Foundation Voices

Foundation Update – December 2021

Foundation Update – December 2021

 

Global Learning Fellows Ready to Grow As Global Citizens
Following Two-Day Workshop

The NEA Foundation’s 2022 class of Global Learning Fellows (GLF) were recently convened for a two-day virtual workshop to network, collaborate, and learn from experts in the field of global learning and one another. Dr. Shanna Peeples, chair of education at West Texas A&M University, emphasized the power of storytelling as a tool for educator advocacy. Dr. Fernando Reimers, director of the Global Education Initiative at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, called the Fellows to action and encouraged them to be authorities on innovation as they emerge from the pandemic.

A panel of the 2019 GLF alumni addressed the new fellows and shared how the fellowship has shaped them as teacher leaders and informed their instructional practice. The fellows ended the weekend motivated by the thought provoking discussions and discovering the many ways in which they can use storytelling to create a globally competent curriculum.

The application for the 2023 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship are available through, March 1st. Please visit the NEA Foundation’s website for more information about the Global Learning Fellowship and to apply to participate in the 2023 cohort.

 

Five Outstanding Educators Vie for Top Award

The NEA Foundation was proud to announce recently, this year’s Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence! The Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence recipients are selected for their dedication to the profession, community engagement, professional development, attention to diversity, and advocacy for fellow educators.

“These educators demonstrate the power of public education and the many possibilities that dedicated educators offer to communities across the country,” said Sara A. Sneed, President and CEO of the NEA Foundation. “We will be very proud to feature each Horace Mann Award recipient at our 2022 Salute to Excellence in Education Gala next February, especially to share the stories that have fueled these educators’ desire to be forces for positive change in the lives of students. They are a source of great inspiration to all and we salute all that they bring their school communities each day.”

Learn more about each of the awardees!

The Horace Mann recipients will be honored during the NEA Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education Gala on February 11, 2022.

 

The 2022 Salute to Excellence in Education Coming Soon!

The NEA Foundation looks forward to celebrating exceptional educators and our many friends of public education on February 11, 2022 at The NEA Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education Gala! This year, we are proud to present the Salute to Excellence in Education as both an in-person and a virtual experience.

Forty-six (46) educators will be honored during the Foundation Gala as California Casualty awardees. Five will be honored as Horace Mann awardees and one educator will be named at the Gala as the NEA Member Benefits awardee.

To learn more about the 2022 awardees, click here. Join us for the celebration and register here today.

 

Enrich Your Classroom Experience with A NEAF Grant Today!

In 2020, 6th grade science educator Necole Hanks used her Student Success Grant to purchase technology to better help her reach her remote learners. With this new technology, Necole was able to record her lessons, record student group projects, and upload instructional videos to her learning management system.

“My project has strengthened the overall curriculum through the digital interconnectivity I was able to achieve,” said Hanks. “Reflective practice has provided me with ways to strengthen my questioning strategies, equity in calling on students, and increased awareness of student engagement (or lack thereof).”

Are you an educator seeking innovative ways to support the whole child? Consider applying for an Envision Equity Grant. Are you interested in nurturing your student’s academic success? Apply for a Student Success Grant. Are you seeking high-quality professional development opportunities? Please consider applying for a Learning & Leadership Grant.

Special thanks to First National Bank of Omaha for its continued support of NEA Foundation Grants to Educators!! The next application period opens December 1 and closes February 1, 2022. Applicants will be notified by April 1, 2022.

 

Maryland Educator Discusses the Impact of Self-Guided Professional Development

Jossie Perry is a National Board Certified teacher in social studies-history and was recently named a 2022 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellow. She teaches contemporary world studies and AP human geography at Rising Sun High School in Cecil County, Maryland.

Perry recently published an article through the Maryland State Educators Association highlighting the importance of educators selecting their own professional development. With the requirements for educator professional development increasing, Perry understands taking on one more course can be challenging. Yet, she advocates that the self-selected and self-guided professional development that takes an educator beyond the classroom and fills a knowledge gap models a commitment to lifelong learning and can inspire students to continue exploring their world. Read her article today!

If you or an educator you know are looking to grow your expertise as an educator, be sure to check out our Learning & Leadership Grants geared towards professional development.

 

Round Out 2021 With A Gift to the Foundation!

A better future for public education is possible and the NEA Foundation is helping to build that future! With your help, the NEA Foundation especially supports people, policies, and partnerships that are closing educational opportunity gaps across the country.

Among the many other benefits and resources extended, your generous support has helped the Foundation to award 114 grants to educators in 2021, totaling $434,000. Along with those who have received these grant awards, we are so grateful to each one of our donors, because your donations have made these grants possible. The funds you provide ultimately enrich children’s educational experiences, improve outcomes, and inspire classrooms across the country. NEA Foundation grants also support educators’ leadership, collaboration and partnership, and they enable educators to enhance their professional expertise, networks, and practice.

As we look ahead to 2022, we are counting on all who want to support the absolute best in public education to support the work of the NEA Foundation. Thank you!!

 

Public Education in the News

Community schools see success in community engagement despite step backs in education forced by pandemic

Build Back Better Act Is a Major Step Forward for Education Equity

From Teachers to Custodians, Meet the Educators Who Saved A Pandemic School Year

Leadership for ESL Teacher Recruitment and Retention

How to Teach Older Students Social-Emotional Skills? Try Civics