Meeting. A candidate may run for only one office or elected position of NEA-Retired. I affirm that I am a current NEA-Retired member. No I request a table space for campaign materials: Yes Name __________________________________________________________________________Email _______________________________________________________________ (PRINT your name as it is to appear on the ballot) Signature ______________________________________________________________________Phone (cell) Number _________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________________________________________________State_______________________________ Zip ____________________________ Preferred method for returning a completed paper form is scanned and sent via email to: [email protected] and [email protected] If the form is mailed, send to: NEA-Retired Nomination Form, Center for Governance, 1201 16th St, NW, Washington, DC 20036 28156.1121.JR

A NEW SURGE IN VOTER J2CIR.OM0W SUPPRESSION LAWS IS “Ever since high school, I’ve been involved with organizations that TARGETING PEOPLE OF COLOR. advocate for the rights of others. I was closed-mouthed back then, but IN HISTORY AND TODAY, MANY not anymore,” she says. EDUCATORS HAVE STOOD UP FOR Her activism has centered on voting rights, working with DEMOCRACY. groups such as the Federation of Colored Women and the League of Women Voters. Today, she works closely with the NAACP—Clinton A BY BRENDA ÁLVAREZ Branch on voter education and registration. She is also active with wave of laws limiting the freedom NEA-Retired. to vote is sweeping across the nation. And voting rights advocates “We need to be heard, and the only way that is going to happen is if are sounding the alarm. Is this we’re informed and involved,” she says. “Jim Crow 2.0”? Access denied On the surface, these new restrictions— such as fewer early-voting locations, reduced “From the beginning, those in positions of power have only wanted voting hours, and limits on voting by mail—may certain people to access the vote,” says Jesse Evans, a high school sound innocuous. But they are actually carefully American government and civics teacher in Athens, Ga. targeted to diminish the voting power of People of Color. It’s intentional and goes as far back as 1776, when the nation’s Founding Fathers limited the vote mainly to White men, who were To understand the real-world impact of these over the age of 21 and owned land—a group that made up only 10 to 20 limits on voting, it’s worthwhile to look back at percent of the population. life under Jim Crow laws, which prevented Black southerners from exercising their lawful right to It would take roughly 80 years before all White men were granted vote for nearly a century. What’s happening today the right to vote, compared with 94 years for Black men and 144 years looks eerily familiar. for women of all races. Mississippi in the 1950s Still, many elected officials found loopholes. Beginning in the late Retired social studies teacher Vera Watson was 19th century, political operatives in Southern states employed voter suppression tactics, known as Jim Crow laws, which imposed literacy born in Clinton, Miss., in 1950. She grew up in the tests, poll taxes, voter roll purges, and grandfather clauses that said you height of the civil rights era, witnessing the struggle could vote only if your grandfather had voted. in her hometown and across the nation for justice and equality for African Americans. These discriminatory laws kept many Black people from the polls until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 finally made the tactics illegal. “[My parents] were denied the right to vote— But protecting voter access has been a contentious struggle ever since. they couldn’t even register,” Watson says. They were told, “You just can’t,” or barred from entering a White part of town to vote. A bigger, more punitive message was implied: “If you do register and vote, you will have no job,” Watson says. These stories coupled with her own experience as the first Black student to graduate from Forest Hill High School, in 1968, deepened Watson’s com- mitment to civic engagement. She recalls that year: “Nobody wanted me there, and I was treated unkindly.” On the school bus, some students threw paper at her, while others called her names. Teachers talked about Black people in openly racist and disdainful ways. No one spoke to her, and she sat alone at lunch. People made threatening phone calls to Watson’s parents, demanding they with- draw her from school. And school officials ignored her and her family’s grievances. 34

Beyond Jim Crow and registration locations, impact commu- In 1970, Charles Gonzales served nities of color. as president of Student NEA (today Black and Hispanic men who worked the called Aspiring Educators), where farms were prohibited from taking the day o from he was a prominent leader in the work to register to vote. Many held multiple jobs movement to lower the voting age to 18. He went on to work for the Youth Citizenship and were left with little time for much else. Fund, an organization born out of NEA, to Child care was often unavailable and get young people ages 18 – 25 to register prevented parents from heading to to vote. registration sites, often miles away from their homes. A skilled organizer, Gonzales But it was only in the Mis- partnered with activists from the sissippi Delta that Gonzales Voter Education Project (VEP) to witnessed the mortal danger help Black people in the Missis- facing Black people if they dared sippi Delta register to vote. to go to the polls. Even after Jim Crow laws were abolished, He