The Educator

Derry Educators Utilize Scott McGilvray Children’s Fund to Break Down Barriers to Student Learning

For 25 years, Alicia Triplett has worked in the Derry School District to support families and kids so they can come to school and take advantage of their education. As a Home/School Coordinator, she knows sometimes there are barriers in the way – and it’s her job to help break those down.  At any given time, Triplett has 100 cases open from kindergarten to eighth grade in the four Derry schools she serves. Triplett says there are many community organizations that work to support students, but not every need can be met. In the recent past, her colleague, Lee Holder, […]

Bedford Educational Personnel Association Uses Personal Connection to Push Toward Goal to Double Membership

“We’re not alone in our struggles and our successes.” That’s the message Suzanne Johnson is bringing to colleagues in her new position as President of Bedford Educational Personnel Association (BEPA). She knows there is strength in numbers, which is why she and her new board leadership team set an ambitious goal of doubling membership by the next negotiation. One year in, they have already increased membership by 67%. “The fact that we’ve made such leaps and bounds this first year is just setting the ball rolling for future years,” Johnson said. Johnson, who has worked in the District for six […]

June 2024: Government Relations Report

Legislative Session Ends with Mixed Results for Educators  This year’s session has seen mixed results at the State House. Coming off the heels of a successful year in working to pass increases in state aid that helped lead to negotiated pay increases for members, we looked to the second year to fend off attacks on the profession, further privatization efforts, and more attempts passing politically motivated culture war legislation that targets LGBTQ+ students. We also sought to make more headway in advancing proactive legislation that we hoped to help energize the pipeline of educators into the profession.  Unfortunately, the state […]

NHEEP asks, “What can we do about it?”: A question to empower joyful changemakers in an uncertain time

By Aubrey Nelson, NHEEP In a world that can feel rather grim at times, especially as a teacher (in my case I’m a climate educator for NH and VT Energy Education Program), I want to tell you a bit about inspiration, energy and action…. And how we can cultivate more of it.  Last night I was meeting with a group of educators from across the state who have woven project-based learning into their curriculum, including a teacher in Gorham, NH. Her students are working to make their town more pedestrian and bike-friendly by redesigning cross-walks after a woman was killed […]

Members of the NEA-NH Staff pose with Senator Becky Whitley and sculptor Ben Victor in the "Christa" Room.

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 […]