“On Nov. 30, 2021, Michigan high school teacher Melissa Gibbons became part of a group she never wanted to join: school shooting survivors.” 

Hi there, that’s how the cover story of the new issue of NEA Today magazine starts.  

My name is Giovanna and I am the new editor-in-chief of NEA Today magazine. Your next issue should be on its way to you—but after reading that chilling opening, I had to give you an advanced look.  

The cover story by Amanda Litvinov is a timely examination of the complex issue of gun violence and the many ways educators like Melissa are working to address it in our schools and communities.  

This story really hits home for me. I am from Maine and after the mass shooting in Lewiston two months ago, my youngest son refused to go outside to play for fear of being shot in our front yard. Those fears returned last week when he saw the news of the school shooing in Perry, Iowa.  

Please check out the latest issue of NEA Today magazine to read this powerful story—along with articles about what really happens in AP African American studies classes, why some school buildings are making educators sick, and more.

Solving the gun violence epidemic can feel so overwhelming. It can often seem like the odds are stacked against us, that politicians do not care about our children dying.  

But after reading this story, it's clear we have made some progress and that many solutions remain before us. We know what works, and—most important—we have so many educators joining together with parents and communities to demand change.  

We. Can. Change. This. I know we can. 

In solidarity,  Giovanna Bechard  Editor-in-Chief  NEA Today