also worked on voter some African Americans were mobilization tours led by intimidated, beaten, and even civil rights icons John killed by White men when they Lewis—director of VEP tried to vote. at the time and a future “[Black people] feared being congressman—and then- identi ed by racist White people Georgia State Rep. Julian after writing their names on voter Bond. ey traveled to registration papers,” Gonzales churches and civic orga- recalls. “Our policy was to get o the nizations throughout the road before sunset. We would often South, encouraging Black people and Mexican Ameri- hear gunshots nearby. It was dangerous.” cans to register to vote. Understanding the barriers “ eir speaking tours … not Many obstacles from the Jim Crow only gave hope to people … but days remain in place. gave them the courage … to put their life on the line to register to “Political science for decades has vote,” says Gonzales, who is now had this nding … that the more a u- an NEA-Retired member. ent and well-educated you are, the more likely you are to participate [in elections], rough this work, Gonzales because the barrier is lower,” says David gained an unobstructed view of Jesuit, a political science professor at Central how voter suppression tactics, Michigan University. such as limits on voting hours (Left) An estimated 1,000 African Americans line up to vote in the Democratic primary on May 3, 1966, in Birmingham, Ala.—the first major Southern election since the Voting Rights Act of 1965 ended Jim Crow laws. (Above) Vera Watson’s activism stems from her family’s experiences with voter suppression and racism; (right) Watson’s 1968 yearbook photo from her Mississippi high school, where she was one of the first two Black students to enroll. PHOTOS: ASSOCIATED PRESS, CHARLES ANTHONY SMITH; COURTESY OF VERA WATSON 35

J2CIR.OM0W “We continue to have a lot of injustice in our society. It’s called the socio-economic resource bias, We can and should be doing and it means that when people have benefits, such better by people who are as paid time off from work, sustainable transporta- in disadvantaged positions, tion, and access to child care, it’s easier to get to the racially and economically.” polls. Meanwhile, the opposite holds true for many, particularly for People of Color in lower-income —JESSE EVANS, EDUCATOR AND areas, which keeps voter turnout low. VOTING RIGHTS ACTIVIST Restricting access to the vote doesn’t only of the state’s legislators are once again trying to limit Black people’s affect specific groups of people, it affects public access to the vote. policy outcomes, too, Jesuit says. In March, Georgia legislators enacted a more restrictive voting law. Those policies include whether public educa- Among other changes, voters will have access to fewer drop boxes; tion gets adequately funded or whether it’s easier mobile voting centers will no longer be available, except in a state of for citizens to exercise the right to vote. emergency; and voters will only receive absentee ballots upon request, Georgia, a case of access and which impacts many Black voters, who tend to vote by mail. suppression Across the country, politicians have introduced more than 500 Voter suppression efforts are back with a ven- similar state bills, at least 30 of which have become law. These mea- geance today, and Evans is seeing this firsthand in sures suppress the voices of many voters—particularly Black, brown, his home state of Georgia. and Indigenous voters, senior citizens, students, and those with dis- abilities—and are a threat to U.S. democracy. He works with a local non-profit on voter regis- tration and get-out-the-vote efforts. He also served Says Evans: “Some people think that rather than embracing a four-year term as a non-partisan member of his democracy and prioritizing the voice of the people … [they’re] local board of elections. comfortable trying to win elections by deciding who can vote and can’t vote in an election.” During the 2018 and 2020 elections, his work on the board helped expand voting locations and ATACKTEION NEA is taking a stand to protect our early-voting sites in his state—including one in a democracy, joining with a coalition of civil predominately Black and brown, lower-income rights and labor leaders who make up the community that was designated an early-voting “Fighting for Our Vote Campaign.” To join the movement, location for the first time ever. go to fightingforourvote.org. Additionally, they extended voting hours, To find out which states have the most egregious voter expanded absentee voting, and installed more suppression laws, turn to “Issues and Impact,” on Page 14. 24-hour ballot drop boxes for the 2020 election. “It was a record turnout for early voting and absentee voting,” Evans says. That year, Georgia made international head- lines as high turnout among African American vot- ers in the state helped decide the U.S. presidential race and the balance of power in Congress. It’s no coincidence that in the wake of that election, many KEY DATES 1856: All White men are 1924: Native Americans 1965: The Voting Rights 1982: VRA revisions IHNI SVTOOTRIYN G granted the right to vote. are granted U.S. citizen- Act (VRA) eliminates make voting easier for ship, but states continue literacy tests and other people with disabilities 1776: White, male land- 1870: The 15th Amend- to deny them the vote. In barriers designed to stop and the elderly. owners 21 and over are ment gives men of all 1962, Utah becomes the Black people from voting. granted the right to vote. races the right to vote, but last state to grant access. 2000: A federal judge Jim Crow laws restrict 1971: The voting age is rules that citizens of U.S. 1848: People in U.S. ter- Black people’s access. 1952: Asian Americans lowered from 21 to 18. territories (Puerto Rico, ritories in Mexico become win voting rights. the Virgin Islands, Guam, citizens, but English 1920: The 19th Amend- 1975: Translated voting American Samoa) cannot language requirements ment gives all women 1964: The Civil Rights materials must now be vote in federal elections, block them from voting. the right to vote, but Jim Act eliminates poll taxes provided to non-English despite paying taxes and Crow laws persist. for federal elections. speakers. serving in the military. 36 PHOTO: COURTESY OF JESSE EVANS

