In my last #NEARA keynote speech as President, I shared a love letter to all NEA members. Leading this union has been the honor of my life. But the future—the power—the responsibility—now rests with you. So, I need you to move forward, in union together.

The 2026 Representative Assembly has officially begun! Over the next few days, members from across the country will vote on the union's policies and priorities. Delegates, where are you joining us from? ⬇️ #NEARA

Welcome to the 2026 Representative Assembly! Today we take an important step towards the collective action needed to protect our democracy and fulfill the promise of our public schools.

Thousands of NEA members are arriving in Denver for the world's largest democratic deliberative assembly! Together will set the union's priorities for the year ahead: https://bit.ly/4woOJfl

Welcome to the thousands of NEA members arriving in Denver for this year's Representative Assembly! Over the next few days, we will deliberate and decide how to best harness the opportunities before us to fight back and win for our educators, our students, and our democracy 💜

Congratulations to newly elected Aspiring Educator Chair Stephanie Chávez! Learn about her plans to mobilize future teachers to shape the direction of public education: https://bit.ly/4vFFSFU

As I told attendees of this year's Conference on Racial and Social Justice, this gathering is as special as it is necessary, as sacred as it is powerful. Thank you to all who not just attended—but deeply engaged. Together we build community & solidarity—together we make education more equal & just.

That feeling when you're ready for #NEARA to begin... but not ready for Pride Month to be over!

Today, the Supreme Court stood by the Constitution and more than a century of Court precedent, reaffirming that every child born on American soil is entitled to the full rights and protections of citizenship.

Despite today’s Supreme Court decision on transgender student athletes, we will not rest until every student has fully resourced, inclusive, and supportive schools—where all LGBTQ+ youth are free to be their authentic selves and pursue their dreams.

To the retired members at the NEA-Retired conference this week—you have invested in NEA, and in public education, for a lifetime. And that is tremendous. Thank you for showing all of us what it means to organize, advocate, and truly lead with purpose.

This weekend, I shared with the Aspiring Educators gathered here in Denver, these words from John Lewis: "Freedom is not a state, it is an act." The decision to become an educator is a belief in the future—in our children and a freer, brighter future for them.

What a joy to join my fellow officers Princess and Noel, alongside @coloradoea.bsky.social colleagues, at Denver Pride! We march to protect and celebrate our LGBTQ+ students and educators 🏳️‍🌈 💜

When I'm asked for book recommendations, I sometimes think of Alice Wong's "Disability Visibility"—an inspiring anthology I read last year. With essays from advocates and activists, sharing stories from the disability community, it is a must-read.

IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, is about education, not health care, and kids in schools are students not patients. It's unacceptable that Secretary McMahon is moving the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Temporary Protected Status holders work in our schools, drive our students, feed our children. Many have U.S.-born children. This will upend the lives of many Haitian & Syrian TPS holders—that's not right. They belong here. We again demand Congress provide them lawful & stable immigration status.

Vouchers leech taxpayer dollars from the public school system—where 90% of students go—and redirect them to unaccountable institutions. Governors who support public education will not opt in.

In just a handful of days, I'll be joining thousands upon thousands of educators who have been elected by their peers to represent them at NEA's annual Representative Assembly—gathering to govern our union and chart our collective path forward. I cannot wait to feel the electricity in that room!

Students in special education deserve dedicated professionals, who are experts in disability rights policy, on their side. This administration wants to rip that away from these students and families.

As I've shared over the years, my father was a history teacher. He believed deeply in the importance of teaching and learning America's full, complex, sometimes dark history. He never wanted us to forget our painful but proud history. On Father's Day, and always, I try to honor his powerful legacy.

Today we mark Juneteenth, the day that the news of slavery's legal end finally reached Texas over 200 years ago. It is a signifier of Black communities' resilience and survival—but also a reminder that justice delayed is justice denied.

Undermining the Office of Civil Rights and IDEA by ripping them out of the Department of Education will be chaotic and destructive. Join me and other education experts tonight to learn more. https://bsky.app/profile/neatoday.bsky.social/post/3moiycus7552p

Removing IDEA from the qualified hands of education professionals is not some slight adjustment. It is an attack on the educational and civil rights of students across this country.

We stand with Education Minnesota and their member facing charges related to demonstrating against ICE during Operation Metro Surge. We stand with Minnesotans who acted in solidarity to protect their communities and who demand truth, justice, and accountability for all.

