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A Tribute to Bob Chanin


A Life Dedicated to Public Education
 

NEA General Counsel Bob Chanin has called his 41 years at NEA "the closest you can get to having a well-paying job doing pro bono work."

Chanin has briefed and argued five cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and has filed amicus curiae briefs in another 25. Under Chanin's legal guidance, the NEA achieved a breakthrough in 1965 by becoming the first professional organization to desegregate. The then-predominantly White NEA merged at the national level with the American Teachers Association, which represented Black teachers. It took 10 years to enforce the merger on sometimes reluctant state affiliates. Chanin helped to oust all-White Mississippi and Louisiana teachers' groups that refused to integrate.

NEA Vice President Lily Eskelsen presents Bob Chanin with a "Show Us Your Amicus Briefs" T-shirt — the brainchild of the Bob Chanin Caucus — at the 2008 Representative Assembly.

Pre-Eminent Advocate

Chanin, a widely recognized authority on public-sector labor relations, helped draft and implement labor statutes in 13 states. He has negotiated collective bargaining agreements on behalf of NEA affiliates in various jurisdictions. "I don't think there was any negotiation that I was involved in from beginning to end that ultimately ended up in a strike," he said.

Chanin currently serves as president of the National Organization of Lawyers for Education Associations, and as an executive and board member of the National Resource Center for Consumers of Legal Services.

Father, Grandfather, and Emerging Artist

Chanin and his wife of over 50 years, Rhoda, have three children, Jeffrey, Stacy, and Lisa, and five grandchildren. In retirement, Chanin hopes to return to his childhood love of art.

My Letter to Bob Chanin

Truth be known, I never really thought I would ever be standing in front of this group talking about Bob’s retirement.  The thought is alien to me. Read Michael Simpson's letter

Comments are now closed, but you can read these great tributes below and on our message board.

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COMMENTS:

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07/08/09 - dj240

Bob, listening to you at the RA is the highlight of my time there. The way you rattle off the information and laws about any subject broached is just amazing to me. How much information can one person retain. I/we will miss you dearly. Enjoy your family and time away from the NEA, however; if you would like to return, you will always be welcomed at the NEA. Thanks for all you did for us all.

07/08/09 - Julieta Lara

Mr. Chanin, You are the Soul & Heart of the NEA. We are what we are because of your guidance. Through my past 12+ RAs I have always looked forward to your input. I have always trusted your judgement. Thank you for the memories. A special thank you to your family for sharing you with us all these years. May you be blessed with much happiness throughout your new phase in life. You will always be remembered and missed.

07/06/09 - Chuck Bolden

While you were in your post as chief legal counsel NEA was in excellent hands. You helped me help school employees through all of the teachers strikes I had to manage and all of the collective bargaining representation elections I had to coordinate over my 29 years as an NEA field Rep. Your advice, counsel, expertise and guidance shall never be forgotten. Remember the infamous St. Louis strike? Your advice at 3 am in the morning kept us out of jail. As you join me in retirement from NEA, I wish you the best.

07/06/09 - Georgia Smee

Thank you for your dedication to our students and public education. The RA will not be the same without you.

07/06/09 - Frances Steenbergen

I have been coming to RA's since 1979. I came for the fun, the debate, the experience and to hear Bob speak to a parliamenary inquiry. Bob was instrumental in helping our state with urban issues during my presidency. I will miss you Bob.

07/06/09 - Lynnette Teller

As a delegate for only 2 years,I am proud to have had Bob represent us for the last 40 plus years. I am a strong UNION member and will take your message with me from this RA 2009. I commit to be UNION proud in honor of you! Thanks Bob!

07/06/09 - Donna Morey

Thank you on behalf of the children and educational employees of Arkansas

07/06/09 - Steve Wollmer

Bob -- in the three short years I worked in NEA Media Relations as the resident "voucher expert," my favorite memories were of the times I was able to see you and discuss the legal complexities of vouchers in the context of public discourse. I learned so much, and found the exchanges stimulating and always thought-provoking. You taught me more than you will ever know. I was present for your speech to the RA today, and like so much of what you've done over the past 40 years, it was indelible and laser-like in its impact. Those "right wing bastards" are probably celebrating today, knowing they won't have you on the other side for much longer, but they don't realize you helped hone a lot of people like myself to carry on the fight with the same spirit. Have a wonderful retirement.

07/06/09 - Sandi Taub

Thank you Bob for many years of hard work and dedication to the NEA and our causes! All the best in retirement! Sandi Taub New Jersey

07/06/09 - Hannah Sitzman

Thank you for your service to, mentoring of, and guiding for our Association. We will be indebted for you for as long as the NEA is in existance...so effectively a very long time, I hope. As I am just beginning my work as a teacher member, I will take forward your dedication to fighting for the rights of our students and my fellow colleagues. Thank you for being there to clarify and explain at the mike; you will truly be missed at our RAs and in our organization. I will wear my Bob Chanin Caucus shirt proudly, and look forward to explaining its purpose to the many people I will encounter. Giving us the opportunity to educate the public on the goals of the NEA is yet another gift to us. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!


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Video

Bob Chanin Farewell Speech

Bob Chanin Farewell Speech
NEA General Counsel Bob Chanin addresses delegates at the 2009 Representative Assembly.

Video

Tribute to Bob Chanin

Tribute to Bob Chanin
Shown at the 2009 Representative Assembly, this video retrospective pays tribute to NEA General Counsel Bob Chanin.

Video

Bob Chanin Classic Moment 1

Bob Chanin Classic Moment 1
Perhaps the only documented instance in which Bob Chanin did not have the answer.

Video

Bob Chanin Classic Moment 2

Bob Chanin Classic Moment 2
Direct and authoritative, Bob Chanin displays typical form at the Representative Assembly.


Bob Chanin by the Numbers

5 Number of cases Chanin battled before the US Supreme Court
4 US Supreme Court cases he won
25 Cases for which he offered “friend of court” briefs to the Supreme Court
5 Number of times to which Chanin seems to prefer love to war at the Supreme Court
1 Equal Rights Amendment T-shirt he was still wearing at the conclusion of that performance

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