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38 ILLUSTRATION: DANIEL BAXTER

It’s an all too familiar and misleading storyline— says. “There are lots of tools and strategies to do this, but if the failing public school and the educators who fail you want a districtwide strategy … , if you want transforma- their students. tion not by charter, not by fire and rehire, or other silver It goes something like this: The students, mostly bullets coming from private companies, you need deliberate, Black and brown and low-income, continually struggle engaging, inclusive, and very rigorous problem-solving.” below grade level. Test scores drop for consecutive years; attendance is spotty; behavioral and disciplinary problems So what does this look like in everyday life? In a Milwau- constantly interfere with instruction; and there’s little com- kee community, parents didn’t think it was safe for their kids munication with parents. to walk alone, so the school created a “walking school bus,” with staff escorting their young “passengers” each day. Atten- Alarm bells sound. The state swoops in and wrests con- dance rates skyrocketed. trol, firing everyone—from the principal to classroom teach- ers to education support professionals—and handing control In Los Angeles, educators were buckling under the (and funding) to a for-profit charter school with no ties to workload. Their community school partnered with a local the community. A few years later, nothing has improved. The organization to provide student enrichment during the day system fails the students—again. to give teachers extra planning time. Burnout decreased. But what if the story unfolded this way? Having long Examples like these abound. At community schools, recognized the impacts of poverty on their students and stakeholders identify problems and work together to families, educators sound the alarm themselves. They know find solutions. that unless the underlying problems are addressed, their students will keep struggling. So they join with their district, “Typically, stakeholders are the recipients of change and union, students, parents, and community groups in advocat- not the change agents,” says NEA community schools policy ing against a state takeover or school closure. Instead they analyst Kyle Serrette. “When we empower those who are propose a transformation—a switch to the Community closest to the pain and mobilize them to be the driving force Schools Model. behind the solution, the byproduct tends to be sustained transformation.” As the school begins to assess and help meet the aca- The first step: NEA’s Community demic and basic needs of the students and their families, the Schools Institute school slowly begins to change. The best way to make this vision a reality, Grant says, is Parents are welcomed into the school and visit often. to advocate for your local to join NEA’s Community Schools Community groups offer health, housing, and hunger relief Institute (CSI), where members and leaders learn step-by- programs, as well as enrichment opportunities for students step how to build a community school. and families. The school becomes a hub of social interaction and support for the entire neighborhood. It is a place created The CSI is comprised of two major components: The by and unified by the community. Now, student achievement first, called the Strategic Campaign Institute for Community is on the rise. Schools, is the on-ramp for NEA local affiliates to build power and win funding for these schools. Locals also learn how to This version of the story may sound like a fairy tale, but advocate for policies that support the schools’ success. it’s a narrative playing out in more and more districts across the country. Educators, students, and community members—wearing red T-shirts as part of the #RedForEd movement—advocate for “Community schools meet the social and emotional community schools at a school board meeting in Durham, N.C. and academic needs of their students,” says NEA President Becky Pringle, who is calling for the expansion of community 39 schools nationwide. “This is a model that can and should be everywhere.” NEA’s vision, which is grounded in research, is that the Community Schools Model can reclaim the promise of public education as a gateway for democracy and racial and economic justice. What transformation story could be better than that? A vision for change Like any good story, a community school must have a good structure, and that starts at the grassroots, says Anna Grant, the community school coordinator at Lakewood Elementary School, in Durham, N.C. “A community school is the pinnacle of union members, educators, administrators, and parents on the ground, figur- ing out how, from the bottom up, to transform a school,” she PHOTO: COURTESY OF ANNA GRANT

