I want to start off with sharing a funny story, but one that also has an important message for all educators to remember:   It’s about a traveler who drives his car into a ditch in a very remote area. Luckily, a local farmer comes along to help with his big strong horse named Buddy.   He hitches Buddy up to the car and yells, “Pull, Nellie, pull.” But Buddy doesn’t move.   Then the farmer hollers, “Pull, Buster, pull.” But Buddy still doesn’t respond.   Once more the farmer commands, “Pull, Jennie, pull.” Nothing.   Then the farmer nonchalantly

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Being part of a union does imply some level of sacrifice. You no longer can look at things through the lens of what is best for me. This is readily apparent at the local level. You cannot go into any negotiations simply asking for things which benefit one particular group without also considering how it affects the collective. There is only so much of the pie to go around, and it is a very delicate balance. Quite often we end up with an agreement that everyone one can live with, but no one is exactly overjoyed with. Compromise is necessary

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Happy New Year to everyone in NEOEA; I hope everyone is having a great school year! On November 10, 2018, NEOEA held our annual Representative Assembly. The meeting started off with the usual introductions, but then came to a halt as we held a very touching memorial to our own recently-departed Brian McConnell. The video and song tribute for Brian was a great way to remember all of the wonderful contributions he has made over the years and how he has touched so many lives. Given this indomitable spirit, the RA moved on and got right down to business. The

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