Bathroom breaks matter

This month’s NEA Today cover story [View as Webpage]( [National Education Association]( [NEA Today]( {NAME}, When I was pregnant with my first child, I was working as a TV news reporter. To avoid bathroom emergencies while covering a story, I stopped drinking water. Then, six months into my pregnancy, I ended up in the hospital with severe dehydration. I was literally making myself sick and putting my baby in danger. I know this story will sound familiar to many of you. [That’s why we chose “[Give Me a Bathroom Break]( by Mary Ellen Flannery as this month’s cover story for the NEA Today magazine.] Time and access were crucial for me then, and for you now. I knew I had to do something. I went to my union leaders and explained my situation. Together we found a way to ensure I could be on assignments where I would have more regular access to a bathroom. As educators, you are too often asked to choose between your personal well-being and your profession. [Our NEA Today May cover story explores the severe, long-term health consequences of a lack of bathroom breaks, and how educator unions can create solutions for their members.] [Read the Story ➤]( Just like I had a union to help me 14 years ago, you have NEA and your state and local affiliates to help you negotiate for bathroom breaks, higher salaries, your professional development, and more. [This issue of NEA Today]( is full of ideas for ways to make a difference in your district, state, and schools nationwide. More NEA Today Articles to Add to Your Reading List - [New Overtime Rule to Boost Pay for Many School Support Staff]( - [Quality Preschool Is More than ABCs]( - [What Does it Mean To Be an Anti-Racist?]( - [NEA Locals’ School Board Winning Streak]( We’re in this together! We kind of have to be now, I just told you about my personal potty problems. In solidarity, Giovanna Bechard Editor-in-Chief NEA Today [Giovanna Bechard] [Liv Perez, co-president of the Oakland union, the Coalition of Educators for Change] “There aren’t many professions that expect professionals to do their work without bathroom breaks.” Liv Perez, co-president of the Oakland union, the Coalition of Educators for Change [Read the Cover Story ➤]( ADVERTISEMENT [Waste Hero Education]( [fb]( [tw]( [in]( [NEA - National Education Association]( You received this email at {EMAIL} because you are signed up for NEA Today, a digest of education news sent to your inbox every other week. [Click here to unsubscribe.]( © 2024 National Education Association 1201 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 [NEA.org]( | [Privacy Policy]( | [Terms of Service]( | [Subscribe]( | [Unsubscribe](