Dear NEALS Members and Supporters,

I am finding it hard to believe that September is more than halfway through.  I just completed my first full week at school and I am happy to say the feeling I have is optimism.  The past few years (for me) have begun in a state of anxiety and stress. I feel like the pressures of the pandemic have finally lifted and I can begin to move my attention to being proactive with learning support and developing best practices with students.  What a difference a few years make!

The NEALS Board met in August to begin planning our programming for this year.  We are kicking our events off on Wednesday, September 25th with an online discussion of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.  I encourage members to join us online whether you have read the book or not.  I think the discussion will help us all be more mindful of how our students use technology in and out of school. 

We are also working on planning regional meetings. A few have been added to our events calendar, but we welcome members to help out by hosting gatherings in your area.  Please reach out to info@nealsonline.org if you would like to host a NEALS get-together. Meeting hosts will be reimbursed for supplies and/or refreshments.  The time I spend connecting with NEALS members is invaluable to me; I am always stimulated and motivated after I get a chance to “talk shop” at a NEALS event.

I wish you all a joyful Fall!  

Regards,

Laura Foody

Acting President