This year's #NEARA brought together over 6,000 delegates. But who are they, really? We met with 10 of them to find out, from the biggest issues facing public education today to their go-to snacks. Read what they shared.

“Students are talking to each other in the cafeteria, in the hallways. You wouldn’t think that would be a good thing, but we’re enjoying that they’re just more plugged into what’s going on around them and less focused on the screen."

⬇️ FREE TRAINING ALERT ⬇️ In the face of privatization and attacks on our neighborhood public schools, how can you protect and strengthen public education through the power of storytelling? Learn how on Wednesday, July 22 ➡️ https://bit.ly/Fundpublicschools

Students deserve a functional, robust Department of Education with skilled professionals ready to serve them. Destroying the Department of Education is more than a disservice—it will harm students across this country.

NEW: a guide created by the @ameracadpeds.bsky.social Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health’s Youth Advisory Panel shares top priorities for making online platforms safer, more supportive, and developmentally appropriate.

When we engage with one another, we build stronger, more inclusive spaces for every educator.

NEA, what more can I say? Today I end my final #NEARA as your president. Your tributes during this RA have so moved me. Your support for our movement has always inspired me. Your tireless work will always stay with me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are my heart, and always will be. 💜

Congratulations to Princess Moss, a lifelong advocate for education and champion for workers, on her election as president of @neatoday.bsky.social!

Elected leaders must listen to the experts when shaping education policy. That means the teachers and school staff who work with students every day. Learn more about our Higher Educator of the Year: https://bit.ly/4f2LWBy #NEARA

"I have never been more proud to call myself an educator. You are fighting forward when others have given in. You continue to uphold our vow to advance racial and social justice, and to create inclusive, safe, just, and joyous public schools." — @neapresident.bsky.social

One job should be enough. We're fighting for the pay and working conditions education support professionals deserve. Learn more: https://bit.ly/42AZsq4 #NEARA

Thank you, President Pringle, for your leadership over these last six years! 👏 #NEARA

👏 Congratulations are in order for NEA's newly elected officers: • NEA President - Princess Moss • NEA Vice President - Noel Candelaria • NEA Secretary-Treasurer - Robert Rodriguez

At #NEARA, 2026 NTOY Leon Smith shared how giving students the representation he never had reinforced his mission to bring more diverse educators into the profession. His story is a reminder that when students see themselves in what they learn, they discover what's possible in their own lives.

NEA Executive Director Kim Anderson told delegates today: You are how we make NEA a more perfect union. The thousands of you here—you are how we help make America a more perfect union. #NEARA

President of Education International @mugwena.bsky.social brought a message of unwavering solidarity from educators around the world to NEA's delegates today: When educators band together and organize, nothing is impossible.

Today, our nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is a moment to reflect honestly on our past, honor the contributions of all who have shaped this land, and recommit to building the future we want for the next generation.

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

Nation’s Largest Teachers’ Union Will Elect New Leader at Annual Confab: A primer to this year's nearly 7,000-delegate National Education Association Representative Assembly.

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

🎶 Because defending democracy goes down smoother with a good beat. Turn on the tunes with NEA's member-curated hype list for the 105th Representative Assembly: nea.org/RAplaylist #NEARA

Over the past year, JCPA worked with NEA Jewish Affairs Caucus & @neatoday.bsky.social to advance new policies to help protect both the safety & First Amendment rights of all members at this week's Representative Assembly. This is why engagement matters. jewishpublicaffairs.org/nea-jewish-a...

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.

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

H.R. 1, the budget reconciliation bill passed last summer, made a number of alterations to federal student aid and student loan administration. Many of those changes will take effect on July 1, 2026. What you need to know ⬇️

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.

Teachers in one of Florida’s Panhandle counties lost their local union 9 years ago, when a charter school company came to town to run its small schools. But today, the company is gone, and the local union is back! ✊🏻

Secretary McMahon’s dismantling of the Department of Education without Congress is ILLEGAL. 🧵

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.

Nearly a third of educators work a second job during the school year to make ends meet. Teaching should be enough to live on. If we want great teachers in the classroom, we have to pay them their value.

Fewer behavior issues? More engagement? Stronger academic performance? That's what happened in Ala. after the FOCUS Act passed, banning cellphone use during the school day. Teacher Jonathan Buchwalter went viral on TikTok after sharing the difference a cellphone-free classroom made for his students.

What happens when a teacher removes tech from the classroom? In one @educationmn.bsky.social classroom, students had improved focus, a deeper connection, and improved learning. What's better? More than 95% of students said the tech-free classroom experience was a success.

Today is #ASKDay. It's the first day of summer when students are out of school, often at home and at friends' homes with less supervision. As @bradyunited.org encourages, always make sure to ASK: "Is there an unlocked gun where my child plays?" #AskingSavesKids #EndFamilyFire

Trump and McMahon are moving the Office for Civil Rights and programs for students with disabilities out of the Department of Education—a reckless move that will harm students. 🔗 RSVP for the virtual town hall to learn how to defend students' rights: https://tinyurl.com/247adrdf

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.

#Pride2026🏳️‍🌈: "Education support personnel and all educators want to provide every student with an accurate and quality education in a safe and welcoming learning environment." #LGBTIWorkers @neatoday.bsky.social#Pride2026#LGBTIWorkers ➡️ https://eiie.io/4v9nIfA

Time and time again, the Trump administration deprioritizes and undermines services that help the students who need them most. But we are here to say: not on our watch.

⚠️ BREAKING ⚠️ Donald Trump and Linda McMahon are yanking programs that support students OUT of the Department of Education. Tell Congress to put a stop to this before students are harmed.

Inspired after mentoring incredible Latino youth through CHCI NextGen today — students from TX, LA & AR dreaming of becoming immigration lawyers, nurses, engineers & policy leaders. Most impactful? Learning from them and their commitment to building a more just future. Gracias, CHCI. Adelante. 💪🏽✨

In 2012, DACA recipients were high school students. Now they are teachers, caregivers, and parents whose futures remain insecure. Join us, in partnership with @unitedwedream.org, in telling Congress to pass the Dream Act. #DACAnniversary #CitizenshipNow

Students at Montclair State University are pushing for a simple but powerful change: one excused mental health day each semester. Students on other campuses can follow suit by using these 7 steps to advocate for policies that support student well-being.

The most dangerous moment in DACA's 14-year history is happening right now. Across the country, immigrant communities & our families are living through a nightmare. ✍️ Tell Congress to support the Dream Act & deliver citizenship: https://unitedwedre.am/14YearsDACA_HIH 📲 Text HOME IS HERE to 78757

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!

Every student deserves to see themselves in history. @makinggayhistory.bsky.social brings LGBTQ+ voices from the past into classrooms today, with lesson plans for grades 5-12 developed by NEA members. Learn how educators are using these resources to bring #LGBTQ history to life.

Community schools provide food, healthcare, tutoring, and more to students and families who need them most. Despite the Trump admin cutting $132M in grants, community schools are expanding nationwide—and NEA has joined a coalition lawsuit to restore this funding.

Every student deserves a school where they can focus, thrive, and stay healthy. But extreme heat is making that impossible in classrooms across the country, and students from lower-income families bear the heaviest burden. https://bit.ly/3Qorhzk

A 15-year-old Native American girl refused to be turned away from her public school—and in doing so, helped prove that every student belongs in the classroom. Today we honor Alice Piper, and a fight that is as urgent now as it was in 1923. #AlicePiperDay

🏳️‍🌈 Every LGBTQ+ student deserves a school where they feel safe, seen, and free to be themselves. Repost if you agree. #PrideMonth