RA Action:

News from the NEA Annual Meeting

July 4, 2007

Let Freedom Ring

Delegates celebrate democracy, call for political action.

On the third day of the RA, delegates honored Independence Day with song, dress, and the most democratic of exercises: vehement calls for political action on No Child Left Behind and unfair Social Security penalties, as well as spirited debate over Association business.      

A patriotic delegation gathered for the third day of the NEA Representative Assembly in Philadelphia. Photo by Calvin Knight.

Following the all-NEA Choir’s stirring American song medley, Executive Director John Wilson described how the nation’s mission and values guide the Association. Academy Award-wining actor Richard Dreyfuss, a passionate advocate for civics education, reminded delegates that "the idea of America does not happen by itself." The nation’s purpose and principles "will perish unless you do your duty. You have to teach civics now," Dreyfuss said. Only after teachers are given the time and resources needed to teach students logic, civility, and debate in civics class will students truly "fall in love with America."

When Teacher of the Year Andrea Peterson took the stage after an introduction by NEA President Reg Weaver, she was no less emphatic in urging delegates to fight for what they need to be effective.

Educators must continue lobbying their Congressional leaders for sound education policy that helps them produce well-rounded, analytical thinkers, not mere test takers, said Peterson, a music teacher from Washington state who has raised thousands of dollars to revitalize elementary and high school music programs. "We must hold our policymakers accountable."

Moving to business, a proposed constitutional amendment that would have created an associate membership category for those who are not education employees failed to receive the necessary two-thirds majority support. Delegates approved NEA’s legislative lobbying program for the upcoming year.

Harmful Social Security benefit penalties known as GPO-WEP were brought center stage in a video featuring Janice Quas, an Illinois member and former RA delegate who found herself financially insecure following her husband’s death because of GPO-WEP. "We have told Congress, 'Enough is enough,'" Weaver said. "We can’t wait any longer."

Using verse, Weaver encouraged NEA delegates to truly become "active members."

Delegates were also treated to video of celebrities such as Hilary Duff, Nelly, Holly Robinson Peete, Jackie Chan, and cast members of TV’s Grey’s Anatomy and Heroes touting the importance of respecting educators, staying in school, and reading. All were present at a reception with Weaver at this year’s Kids’ Choice Awards.

A moving video tribute to the five educators and 27 students killed at Virginia Tech in April was capped by a “Let’s go, Hokies,” chant from those in the hall. Virginia Education Association (VEA) President Princess Moss, whose delegation is selling orange Hokie T-shirts at their non-profit booth, expressed her wish that this day would also be "a true day of independence from violence on all of our school campuses."

In response to the Virginia Tech tragedy , VEA and the NEA Health Information Network encouraged members to consider making donations to a scholarship fund as a way to express the Association’s support for Virginia Tech students.

To donate to the Janet M. and James F. Johnson Teacher Education Endowment Scholarship, which supports students at Virginia Tech studying to become teachers, make a check payable to the Virginia Tech Foundation. In the memo line, write Fund #885814 (NEA) and mail the check to: Virginia Tech University Development (0336), Blacksburg, VA 24061.