HOW YOU CAN START A COMMUNITY SCHOOL The second part of the CSI focuses on best Spearheading the Movement: practices—which are based on data and NEA community school successes research collected from more than 5,000 community schools. 2010 2020 2021 “NEA has scoured the country to find the Number of schools: NEA Launches Number of schools: community schools who are doing the most Hundreds Community thousands inclusive and transformative work and are see- Schools Institute: ing results in academic data, suspension data, $10-million [and] school culture,” Grant says. “Reinventing investment the wheel is unnecessary and also impossible.” Organize the community Federal Number of states: Federal funding: Schools transform by empowering Funding: $443 million everyone in the community, Grant says. $0 39 She experienced this firsthand in fall 2017, while working as an interpreter and family liaison in her district. She had been meeting regularly with a group of stakeholders— including parents and community leaders— when two Durham elementary schools landed on a state takeover list, with plans to hand them to community school coordinators across the country who private charters. One of the schools was Lakewood, where coach local personnel. Grant now works. “Every month, we come together to share ideas, ask ques- “There was a huge organizing effort, and parents showed tions, and offer support,” she says. “You aren’t alone. If you up en masse to demand that no school be taken over by a struggle, someone who has experienced the same challenge is charter,” she says. “But it begged the question: If a charter there to help.” wasn’t the answer, what was? Community schools was Through this knowledge-sharing, Gilmore learned that the answer.” educators have to deeply understand the challenges facing To gain support, NEA funded a community school students and families to find solutions. campaign organizer position, which became Grant’s next job. “Before becoming part of a community school, many She built relationships and organized educators and parents educators at my school … made assumptions about the com- around the model. munity, students, and families in their effort to help,” she says. “We ran it like a unionization campaign, like a vote. And “When you stop, ask questions, and genuinely listen to the we had broad conversations about what staff and parents and community members wanted to see,” she says. “We launched a mini-listening campaign to show them what a community school model is all about—listening. We let everyone know that the school would become what they decided it would become. They would shape it.” All of these stakeholders came from different perspec- tives, but they overwhelmingly voted to adopt the community school model. And then the real work began. “It takes long-term planning and being intentional about alliances,” Grant says, adding that this is where the CSI proves invaluable. Ask what people want and need An educator at Gibsonton Elementary School offers popsicles Catherine Gilmore is the community schools coordinator on a hot Florida day. Attendance rates go up when incentives like these are provided. at Gibsonton Elementary School, just south of Tampa, Fla. With the help of the CSI and its data-driven strategies, the Hillsborough County School Board voted to expand from two to nine community schools with plans for additional sites in the future. Once a school community starts their deep dive, says Gilmore, the CSI offers the support of experienced 40 PHOTO: COURTESY CATHERINE GILMORE

answers stakeholders o er, you realize that small, simple changes can create large improvements.” To address chronic absentee- ism, for example. the school sta began alerting parents to the number of days their children had missed and how this would impact their learning. at small change increased atten- dance by nearly 70 percent in three months. Educators also wanted to create two-way communication, rather than just sending notices home with no response needed. ey began asking questions and requesting feedback that parents could give in a variety of ways, by email, text, forms, or phone calls. e parent response rate increased from 55 percent in An art teacher at Dorsey High School, in Los Angeles, created visual notes from a parent September 2020 to 87.5 percent in empowerment meeting organized by the school community. March 2021, building stronger re- lationships between families and the school. As a result, more or need? What does everyone already have? What skills families now look to the school community for support. and resources can be provided to the community by each stakeholder? Earn the community’s trust She soon discovered a wealth of resources Los Angeles educator Maishi Walker Deen o ered by local organizations that schools could learned an important lesson early in her career: tap into. “I like to put puzzles together, and I am If you are afraid of the surrounding community connecting needs with passions,” Deen says. “All where your students live and you teach, you of this has to be done in steps, and that’s why I so shouldn’t work there. She lives that lesson now appreciate the CSI.” as a community schools coordinator. Becoming a She’s also grati ed that NEA appreciates trusted and integral member of the community is at her in return. the heart of what makes the model work. Last fall, NEA President Becky Pringle met with Deen started out at Dorsey High School, in 2018, Maishi Walker Deen and several other community school coordi- as an English teacher. She speci cally chose the school Deen nators at the UTLA headquarters, in LA. because of its predominantly Black student population. “When Becky came, that’s when it became real. It was so “I