NEA: Then and Now, ATA History





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	We're Fighting for the Right to a Great Public School NEA President Reg Weaver recalls the passion for teaching he’s felt over a 30-year career: “There’s no feeling like seeing children’s eyes brighten up as they discover a world of opportunity.” He reminds listeners in his 60-second May radio spot that we're a team fighting for great public schools -- including smaller class sizes, adequate funding, and access to a rigorous curriculum -- for every child. English (MP3) Español (MP3) Viewpoints » Reg Weaver in the Media »

Then and Now

Comparing the Past and Present

Since its founding in 1904, the American Teachers Association spent more than 62 years advocating for the education of Blacks in this country. Here's a look at where some of America's most notable Black educators began and how much they achieved.

Then

Now

A Legacy of Inclusion

Blacks have participated in NEA since its 1857 beginning. In fact, Robert Campbell, a Jamaican educator teaching in Philadelphia, was one of NEA's founding members.

In 1928, NEA's Joint Committee was renamed the "Committee to Cooperate with the National Association of Teachers in Colored Schools."

ATA forged a partnership with all educators through the 1966 ATA-NEA merger in Miami, Florida.

In 1953, NEA held the first fully integrated convention in the South (Miami Beach, Fla) by a major national organization, but not without a struggle—NEA threatened to move the convention if Miami Beach hotels refused to accommodate Black convention attendees.

Since the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, teachers of all races can assemble together and be served in all public facilities.

Honoring Civil Rights Heroes

In this 1968 photo, NEA's first Hispanic president, Braulio Alonso, president-elect Elizabeth Duncan Koontz, and other NEA leaders march in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s funeral procession in Atlanta.

MLK funeral, Duncan Koontz, Alonso

NEA President Reg Weaver leaves the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., after a memorial service for Civil Rights pioneer Rosa Parks (2006).

NEA Vice President Dennis Van Roekel and Secretary-Treasurer Lily Eskelsen exit the church.

Leading All of America's Educators

Elizabeth Duncan Koontz, 1968-69
North Carolina

In 1968, Elizabeth Duncan Koontz broke new ground when she was elected the first Black President of NEA.

Koontz has since been followed by James A. Harris, Mary Hatwood Futrell, and Reg Weaver. Elected in 2002, Weaver is currently serving his second term of office.