Vouchers were first used after Brown v. Board to avoid integrating public schools. Today, they still operate outside the civil rights and accountability standards that guide public education, and a new federal voucher program could divert $50 billion from public schools nationwide.

Congratulations to the 2026 NEA ESP of the Year finalists! Each of these five Education Support Professionals demonstrate outstanding accomplishments and reflect the vital role ESPs play in public education.

Congress' arbitrary limits on graduate student loans leave education degrees behind. It sends a troubling message that educators and their professional growth don’t matter. We disagree! Tell Congress educators deserve the same respect and benefits as other professionals!

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson. Today, I celebrate the life of a giant who was a pillar of justice for labor, education, and communities across this nation. May we carry forward the hope that he kept alive and remember that justice is a collective responsibility.

School vouchers are pulling resources from the public schools that serve nearly every child. Research shows they raise costs, enable discrimination, and leave students behind. Learn what voucher expansion really means for public school students.

Roses are red, Our schools light the way. Educators lead with courage And love every day. ❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day to every teacher and ESP who shows up with heart, strength, and unwavering commitment to our students and public schools.

📣 Calling all support staff! We've EXTENDED the registration deadline for NEA's upcoming #ESP conference, March 27-29 in Anaheim, CA. Be sure to register by Wednesday, February 18, at 11:59 p.m.!

ICE's mere presence near schools terrorizes students and disrupts educators' teaching. Fear and cruelty have no place there. This is why @neatoday.bsky.social is taking legal action to demand long-standing protections for sensitive locations—like schools—be restored. #ICEOutSchools bit.ly/46368zA

I met with PA @pseaorg.bsky.social @neatoday.bsky.social teachers this week in DC. They shared heartbreaking stories from our community about kids who are too scared to come to school, afraid that they, or someone in their family, will be taken by ICE. The American people have had enough of this.

ICE may be leaving Minnesota, but Columbia Heights teacher Peg Nelson is clear: "No child in America should go through what Columbia Heights and other schools in MN have endured. ICE needs to stay away from schools everywhere!" #MNinDC #ICEOutMN

About 300 students at Columbia Heights High School are choosing online classes because they don’t feel safe. That’s 1/4 of the entire student body. @educationmn.bsky.social educator Kristen Sinicariello details more devastating impacts of ICE on schools in @momsrising.org's newest podcast episode.

For 30 years, E‑Rate has helped close the digital divide by ensuring schools and libraries can provide reliable internet access. It remains one of the most important equity tools in public education. https://bsky.app/profile/markey.senate.gov/post/3meexi6qkvk25

Right now, we have a meaningful opportunity to stop ICE's violent, cruel tactics and hold its federal agents accountable for their actions. Congress has until February 13 to negotiate the Department of Homeland Security budget, which includes ICE and border patrol.

Retirement planning means balancing “present me” and “future me”—without knowing exactly what the future holds. Being aware of our own decision habits can help us make smarter, more intentional choices. These principles may help ⤵️

ICE and DHS agents must withdraw from our communities. Sensitive locations like schools and bus stops must be protected from ICE and other federal agents. Warrantless operations must end immediately. DHS agencies must fully cooperate in local and state investigations into shootings by agents.

#NEASummit brings together teachers, education support professionals, and #EdLeaders from across the country to build the skills and collective strength needed to protect public education and our democracy. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it. See you in Chicago! nea.org/leadershipsummit

Policymakers should heed the recommendations of educators and health experts by banning cellphones in schools to protect children’s well-being and help reverse the decline in academic achievement across the nation. https://ampr.gs/45OHGSf

Boys are far more likely than girls to be suspended or expelled. Too often, they’re labeled as “problems” instead of learners with unique strengths. Educators are shifting that narrative by modeling healthy help‑seeking and creating meaningful opportunities for boys to engage and grow.

NEA President Becky Pringle (@neapresident.bsky.social) returns to "Duty Free Lunch" for a powerful and personal conversation about attacks on educators, the future of public education, and Pennsylvania's outsized role in protecting democracy. 🎧 Listen to this episode at www.psea.org/podcast

Happy National School Counseling Week! These professionals play a critical role in supporting EVERY student in Minnesota. And when our students are supported, there's no limit to their success. #NSCW26

Today is #WorldHijabDay, a chance to show solidarity with Muslim girls and women and push back against against bigotry, discrimination, and Islamophobia. All communities are stronger because of their diversity.

Congratulations to CCSSO's 2026 National Teacher of the Year finalists Katie Collins (AL), Rachel Kinsaul (GA), Michelle Gross (KY), Linda Wallenberg (MN) and Leon Smith (PA)! 🏆 #NTOY26 Visit ntoy.ccsso.org to learn more about these incredible educators!

For the countless immigrant communities affected by escalating immigration enforcement, donation drives and other forms of collective aid have been a beam of light amid the darkness of fear, brutality, and chaos. Educators have been at the forefront of this response.

