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Hi there,
When I was pregnant with my first child, I was working as a TV news reporter. To avoid bathroom emergencies while covering a story, I stopped drinking water. Then, six months into my pregnancy, I ended up in the hospital with severe dehydration. I was literally making myself sick and putting my baby in danger.
I know this story will sound familiar to many of you. [That’s why we chose “Give Me a Bathroom Break,” by Mary Ellen Flannery as this month’s cover story for the NEA Today magazine.]
Time and access were crucial for me then, and for you now. I knew I had to do something. I went to my union leaders and explained my situation. Together we found a way to ensure I could be on assignments where I would have more regular access to a bathroom.
As educators, you are too often asked to choose between your personal well-being and your profession. [Our NEA Today May cover story explores the severe, long-term health consequences of a lack of bathroom breaks, and how educator unions can create solutions for their members.]
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Just like I had a union to help me 14 years ago, you have NEA and your state and local affiliates to help you negotiate for bathroom breaks, higher salaries, your professional development, and more. This issue of NEA Today is full of ideas for ways to make a difference in your district, state, and schools nationwide. More NEA Today Articles to Add to Your Reading List
We’re in this together! We kind of have to be now, I just told you about my personal potty problems.
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In solidarity,
Giovanna Bechard
Editor-in-Chief
NEA Today |
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“There aren’t many professions that expect professionals to do their work without bathroom breaks.” |
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Liv Perez, co-president of the Oakland union, the Coalition of Educators for Change |
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