These were the words to a chant used at the 2023 AFT Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights Conference in Houston. Being a part of this event was pivotal for me as an aspiring educator. There was a moment when AFT and NEA members joined Texas educators, to hear AFT President Randi Weingarten champion education rights in Texas. Many people were marching and expressing their frustrations about teachers losing their ability to teach without the interference of politics. The news was broadcasting the march live and while, up until then, I had only seen this on TV, I was there, holding signs and marching along with other educators. It was an incredible testament to our power and a core memory for me. It proves that even as an aspiring educator, our union has our back and will continue to fight for you as you continue your career in education.
The future of education is bright, with aspiring educators at the forefront of this transformation. The Student Florida Education Association (SFEA) provides crucial support, advocacy and professional development opportunities. FEA empowers new educators to confidently face the profession’s challenges, preparing them to inspire and educate the next generation. As SFEA members, they are not just participants in the educational system but pioneers of change. FEA is committed to supporting them at every step, ensuring tomorrow’s educators are empowered, inspired, and ready to make a significant impact.
When I started FAMU field clinicals, I knew I was required to sign up for NEA coverage while in the classroom. At that time, I didn’t fully comprehend its benefits, but I quickly learned the value of what I had signed up for. NEA coverage provided me with a safety net, ensuring that I was protected in case of any unforeseen circumstances during my field clinicals. But more importantly it provided me professional connections to my future career. When I received an email stating that it was time for Student NEA to start looking for new officers, I jumped at the chance.
My first SFEA conference blew me away with the knowledge I was able to take away- everything from how to have 1 on 1 conversations to the consequences of having a banned book in a classroom library.
Our union fights for us all, and if we can get more students to hear and see the things our union fights for daily, it could help us create meaningful change for the students we will someday serve. By immersing themselves in advocacy and activism, our SFEA members foster a stronger sense of community and empowerment, seeing firsthand how collective action can drive meaningful change. SFEA members are also proactive and informed citizens, who are equipped with valuable leadership, negotiation and civic engagement skills. I encourage all aspiring educators to rally with us. Your engagement today shapes the educational landscape of tomorrow. Join SFEA’s mission to empower and enact the change we envision for our future educators!
Letita Smith is a recent graduate of Florida A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
To learn more about Student FEA go to: FEAweb.org/studentfea.