wanted to work in a space where students could see special to meet the president of the NEA and the president of someone who looked like them,” she says. UTLA, and to be asked about our work,” Deen says. “And they She had taken professional development classes in some were two women of color in charge of the whole thing. I’m of LA’s public housing developments, allowing her to gain a Black women, and it’s rare for me to see a re ection of me insight into the hopes and dreams of the students who live in leadership … . at was the cherry on top and the icing there as well as the challenges they face. on the cake.” at was the same year that UTLA went on strike, and Listening to the other coordinators who had started with Deen was thrilled that the expansion of community schools the CSI, Deen says she knew she was on the right path: “I felt was on the list of demands. totally supported by a roomful of people doing what I was When the community schools position became avail- doing. at’s what the CSI is all about.” able for this school year, it seemed like a natural t for Deen. But she felt immediately overwhelmed by the monu- mental task before her. ankfully, the CSI taught her that MLEOARREN not everything has to be done at once. e work is ongoing Want to start a community school and evolving. in your district? Find information and resources at nea.org/ Deen learned that the rst year of building a community communityschools. school is all about assessing needs. What does everyone want GRAPHIC CHART: COURTESY SUSAN MILLER DORSEY; 41 COURTESY OF MAISHI WALKER DEEN

THE INSPIRING STORY OF WYOMING EDUCATORS WHO SPOKE UP ABOUT PANDEMIC RESCUE FUNDS THEY MET THEIR STUDENTS’ MOST URGENT NEEDS. YOUR LOCAL CAN, TOO. EBY AMANDA LITVINOV THE THREE WAVES ducators in Casper, Wyo., were bracing for a spike in OF K–12 SCHOOL students’ mental health needs when they returned RESCUE FUNDING to in-person learning in fall 2020. But the wave came later than expected. $13.2 $54.3 $122.8 “We were prepared for chaos last year, but that’s not what happened,” says Carrie Maki, a school counselor at BILLION BILLION BILLION C.Y. Middle School. “I think they were just so excited to be back in school. But this year, that number is on the upswing.” The CARES Act The Coronavirus The American The main driver, she says, is unrelenting stress at home. (Coronavirus Emergency Rescue Plan Students are dealing with everything from parents losing jobs Aid, Relief, Response to homelessness to the deaths of loved ones. and Economic and Relief (ARP) In Casper and across the country, the realities of the pan- Security Act) demic also created an urgent demand for more school nurses. Supplemental Wendy Wilson, a nurse at Casper Classical Academy, explains Appropriations that she and her colleagues are now tasked with screening students for COVID-19, keeping in communication with board members worked together to ensure the funds were more families, and educating staff and students about safety used in ways that would benefit students the most—includ- measures, in addition to handling the usual sprained ankles ing academic supports at the elementary level and HVAC and stomachaches. improvements throughout the district’s buildings. Before the pandemic, Natrona County—which includes Casper—had only one nurse for every two schools. Keeping The importance of locals speaking out for our students up with the increased workload would have been impossible. cannot be overstated. COVID-19 has touched every commu- But thanks to pandemic relief funds from the federal govern- nity, but what they each need to rebound might be different. ment and educators advocating for changes that matter, each of the district’s 28 schools now has a counselor and a nurse present every day. The Natrona County Education Association (NCEA), Natrona County Public Schools administrators, and school 42

(Above) Middle school counselor Carrie Maki’s office is a busy place due to a sharp rise this year in the number of students seeking her help. (Below) School nurse Wendy Wilson says her local union has given her a say in where the rescue money goes. The counselor is in professional development for all school nurses, hires new Many of Maki’s students are dealing with routine middle staff, and helps establish protocols and policies for school health programs. school stuff—boyfriend and girlfriend breakups and conflicts with friends—but others, she says, “have a parent who went Now, school nurses in the district not only tend to students’ to jail last night, or dad beat mom.” Those are the students illnesses and injuries, but they also have the opportunity to who will need follow-ups or even emergency services. go from classroom to classroom to provide health education for students. In the wake of the pandemic, Maki has more students who are dealing with the death of a family member from Another important benefit is that nurses can form rela- illness, accidents, and suicide. Wyoming has one of the tionships with parents. Wilson says one student, a “frequent nation’s highest rates of suicide, which many experts flier” to her office, recently came in with a sore throat and attribute to the region’s high rate of gun ownership and low-grade fever. The student’s mother suspected he was culture of rugged individualism that makes it difficult for people to ask for help. But the public school system is working to create an environment where students are encouraged to seek out the school counselor. “Most of these … families can’t typically afford outside counseling,” Maki says. “So if we did not have these services available at school, these students might not get what they need.” A nurse in every school Students in Natrona County are getting more one-on-one attention in the nurse’s office as well. “Parents absolutely love the fact that there is a nurse there every day, full-time, to take care of the kids,” says Wendy Wilson, who serves students in grades 6–8. She is also the district’s nursing coordinator, which means she organizes PHOTOS: MATTHEW IDLER 43

