NH Public Education

September 14, 2024: NEA-NH Legislative Update

New Laws Taking Effect Now – Make sure you know what changes are coming! The legislature may not be in session, but things are still happening. To wrap up this past year we have assembled a list of legislation that was signed into law that directly affects public education, educators, and students. Please look at the list which is organized by category and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out by e-mailing me at bhawkins@nhnea.org. State Board of Education Minimum Standards Overhaul Headed to Legislative Rules Committee Next week the Joint Legislative Committee on Rules, will […]

NH House Votes to Expand Education Voucher Eligibility to 500% of Federal Poverty Level, Rejects Universal Vouchers

CONCORD, NH – Today, the New Hampshire House of Representatives cast a series of mixed votes on three bills that would expand education voucher eligibility in our state. Two additional voucher expansion bills still await a full vote in the New Hampshire House after deadlocking in Committee, 10-10. HB 1652 would create the ability for a school district to adopt a local school district voucher program. HB 1677 extends eligibility for the voucher program to students who participated in the program in the preceding year, students whose enrollment transfer requests were denied, and to students in school districts which performed […]

NEA-NH Member Emily Sherman Testifies on Master Teacher Certification Bill at State Legislature

“Many teachers have the desire to continue to teach and also assume leadership positions in a school or district as department chairs, mentors, and by working on other district initiatives. In New Hampshire’s competency model, that should not always and only involve advanced degree work.” That’s the message shared recently by NEA-New Hampshire member Emily Sherman to the Senate Education Committee. The testimony Emily provided was in support of SB 521, which provides another avenue for teachers and CTE personnel interested in obtaining Master Teacher Certification. Emily is a STEM teacher at Portsmouth Middle School. Her career has spanned three […]

NEA-New Hampshire Hosts Roundtable Discussion with U.S. Education Secretary Cardona on Impact of Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Over 750,000 educators and public service workers have received $53.5 billion in student loan forgiveness through the Limited PSLF Waiver (and counting). On January 10, NEA-New Hampshire members and staff participated in a roundtable with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to discuss the positive impact of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The PSLF program was created in recognition of the many ways public service workers make our communities, and our nation, better. However, for too long the system was broken, meaning educators who earned cancellation were being rejected from forgiveness. Thanks to the advocacy of educators and […]

Well-Deserved Recognition: Artist Picked to Design Christa McAuliffe Memorial at the NH State House

As a social studies teacher, astronaut, and NEA-New Hampshire member, Christa McAuliffe touched the lives of countless students in her community, our state, and our country and inspired us all to reach for the stars. This week, NEA-New Hampshire staff members had the honor of meeting with Ben Victor, the sculptor chosen for the Christa McAuliffe Memorial that will be placed on the New Hampshire State House plaza. The memorial is slated to be finished and installed by September 2, 2024 – which would have been McAuliffe’s 76th birthday. She taught at Concord High School and was chosen for […]