Washington Education Association

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER - The HCR Teaching Equity Conference is coming up on July 25. This year's event is free and in-person at Highline College and features Luis Ortega as the keynote speaker. Join your fellow WEA members to connect on cultivating effective educational environment cultures. Sessions will focus on implementing Washington State's Equity-Based School Practices: Cultural Competency, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the purpose of improving student engagement and learning for all students. Register at https://wea.mobi/HCRConference

July is . In July 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed into law ensuring inclusion for people with disabilities in all parts of society. However, 1 in 4 disabled Americans still experience discrimination daily. Therefore, Disability Pride Month works to bring awareness and to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. There are many ways to be involved. Learn ways you can participate through The Arc at https://bit.ly/3XsMrNS

For the 7th year running, WEA members from across the state united to march in the Seattle Pride Parade in this landmark 50th anniversary celebration.

The WEA offices will be closed the week of July 1-5. We will limit posting to our social channels during the month of July. We hope you will also take a break, rest and relax. We will see you back here in August.

The Washington Education Association Teacher Residency is an innovative pathway for individuals who have a bachelor's degree (or higher) who want to earn a teaching certificate with an endorsement in special education. Our vision is for residents to experience the kind of rigor and joy that results in creating passionate, vibrant educators who celebrate students every day. Applications for 2025-2026 residents are open! Check eligibility and learn more here: https://www.washingtonea.org/events-training/residency/

National Immigrant Heritage Month is ending soon and most of our school years have ended, but teaching about our nation's immigrant heritage can continue year round! Check out these ideas and resources: https://bit.ly/3RzKwDJ

Check out the latest NAKIA Academy event highlights, where 70+ passionate educators came together to learn, grow, and build a stronger community. Through our partnership with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), NAKIA is not just training mentors - we're cultivating the next generation of BIPOC educational leaders.

Our community provides a safe, authentic space for educators of color to find their voices, heal, and develop strategies to create more equitable learning environments.

Contact [email protected] to learn more about this transformative BIPOC-focused mentorship program.

REMINDER: WEA members will once again join together to march in the Seattle Pride Parade! Each year WEA members and staff from across the state join their union siblings in this celebratory and affirming event!

This year’s parade is this Sunday, June 30 at 11 am.

Learn more and sign up to march in the Seattle Pride at https://wea.mobi/3X1z6Mq

Share with your union friends!

Join WEA at Pride WEA members will once again join together to march in the Seattle Pride Parade! Each year WEA members and staff from across the state join t

Enjoy your summer and stay . Natalie Tinajero, member of the Yakima Association of Paraeducators, highlights the strength of unity.

"Con unidad y fuerza todo es possible. With unity and strength anything is possible."

Natalie Tinajero
Yakima Association of Paraeducators

Today is . "World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution." We honor the courage and strength of refugees in our communities and celebrate the beauty and difference they bring. Learn more at

World Refugee Day | UNHCR US World Refugee Day is an international day to honour refugees. The event falls each year on June 20 and celebrates people forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

Our union connects us inside and outside of our work environments. Joycelyn Key, Clover Park EA, expresses the impact of her experience in NAKIA Academy and finding community in an authentic, safe and supportive environment.

"I didn't realize how much I needed the [NAKIA] training until I started recognizing that I was not only being given tools to support others, but also to heal certain ideals within myself. The authenticity, safety and relatability felt by going this process with other powerful educators of color is unmatched to any professional development I've experienced before."

Joycelyn Key
Clover Park Education Association

WEA-Retired member Steve Lalonde explains that even in retirement, our union brings us community and connection.

"I am blessed with my membership in WEA (and NEA). I retired from my position not my profession. I enjoy the friendship and support of my education peers, both active and retired, as I continue to learn and grow."

Steve Lalonde
WEA-Retired Eastern Washington

On this day, we honor the past, celebrate freedom, and embrace unity. Though is commemorated when most K-12 schools are on summer break, NEA has compiled lessons, books, and resources to help educators include it in their curriculum year long.

Teaching Juneteenth and the Meaning of Freedom | NEA Background information and resources for including Juneteenth in your classroom.

Dhanica Del Paz, Kent EA Paraeducator member reminds us of the sense of security our union provides.

"It's like having an older sister or an older brother looking out for you. You always have someone looking out for you and it makes you feel safe where you are."

Dhanica Dela Paz
Kent Association of Paraeducators

Today is . On this day we celebrate all unique Autistic identities and all that they bring to our communities. Learn more and participate at

Autistic Pride Day International day celebrating Autistic Pride. We're taking off the mask!

Let's make sure no student goes hungry this summer! The new SUN Bucks program can help students with EFT funds to access healthy food when school's out, and SUN Meals provides summer meals in locations across the state. Sign up to get more info! https://textsunbucks.dshs.wa.gov/

As we move into our much-deserved summer break, members remind us of the importance of our union in connecting us in community.

"Being a member of WEA has helped me find many like-minded people. People I've been able to quickly befriend & with whom I've been able to have amazing discussions. Now, even though I've only met many of these people (my people) a handful of times, it's like greeting a lifelong friend whenever I see them again and I'm always looking forward to our next collaborations."

Angela Caron
Student WEA

It's been a great school year, and everyone has earned a restful summer break. Many of you had your last day today and some go into next week. As we move into summer, we are sharing member thoughts on the connections and community our union provides us throughout the year.

"From Day One, union members welcomed me, showed me around and took me under their wing. It inspired me to become that person for others - to greet them, make them feel comfortable and help move the needle for our students."

Otis Golden
Seattle Paraprofessionals

The HCR Teaching Equity Conference is coming up on July 25. This year's event is free and in-person at Highline College and features Luis Ortega as the keynote speaker. Join your fellow WEA members to connect on cultivating effective educational environment cultures. Sessions will focus on implementing Washington State's Equity-Based School Practices: Cultural Competency, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the purpose of improving student engagement and learning for all students. Register at https://wea.mobi/HCRConference

In honor of Immigrant Heritage Month, the American Writers Museum has an immersive multimedia online exhibit where you can learn about the influence of immigrant and refugee writing on our culture, history and daily lives: https://bit.ly/3sNEh1Y

Today in 1967, the Loving family successfully sued the state of Virginia to have their marriage recognized. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Loving's favor officially invalidating laws prohibiting in*******al marriage. Loving Day is a day of visibility, education and community. Learn more https://lovingday.org/.

As educators it is critical to support every student and affirm and celebrate who they are as individuals in our schools. During month and throughout the year, NEA has curated resources you can utilize to ensure every student feels welcome and that they belong. Find these resources at

NEA LGBTQ+ Resources | NEA This resource page is designed to provide educators with LGBTQ+ information, tools, and resources they need to support transgender and non-binary students, to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ history in their classrooms, and to stop LGBTQ+ bias and intolerance in our public schools.

Whatever our race, gender, or zip code, Washingtonians want our children to have an education that imparts honesty about who we are, integrity in how we treat others, & freedom to pursue our dreams. Today, June 8, is Day of Action - let's make sure all students have the freedom to learn, grow, and thrive.

The WEA Bargaining and Beyond Conference will be held in person at two locations this year. Join fellow members in Federal Way on Jan. 27, or in Moses Lake on March 23. These are free one-day, stand-alone events. Don't miss this opportunity to bring members together to educate, agitate and organize as we learn how to engage members and communities to implement educator-led solutions that work for our students and schools. Register today at https://wea.mobi/3GRHFQB.