As educators in the first seven years of our careers, we have so much to learn, but also so much to give. Being members of the Washington Education Association is our way to grow that impact. Being engaged in our association, provides us with resources, professional growth opportunities, financial support, and, most importantly, a community and a collective voice which directly impacts our students and our profession.
This past summer, the WEA Early Career Educator Committee presented "Collectivist Action through COVID-19 and a 2020 Revolution: A Pacific Northwest Point of View." These 14 Early Career, BIPOC, Women and Non-Binary Educators created this mini-series for us, by us.
Educators in the first several years of our career not only need support in navigating our new schools and classrooms, but also in creating community with our colleagues and focusing on our own self-career. Here is a list of resources and professional growth opportunities curated by fellow early career eduators.
Do the following statements accurately describe you?
If these descriptions resonate and you are highly motivated to build powerful mentorship skills that will greatly impact the field of education for years to come, then NAKIA Academy is for you.
NAKIA Academy, named for a fictional unsung hero and a humanitarian whose philosophy includes lifting others up, is a community that is in continuous growth and support. It currently engages authentically with more than 180 members of color to lead, organize and create equitable spaces in education. This fall, the academy will bring some 90 certifcated educators (ESAs included) together in three cohort groups over a four-month period focused on thinking, learning, interacting, skill-building, and fun.
NAKIA Academy is a mentoring and leadership academy by BIPOC and open to BIPOC. The Academy’s purpose is to keep newer educators in the field by identifying and training veteran BIPOC educators who can support, mentor, guide, and build with the next generation of BIPOC leaders.
Applications for the current cohort have closed. Check back in the spring for application updates.
Meet your Early Career Educator committee members. These are the individuals working for you at WEA. They prioritize your wants and needs as educators just starting out in your careers.
As new educators and members of the Washington Education Association, you may not be aware of the structure and processes. Find out about your association, how it is governed, locals and councils, and your leadership team.
The Student Washington Education Association (SWEA) and the Aspiring Educator of the National Education Association (AspiringEd) are the combined programs for student pre-service educators of the largest union in the United States, the NEA/WEA. This membership gives students the benefit of strength in numbers and a connection with other educators who believe in the promise of public education. Together, we stand strong for our students and for our profession.