Education
Features in NRTA Live & Learn
News Release
August 31, 2004
Launched in 2002, NRTA Live & Learn serves the powerful and enlightened group of working and retired educators as well as those interested in lifelong learning. The quarterly publication offers information and thought-provoking print and online resources that speak to more than one million NRTA members' goals, issues and concerns. Here are highlights featured in the Summer 2004 issue:
Life Long Learning Communities - In the traditional retirement community the typical activities were bingo, the Bible, bridge and birthdays. Today's retirement communities boast of biology, basketball, ballet and biostatistics. There is a distinct and whole new kind of older community housing that centers around lifelong learning. NRTA Live & Learn identifies some of the latest places whose historic mission has been the education of young people but now have expanded that mission to serve a society that is aging.
Trends in Life Long Learning - While the retiree numbers will spike in 2010 with the increase of baby boomers eligible for retirement, the percentage of families with school age kids will reach a historic low. Public school officials are beginning realize that facilities being built today may not meet the needs of their future communities. Read how NRTA Live & Learn is looking at the trend of "age segregation" in schools and ways of creating new opportunities for intergenerational connections.
Having the Courage to Make A Difference - All middle school public students in Boston and now in a couple of other parts of the country are required to take a class on courage. NRTA Live & Learn talks to some of these students to hear in their own words about a time when they were courageous.
Creativity in Older Adults - George Washington University director for the Center on Aging, Health & Humanities Gene Cohen talks about adults who are engaged in artistic endeavors as showing significant improvements in physical and mental functioning. NRTA Live & Learn follows up his assessment with interviews with older adults who are involved in the arts.
Tracking Success - Sue Humphrey hangs out in the hallways of an Austin, Texas middle school, not unusual for a principal in charge of several hundred eighth graders. Currently, she is in Greece performing her flip side as head coach of the United States women's track and field team. NRTA Live & Learn talks with Sue Humphrey who describes her life as the best of both worlds – athletics and academics.
About NRTA
Founded in 1947 by retired educator Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, NRTA: AARP's Educator Community, is a division of AARP. NRTA members share a commitment to learning, voluntary service, and civic participation. NRTA is the largest national organization that represents the interests of 50+ educators, with a membership of more than one-million active and retired higher-ed and K-12 educators and school personnel at the local, state and national level. The NRTA Network includes a national office in Washington, DC, 52 state and city associations, and more than 2,700 local associations. NRTA members are dedicated to continuous educational opportunity, advocacy, and service as a means of safeguarding the economic security, work opportunities, and future well-being of all generations. Visit NRTA's Website at www.aarp.org/nrta for more information.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to making life better for people 50 and over. We provide information and resources; engage in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy; assist members in serving their communities; and offer a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members. These include AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our quarterly publication for Hispanic members; NRTA Live and Learn for National Retired Teachers Association members; and our Web site, www.aarp.org. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.