EDUCATORS LEADING THE RECOVERY faking. But Wilson could see how uncharacteristically HOW DISTRICTS ARE quiet he was. He even laid down. PLANNING TO USE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDING “Because I have a relationship with the student’s mother, I was able to say, ‘I think he really is sick,’” Wilson (SOURCE: SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION SURVEY) says. “[His mom] did come and pick him up. The next day she called me and said he had tested positive for COVID.” 75% of respondents used ARP funding for summer learning and enrichment. Wilson has long felt that being an active member of NCEA means her voice is heard when decisions are 66% planned to add specialized instructional support being made. And that’s never been more important than staff and other specialists, including counselors, social during a global pandemic. NEA locals made sure relief funds went to workers, and reading specialists. the right place 62% planned to purchase technology and devices, or NCEA, the Natrona County Classified Profession- provide students with internet access. als Association (which represents education support professionals), and Natrona County Public Schools have More than 60% said they would invest in professional a 20-year history of labor-management collaboration. development for educators. “Structures are in place to make sure that we’re 52% said they would implement social and emotional keeping this collaborative practice going,” says Dirk learning practices and/or trauma-informed training Andrews, a kindergarten and first-grade teacher who is for educators. now president of NCEA. 44% planned to offer high-intensity tutoring The process of shared decision-making looks a bit for students. different from one district to another, but in Natrona County it is spelled out in a document called The Com- 40% said they would add learning time by compensating pact. Union members serve on all district committees, staff for working longer days or school years. including the district leadership team. Wilson serves on the board budget committee, and Maki recently finished DID YOU KNOW? a two-year term on The Compact issues committee, NEA is offering grants for states to hire ARP which meets quarterly to allow all stakeholders to bring coordinators. Find out more at nea.org/RescueGrants. issues to the table. “There’s a middle school representative, high school, principals, ESPs, so everyone has a voice,” Maki says. ATACKTEION Want to have a voice in how your district spends its pandemic relief dollars? Here are four things you can do: 1. Talk to your building representative and answer your locals’ surveys about what students and educators at your school need. 2. Learn more about labor-management collaboration. Take an e-course or download NEA’s Collaborating for Student Success guidebook at nea.org/CollaborativePractice. 3. Tell us your priorities for school rescue funding using NEA’s ranking tool. Scan the QR code or go to nea.org/ARPtool. 4. Share this story with your colleagues. 44

“Because we all have different things going on in our work for our students.” Andrews offers this advice to educators who want to have a voice in key decisions: Start building a collabora- tive relationship with management in whatever work is underway, then work to formalize educator participa- tion. Bring in outside facilitators, if needed. And local leaders must stay in communication with members. “If you’re a leader, surround yourself with people working toward the goal, and be sure to ask for feedback,” Andrews suggests. “Then, as you achieve small successes, get the word out. You’ll have momentum and better buy- in moving forward.” More funding is coming to your school Two earlier relief packages included some funds for schools. But after hearing from millions of public school advocates, Congress passed President Biden’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) in March. Educators and parents Educators in communities like Casper, Wyo., (above) are advocating for sent thousands of letters and made thousands of calls how rescue funds will be used in their schools. through NEA, resulting in $170 billion for education—the greatest single investment in America’s public schools ever. Of could have two full-time counselors. Some mornings there those funds, $122.8 billion are earmarked for K–12 education. are students waiting for her when she arrives. “And there are The money has started rolling out in some states, while days I can’t get to everybody, and five kids have to go home, others like Wyoming have only received funds from the first and I haven’t had a chance to check in with them,” she says. two waves so far. “We may not realize right away that we’re making a differ- As much as the Natrona County schools have accom- ence until the kids come back, even a week or two later, and plished, there is still more that could be done. Maki says that say, ‘Thanks for listening,’” Maki says. “They know we’re those long before the pandemic, she wished every middle school dependable people who are here for them.” ACROSS THE COUNTRY, PANDEMIC RELIEF MONEY IS HELPING SCHOOLS These state and local unions made sure rescue funds