Hi Hi there,  

Some of the best conversations I have with my two teenage boys happen in the car, usually on the way to a hockey rink. Somewhere between blasting hype songs and negotiating snack stops (the youngest always wants a chocolate shake after a game), they let me in on what’s really going on. These drives remind me that conversations where we connect don’t always happen in big moments. Sometimes, it’s at a rest stop on the Massachusetts Turnpike.  

This issue of NEA Today celebrates these kinds of moments where educators connect with students. From strategies to help boys thrive, to creative ways educators use AI without losing the human element, to whether later school start times make a difference, we’re telling member stories and offering resources to help you build those needed connections. And yes, NEA members even tested the best shoes for you, because happy feet matter!  

And just like those unexpected conversations on the road, your union is there when it matters most. In this issue, you’ll see how NEA stood with Colorado educators during their strike to restore collective bargaining rights, helped members understand students’ rights in the face of immigration raids, and supported Arizona teachers pushing back against excessive standardized testing. That’s the power of solidarity: making sure you have the support you need to do what you do best.

So, here’s to a year of creativity and connection—whether you’re in the classroom or behind the wheel—find time to crank up your favorite hype song and make it a year worth remembering.  

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