Critical Issues in Education
Daily Overview
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Union Communities OverviewUnion Community Groups are invited to participate in authentic and progressive conversations about current and critical issues in education. Participants will learn from each other, connect, and address ways to make impactful change in their own communities.
Objectives Union Community members will:
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Critical Issues ExplanationDefining "Critical Issues": contemporary matters that are of concern to the broad population. They tend to be complex and not easy to solve. They consist of many facets, or interrelated problems, all of which need to be worked on in some systematic fashion to improve the situation.
Issues arise out of the hearts/needs and concerns of people as they deal with the changes that are occurring around them. Within critical issues are the categories: current, emerging, and potential. (University of Arkansas County Extension Council Guide - DIST06) Examples of Critical Issues
This is not a complete list. We want you to use these as a base for discussion, but feel free to add your own issues.
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Union Communities FAQ
Do I have to post each day on the Padlets?
Well, geez, we aren't going to punish you if you don't! The Padlets are a way to share Aspiring Educator voice. We'd love for you to make it your goal to post by the end of each day, but feel free to go back and post later during the conference if you missed a day.
I can't think of what to write!
Reach out to your group members & UC Leads in your GroupMe chat! Remember to use this as an opportunity to learn from each other.
Still having trouble? Check out these probing questions below to get those ideas flowing:
Don't stress your post. Follow each day's GOAL and PADLET RESPONSE. There is no "right or wrong" in this exercise – simply you & your group's opinions, experiences, and promises! Can I post more than once?
Wow, look at you go! Of course you can, but please be mindful of the space you take up. We want to make sure everyone's voice is heard. If you have something super relevant that doesn't quite fit with your first post, go for it!
How much communication am I supposed to have with my UC Groups?
Union Communities are your opportunity to connect with aspiring educators from across the nation. In a perfect world where everyone has the time, we'd love for you to make friends and connections that remain long after AEC2020 – either through discussion on ZOOM, social media exchanges, or your GroupMe chat.
Who do I contact for ?
Always ask your UC Leaders first. If they can't answer your question and it isn't on this website, use the GroupMe to ask or email [email protected]. Don't be afraid to reach out – we're here to help!
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NEA AE Core Values Explained |
EDUCATOR QUALITY
Educator Quality encompasses how aspiring educators practice professional learning and gain insight on career preparation at local meetings and workshops, state conferences, and national symposiums. NEA shares resources on information relevant to members, including certification requirements and resources for working with diverse learners. Aspiring Educator members and chapters partner with local associations to enhance in-the-classroom opportunities and secure real-world insights into the education profession. Aspiring Educators shape their college curriculum by serving as change-agents on boards and committees. Involvement in the NEA Aspiring Educators Program enhances and strengthens the professional expertise of pre-service educators prior to entering the profession. |
COMMUNITY ENGAGAEMENT Community Outreach describes how NEA Aspiring Educators members engage the people and environment around them. Members of the NEA Aspiring Educators Program seek to have impact – locally and globally -- and value the mutual relationship which prepares them to support their future students through the communities that support them. Members learn about communicating with families, partnering with local businesses, and establishing mutual support through Chamber of Commerce consortiums. They design and implement projects such as after-school tutoring programs, learning carnivals, and senior citizen dances. Getting involved in local communities means supporting students where they live, through the people and businesses they interact with daily, and preparing Aspiring Educators to not only be outstanding professionals, but community leaders. |
POLITICAL ACTION Political Action includes the knowledge, advocacy, and action around political and legislative issues in public education. NEA Aspiring Educators elevate issue awareness around vouchers and charter schools, state-mandated certification issues, and new educator rights and supports. Members share information with peers, families, and communities around how legislative decision making affects pre-service educators, communities, students, and schools. NEA Aspiring Educator Chapters sponsor voter registrations, get-out-the-vote activities, contact elected officials, help elect pro-public education officials, and lobby at the local, state, and national levels in government. By educating their colleagues, organizing activities and publicizing their involvement, Aspiring Educators create a lasting impact on education politics. |
SOCIAL JUSTICE Social Justice refers to a sustained and intentional focus on building a more just and equal society by bringing inequality, discrimination, and oppression to light and helping traditionally marginalized groups gain access to opportunity. NEA Aspiring Educators are committed to tackling the immense occurrence of social injustice and institutional racism in their communities to create awareness and promote activism to eradicate the problem. Aspiring Educators chapters demonstrate their collective knowledge and awareness, advocacy, and action around one of NEA’s top priority issues, social and racial justice. |