supported their students’ needs. Read their full stories at nea.org/rescuefunds. IOWA CITY, IOWA COLUMBUS, OHIO MILLARD, NEBRASKA The Iowa City Education Association The Columbus Education Association The Millard Education Association successfully advocated for: (CEA) negotiated an agreement for: (MEA) secured: • 8 new academic support • 33 additional school counselors; • A voluntary summer learning specialists; • 88 literacy specialists and other program; • 6 new full-time nurses; student support positions; • New positions for para- • More teachers for high school • Professional development for CEA professionals; and language arts and math classes; members on racial disparity, eq- • A mentorship program for strug- • A comprehensive diversity, equity, uity, diversity, and inclusion; and gling students, staffed by retired • An upgraded HVAC system in MEA members, who are paid and inclusion plan; and many schools. at the same rate as substitute • A teaching fellows program that teachers. supports educators of color in becoming school leaders. ICONS AND PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO 45

A SERVING OF FOOD JUSTICE, ONE INGREDIENT AT A TIME A GROWING MOVEMENT AIMS TO MAKE SCHOOL MEALS HEALTHIER AND IMPROVE WAGES AND BENEFITS FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKERS BY BRENDA ÁLVAREZ Fresh haddock caught off the coast of Maine, smoth- Food justice explained ered in breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese and parsley, and baked at 350 degrees for about 20 Much of this potential comes from a national drive to minutes. The results? Crunchy baked fish served with empower communities, giving them authority over their food supply systems—from what they eat and how they eat mashed potatoes, lemon wedges, and peas. A fresh it to who provides it to them. apple from a neighboring farm accompanies the dish as well. Food justice is when communities have access to This entrée could be found at a seafood shack in any foods that are affordable, healthy, culturally relevant, and seaside town. This one just happens to be on a lunch tray at safe. Plus, they have the power to source local protein and Whitefield Elementary School, in rural Maine, where some produce; use humane, eco-friendly production methods of the ingredients come from local farmers and fisheries. that invest in the community; and create union jobs that pay Across the country, more school districts are embracing a living wage and offer health and retirement benefits. It’s a this style of food preparation, known as scratch cooking. tall order, but some districts are delivering on this promise. They are opting to cook fresh meals in-house, using locally Partnerships, a main ingredient sourced ingredients and moving away from pre- packaged, processed meals, such as chicken Fish is the latest in a growing list of locally sourced nuggets, pizza, and french fries. foods available to Whitefield’s Sheepscot Valley “We have this tremendous potential to Regional School Unit 12. reimagine … school meals and drive equity and The district has partnered with the Maine justice in our communities and across food Coast Fishermen’s Association to make the systems,” says Jennifer Gaddis, an assistant pro- catch of the day available to school children. fessor of civil society and community studies at Every week, school nutrition director Michael the University of Wisconsin-Madison and author Flynn, drives about an hour to Portland Harbor of The Labor of Lunch: Why We Need Real Food to get fresh fish right off the boat. He loads about and Real Jobs in American Public Schools. 70 pounds of it into his car and treks back to help Michael Flynn cafeteria staff process it for the week’s menu. 46 PHOTO: COURTESY OF MIKE FLYNN

“We’re lucky,” Flynn says. “We have a great network of HOW TO BRING HEALTHY FOOD TO people, from the superintendent, [school] board directors, YOUR SCHOOL educators, and parents to local farmer organizations, the Maine Farm and Sea Cooperative, Foodcorp Maine, and Start a school and community garden and invite stu- Let’s Go 5-2-1-0, who want ingredients to be wholesome. dents, parents, and other community members to help. So we have the latitude to go for it.” Form coalitions to represent the views of all interested The go-for-it for him is to keep it simple by gradually parties, including students, parents, school nutrition stocking school pantries and freezers with local foods. staff, education support professionals, teachers, admin- istrators, farmers, and child nutrition advocacy groups. “It could feel large and scary for most production opera- tions,” Flynn says. “But our goal is to do this … one ingredient Provide professional development to school nutrition at a time, so it’s not as overwhelming.” and cafeteria staff that covers scratch cooking and knife skills. Remember that fresh food is more labor-intensive What’s on your tray? and encourages an increase in staff hours. School lunch programs in the U.S. have been around for Create partnerships with local farmers, butchers, and more than a century. But it wasn’t until 1946 that a federal dairy producers. Visit the National Farm to School Net- lunch program was created, providing government subsi- work website to connect with partnering organizations: dized school meals to K–12 students. These meals came farmtoschool.org/our-network. with national guidelines, too, and required the meals to include meat, beans, green and yellow vegetables, citrus fruits, milk, and bread and butter on every tray. Over time, guidelines loosened, and budgets shrank. This shuffled in an era of mass-produced and overly pro- cessed foods—including frozen burgers, fish sticks, and tater tots—that bake in unhealthy amounts of sugar, sodium, and fat. These quick-to-fix meals are part of the heat-and-serve model—a system that produces meals in a factory and then ships them to schools where they’re reheated and served. This model is not only less nutritious, it also dilutes the food service workforce within schools. Students across the nation are benefiting from the food justice movement, which gives communities authority over what they eat and who provides their food. PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT: BURKE COUNTY, GREELEY, CO NATIONAL SCHOOL TO FARM NETWORK; KIDS ON FARM, STRIKE FARMS 47

