06/08/2026
Greetings my fellow aspiring educators! As the semester comes to an end, I hope you find time to rest and self care before fall sneaks back up on us and we hit the ground running again.
This past weekend, I spent time in New Orleans with other aspiring educators from various parts of the country answering the question, what do we think educators in 2032 will need? Unfortunately, none of us had a magic ball to see into the future, so it was interesting to see how different, yet similar ideas were from across the country.
The biggest common idea that I am walking away from the weekend is our need for support and community. It is hard to imagine 2032 - while right now - public education is so uncertain and constantly under attack. We are not alone.
As you continue on your path to become an educator, remember that we are right there with you - experiencing similar if not the same - struggles. Know that you can always reach out.
For those of you planning your student teaching, make sure you connect with your fellow union members in your school. They will help you learn so much more about being in the building then a book ever could.
While I do not know what educators in 2032 will need, I know they will all be better educators because of your impact!
Ashley Waltrip
SWEA Vice President