🛑 ICE agents deployed by the Trump administration are terrorising school communities across the US. ✊🏽 We stand with @aft.org members on the frontlines to protect students and families and to stop the authoritarian turn at the top of US politics. ➡️ https://eiie.io/49NmRsM #ICEOutSchools

Educators are the best of us. Beyond proud of the work our union and our members are doing to help students and their families impacted by the surge of ICE agents into Minnesota: edmn.me/45xY49B #iceoutmn #iceoutschools

We, as educators, will always speak out to protect our students and our communities.

What’s one word that describes NEA members? Determined. Even through sadness and fear, Minneapolis educators are organizing, standing in solidarity with parents, and making sure students and families have what they need during ICE's presence in the Twin Cities.

We will not sit silent as our students, fellow educators, and their families—especially those who are Black and brown—are being targeted, harassed, detained, and even killed. Register here ➡️ www.mobilize.us/nea/event/89...

I have seen the video. It is horrific and inexcusable. Another Minnesotan killed in the street by ICE agents. At 7pm CT today, light a candle in solidarity with Minnesota. Together, with moral clarity and courage, we demand ICE leave our communities and stop traumatizing our students and families.

We are witnessing a federal occupation of an American city, carried out through intimidation, fear, and violence at the expense of our children, students, and families. ICE does not belong in our schools or communities. #IceOutSchools

This is what solidarity looks like ✊ Union leaders and members are here in Minnesota standing together in solidarity in response to ICE’s assault on our communities. #ICEOUT @educationmn.bsky.social @mfelocal59.bsky.social #SPFE28 @aftmass.bsky.social @ctulocal1.bsky.social @neatoday.bsky.social

Jan 27 Webinar: @neatoday.bsky.social & JCPA will come together on International Holocaust Remembrance Day for a critical webinar on understanding antisemitism and the growing threat it poses to students, educators, and all of our communities. Join the conversation: nea-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Arizona educators stand in solidarity with our @educationmn.bsky.social union siblings. KEEP ICE OUT OF SCHOOLS.

It is time to take a stand. For my community. For my kids. For Liam. For Minnesota. For our country. #ICEoutschools @neatoday.bsky.social @educationmn.bsky.social

Loving all the blue we’re seeing from folks here in Minnesota and across the country today! Keep the solidarity coming! Every child deserves to attend a safe, welcoming public school, but that cannot happen with ICE agents circling school buildings and bus stops #ICEOutSchools 💙

A five-year-old. Wearing a Spiderman backpack. Children should never be pawns in a violent political game. This is why NEA’s members are mobilizing to demand: ICE must leave our schools and communities immediately.

At a minimum, Congress should support students and keep them safe. While the House just passed crucial education funding—including for Title I & IDEA—they also approved more funds for the Dept of Homeland Security. At a time when ICE is traumatizing students & communities, this is unacceptable.

Students and families trust schools to be places of safety—not fear. But, ICE raids in MN are causing real harm for children, fueling stress, anxiety, and trauma that reach every corner of the classroom. Take a deeper look, and learn how communities are pushing back👉🏽 https://tinyurl.com/c9p7fx6c

Tomorrow, join me in wearing blue to send a message of solidarity with Minnesota 🔵 Government violence has no place in our communities. #ICEOutSchools

Wear blue tomorrow, January 23, as a visible sign that we stand together—across state lines and across communities—in support of safe, welcoming public schools where children can learn without fear. #ICEOutSchools

Educators will always protect their students. But it should never come to this. Our communities deserve policies that put children’s safety, stability, and dignity first. #ICEOutSchools

Congress cut the budget of SNAP by 20% to help pay for their billionaire tax cut. Millions of children will lose access to meals both at school and at home—unless we act. https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/action-center/take-action/reverse-harmful-snap-cuts

As educators, NEA members are committed to the safety and well-being of our students. Schools and communities must be places of learning and belonging, safe for all. The presence of ICE in our communities undermines this mission. Join us tonight at 8pm ET: bit.ly/standwithminnesota

What's your rose, bud, and thorn for 2025—and how will you build power in 2026?

This is our moment! Join our national call on January 21 at 7 p.m. ET to help us kick off organizing for May Day in 2026. Together, we’ll build a future that puts workers over billionaires. Register here: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/mds2026/register

Martin Luther King Jr. said, "The road to freedom is a difficult, hard road. It always makes for temporary setbacks." We lament our struggles, but also, we organize. Our values and our resolve will not change. Our students need us advocating for them—now more than ever.

In honor of #MLKDay, we share a favorite quote on education by the great civil rights leader. What is your favorite quote by Dr. King?

What will the year hold for public education? Check out our predictions for the year to come. 👀 Spoiler: they point to better educator pay, an increase in cellphone bans, and more.

Civics engagement goes beyond casting a ballot. It requires developing students’ critical thinking and debate skills, along with strong civic virtues. Check out these helpful resources and advice from NEA members and other experts to help you bring civics education into your classroom.