FOOD JUSTICE Better food service jobs and ensure that students who are hungry have access to Many cafeteria staff who work under the heat-and-serve meals, whether or not they qualify for free lunches. The model are employed for 5 hours or less a day. The work is program would also help end the stigma caused by policies considered “low-skilled,” and staff are poorly compensated. that single out students for unpaid meal charges. Plus, their jobs are vulnerable to privatization. “If schools operated with fresh and locally sourced food, Food justice is also about racial justice the first positive is better nutrition for students. The second There’s another problem on hand, and it’s rooted in is that the food service system would have to change,” systemic racism. Big corporations are making huge prof- says NEA senior policy analyst Tim Barchak. its from public school meal programs, often to the He explains that cafeteria staff who work with detriment of students’ health, writes Gaddis in the fresh food would need more hours on the job. K–12 education journal Phi Delta Kappan. The employer would have to invest in profes- Take milk, for example. Studies reveal that sional development for working with fresh food. about 90 percent of Asian Americans and 75 With more skills, workers could leverage more percent of African Americans and Native Ameri- compensation, and it would be more important cans are lactose intolerant compared with only to retain trained staff. 20 percent of White Americans. Some school officials claim it’s a cost-saving Janna Parker “Yet, there’s a federal policy that mandates milk measure to outsource their cafeteria workers to big come with every school meal,” Parker says. “It’s companies. Not so, says Janna Parker, a policy as- making Black boys and girls and other children of sociate with the National Farm to School Network. color sick because policymakers haven’t changed their guid- “Districts have the money and capability to provide ance to offer other options.” C M healthy foods that are local,” she says. “They just choose not Parker explains that communities of color are more likely Y CM to. It could be a bit more difficult, but it’s certainly doable.” to have limited options and minimal access to fresh produce. MY CY Also doable is for members of Congress to pass the To create a food system that is equitable and based on racial CMY K Universal School Meals Program Act, which would provide justice, a shift in mindset must occur, she says: “It’s an issue healthy school meals at no cost to students. of valuing the lives of People of Color, and when you value This would help students develop better eating habits people … you want them to have the best.” ATACKTEION Here are five actions you can 3. Show up to school board meetings take today: to raise awareness about the inequities YOU CAN in school food and advocate for scratch SPEAK UP 1. Ask your administrators these ques- cooking as well as more locally sourced FOR FOOD tions: Where do we buy food from? Do foods. JUSTICE we have a heat-and-serve model? What does this look like for our students? This 4. Contact your state association and ask Union members and food could lead to changes in local wellness how you could get involved. In Virginia, justice advocates are or procurement policies. (Some districts former Gov. Ralph Northam established working to bring higher require producers to have a $1 million a task force, which includes the Virginia quality ingredients into school insurance policy, which prevents small to Education Association, to identify best cafeterias and secure better wages midsize local farmers from participating practices for serving school meals that and benefits for cafeteria staff. in school meal programs.) accommodate more dietary restrictions. We’re working in communities 2. Use your collective bargaining agree- 5. Ask your U.S. senators and representa- across the country to change ments to advocate for changes to school tives to co-sponsor the Universal School local, state, and federal policies, meals. In New Haven, Conn., union mem- Meals Program Act, which would per- and we’re using collective bar- bers used a survey to ignite an organizing manently provide free breakfast, lunch, gaining agreements to negotiate campaign that led to big wins, including: dinner, and a snack to all school children. for better working conditions. Creating more than 30 new, full-time The program would increase student par- cook positions; allowing substitute work- ticipation, and the more meals served, the ers to becoming permanent staff with cheaper they are to produce. Trimming benefits; and persuading the district to costs would give school officials more try more fresh cooking. resources to spend on higher quality in- gredients, better wages, and benefits for cafeteria workers. Contact your members of Congress at nea.org/UniversalMeals. 48 PHOTO: COURTESY OF JANNA PARKER