At every turn, this administration undermines educators, harms students, and creates chaos. Tearing away programs that support students with disabilities and protect students’ rights will be disastrous unless we all take action to stop it.

Fourteen years ago, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) became reality—and thousands of students and families could finally exhale. Now, DACA—and immigrant communities—are under attack like never before. We must continue to protect and support our immigrant neighbors.

50 million students attend public school in America. Educators will not stop advocating until every single one of them has the resources that they need to thrive.

Learning about the Holocaust is a vital component of a sound civic education—equipping students to engage in democracy, make ethical decisions, and defend others. This is why I urge the Senate to pass the HEAL Act, a bill to study on Holocaust education efforts in public schools nationwide.

Last week, I was lucky enough to talk to Mandi Jung, NEA member and middle school science teacher in St. Paul, Minnesota. We reflected on the trauma suffered because of ICE's extreme actions there—and also the incredible outpouring of support from fellow educators. Because that's just what we do.

Vouchers weaken our public schools and limit opportunities for students. This is indisputable. They siphon critical funds away from public schools—where 90% of America's students go—and towards unaccountable private institutions. Voucher schemes are indefensible.

Today I joined global labor leaders in Nuuk to say Greenland is not for sale! Proud to be in solidarity with brave IMAK educators—we know what authoritarian threats feel like in our classrooms. With @eduinternational.bsky.social, we denounce attacks on Greenland’s autonomy. When we fight, we win!

Today, by using the House Judiciary Committee to target @splcenter.org, Republicans are continuing Trump's campaign of retribution against anyone he deems a political enemy. For decades SPLC has fought to protect America from extremists and hate groups. Now, we all have a stake in protecting SPLC.

Educators will not live in fear of their own government We will not allow brilliance to be self-censored before it has a chance to shine. We will not allow this administration to erase academic freedom or steal students' and educators' futures.

June's #ReadAcrossAmerica picks are all about supporting students' special passions and helping them thrive. If you need a diverse book recommendation for an elementary, middle-grade, or young adult reader, these are for you 📚

In June, we mark Gun Violence Prevention Month—it is inexcusable that students and educators are still must live in fear of gun violence in schools and on campuses. Visit nea.org/gunviolence for resources to heal in the wake of gun violence, and to advocate to end this unconscionable epidemic.

Today we begin #PrideMonth, a moment when we should not only spread joy but also courage and support to our LGBTQ+ family, friends, and neighbors. We will persevere through hardship to celebration ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤

That feeling when the school year is finally wrapping up 💜

No matter the color of your skin or where you come from, we all deserve to be treated with dignity. At Delaney Hall detention camp, hunger strikers and neighbors are bravely demanding to close the camps. ICE can't be trusted with our tax dollars. Make your voice heard: www.nea.org/advocating-f...

Hearing from members is the most important part of my job.

In the words of Mary Church Terrell, success should mean "lifting as you climb." Our best accomplishments are those that empower others.

It's not too late to check out the May book recommendations from #ReadAcrossAmerica—with beautiful, creative stories about heritage for readers of all ages.

During #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth we must discuss students' mental wellness—but also educators' too. Support and resources are key to ensuring everyone in school feels safe and whole.

Educators have the power to protect students' rights and promote inclusion. NEA members can join disability rights and inclusion book club—or start a new one with these resources!

The Department of Education's final RISE rule is a direct attack on the students and families who depend on strong public schools. NEA joins a broad coalition challenging the unlawful restriction on federal student loans: https://tinyurl.com/3ndee7sf

An attack on organizations that defend civil rights is an attack on all of us. When leaders target those who speak truth to power, they send a chilling message: stay silent or face consequences.

Every single day, educators in public schools across the country are inspiring students to find the joy in learning 💜

Barney Frank was not only a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights at a time when it was politically risky for people to live their authentic selves, but he was also a champion of civil rights and women’s rights. Rest in power.

Whether it is a church, a synagogue, or a mosque, all places of worship should be safe—no exceptions. Anti-Muslim hate has no home in our communities. All students, including those at the Al Rashid School, deserve to learn and worship without fear. We will not stop advocating for that future.

Today marks the anniversary of the Brown v Board of Education decision. Seventy-two years later, we are so far from the equitable, justice-centered school system that our students truly deserve. We will never stop fighting for it.

Today is #WorldESPDay! Education support professionals—bus drivers, paraprofessionals, cafeteria workers, custodians, and more—absolutely power our schools. They should be respected—and paid!—like the essential staff that they are. There is no education without ESPs.