Celebrating Our Heroes
As COVID-19 brought our nation—and the world— to a screeching halt, our communities needed educators more than ever. Even from a social distance, NEA members found creative, inspiring, and selfless ways to educate, feed, and tend to the well-being of their students and colleagues.
Your stories have made us smile and moved us to tears. And while just a very few of those experiences can fit on these pages, NEA salutes all 3 million of you—our members.
Each of you has touched the lives of your students and helped your community—offering strength, love, and optimism in these darkest of times. United, we will make it through.
Educator Finds FREE Wi-Fi for Rural Students
So many teachers hustled this spring to put their lessons online and connect virtually with students. But what happens when students can’t reach them? About one in seven students don’t have internet access.
When schools closed in North Carolina, Margaret Powell, a data manager at West Cary Middle School, near Raleigh, knew a lack of highspeed access would be a problem for students in rural communities. She sprang into action, calling association leaders and church leaders in rural areas around the state.
“Churches have big spaces that sit empty during the week,” she explains, “and they have Wi-Fi access to service hotspots for students in rural areas.”
Immediately, five pastors from decent-sized churches said yes, offering space for CONTINUE READING: Celebrating Our Heroes - NEA Today