Angelica Castañon

Angelica Castañon is the Senior Program Specialist for Student Learning Conditions at the National Education Association (NEA). In this role, she leads the NEA’s school nutrition team, provides policy expertise to local and state affiliates, and works with national partners to advocate for whole child supports. Angelica collaborates with anti-hunger groups and the US Department of Agriculture on federal nutrition waivers and Community Eligibility. She works in partnership with the National Association of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (NASISP) on optimal ratios of SISP in schools. And she advises the White House Domestic Policy Council and the US Departments of Education and Health and Human Services on student supports like nutrition and mental health services. Angelica hopes to provide all schools with the resources they need to help all students overcome barriers to learning and ensure every student feels safe and supported on their social, emotional, and academic journeys.

The National Education Association (NEA) is the largest labor union in the country, representing over 3 million educators. The NEA is dedicated to achieving a great public school for every student, regardless of race, background, zip code, or ability. The NEA achieves this by collaborating with partners at multiple levels of change-making and empowering educators with the tools and resources they need to impact teaching and learning conditions. Learning conditions include class sizes small enough for one-on-one attention, healthy school meals, a school nurse and counselor in every school, and access to a full and rich curriculum, including physical education.