Rowdy Washburn and Rena Grissom of New Educators of Oklahoma Network, or NEON, explain the value of NEON and other resources within OEA for professionals in their first few years in the classroom. They also explain that, while this may be unprecedented times for everyone, new teachers especially are looking for guidance and understanding.

Heather Sparks joined the OEA while still a student and has been a member and avid supporter ever since. The 2009 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year currently oversees a program at Oklahoma City University that educates new teachers embarking on their classroom career. While she sees the struggles the future of education faces every day, Sparks lets us know these new educators are up for the challenge in creating a brighter future for our students.