NSEA Members Celebrate a Busy Fall

From celebrating outstanding educators to cheering on the Huskers, NSEA members and staff have had a busy fall!

September brought exciting news when NSEA member Zac Konrad, a band teacher at Papillion Middle School, was named the 2027 Nebraska Teacher of the Year. Konrad received the honor during a surprise announcement Sept. 17, recognizing his dedication to students and excellence in education.

The celebrations continued Sept. 26 with NSEA’s “Go Big Red for Ed” tailgate at the association’s Lincoln headquarters. Members and staff gathered for food, games and Husker football as Nebraska defeated Michigan State 31-13.

To show their Husker spirit and support for public education, NSEA staff transformed the fourth-floor windows of headquarters into a giant “Go Big Red for Ed” display, visible from outside the building.

In early October, NSEA leaders traveled to Washington, D.C., for NEA Superweek. NSEA President Tim Royers, Vice President Paul Schulte, NSEA-Retired President John Heineman and NEA Director Edward Ventura Jr. joined fellow education advocates for a week of meetings and advocacy on Capitol Hill.

The NEA Board of Directors also convened for its first meeting under newly elected NEA President Princess Moss, Vice President Noel Candelaria and Secretary-Treasurer Robert Rodriguez. The gathering included Hispanic Heritage and American Indian and Alaska Native observances.

Back in Nebraska, NSEA members and staff have been equally busy with membership blitzes and bargaining dinners across the state. These gatherings provide opportunities to welcome new members, strengthen local associations and help educators prepare for the upcoming bargaining season.

From local organizing efforts to national advocacy, NSEA members continue to demonstrate the strength of their union through involvement, leadership and collective action.