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NEA Issue Explainer

Community Schools

Full-service community schools meet students’ academic and enrichment needs by recognizing that many students are coping with serious issues that affect their ability to learn and thrive in the classroom.
Published: December 2, 2021
This issue explainer originally appeared on NEA.org

Federal legislation can help expand the full-service public community school model, which features high-quality teaching and learning, family and community partnerships, community school coordinators, and a full suite of support services for students and families, such as health and nutrition services and mentoring programs.

Community schools fit each neighborhood’s unique needs—from offering food pantries to providing mental health counseling—and offer strategies designed to meet challenges identified by educators, students, families, local organizations, and social service agencies.

Dig Deeper

happy student in classroom

What are Community Schools?

Community Schools mobilize students, families, educators, and community members to develop a grassroots vision for their schools and communities, and they work together to achieve their vision.
students and staff distribute food at a community school

New Federal Bill Promotes Public Schools as Community Hubs

Integrated academic, health, nutrition, and economic services will transform outcomes for all students.
AA teacher

How Community Schools Reduce Crushing Educator Workload

The community schools model enlists local partners to provide enrichment and other student services, taking pressure off educators.

Use Your Educator Voice.

We are THE voice for educators in Vermont. See what membership can mean for you!
NEA President Becky Pringle stands with a bullhorn at a rally to support students.

Speak Up For Students and Public Schools

When we act together and lift our voices together in unison, we can improve the lives of children.
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The Union of Vermont Educators

The Vermont-National Education Association is the union of Vermont educators, 13,000 professionals who teach the state's children every day. As the state's largest union, Vermont-NEA is proud to represent the people who make a difference in the lives of students in classrooms across Vermont.