Van Roekel Lays Down Challenge, Delegates Take Action
July 3, 2009
NEA President Dennis Van Roekel gives his keynote address during the RA at the San Diego Convention Center, Friday, July 3, 2009 in San Diego, California.
Photo by Rick Runion for RA Today
President Dennis Van Roekel laid down a challenge yesterday as he opened the 88th NEA Representative Assembly -- a call for NEA members to lead the nation in transforming public education and rebuilding the middle class of America.
Delegates answered that call – with early votes that position the Association for action on NCLB and health care reform, and at the forefront of efforts in the country’s high-poverty schools.
“We have the kind of opportunity that comes along only once in a lifetime,” Van Roekel said. “An opportunity to transform public education and to realize our great audacious vision: a great public school for every student.”
The first new business items approved by the Representative Assembly will require NEA to develop two action plans this year: One to inform President Obama’s proposal to turn around 5,000 low-performing schools with $5 billion and another to promote a new No Child Left Behind law that moves beyond the old “one-size fits all” formula. “The first NCLB got it all wrong,” said Christy Levings, NEA Executive Committee member. “It was about everybody being on page 37 on September 14th, not about how we meet the needs of our kids.”
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NEA President Dennis Van Roekel waves to the crowd after throwing out the first pitch at the San Diego Padres game. Photo by Scott Iskowitz for RA Today |
A third NBI, which also passed overwhelmingly, will direct NEA’s energies toward national health care reform that provides high-quality, affordable and comprehensive health benefits for all. “We know firsthand how the lack of medical services creates a barrier for the children we teach,” said Florida education support professional Melondia Corpus. “When we consider 48 million people in this country do not have health care insurance, including 9 million children, now more than ever we must demand health care for all.”
In its first day of action, the RA also honored New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson with its America’s Greatest Education Governor award. Richardson, who raised teacher salaries and increased education funding in his state, as well as provided greater educational opportunities for students through increased pre-K and full-day kindergarten programs, called it “one of the greatest honors I’ve ever received.”
And finally, a fast-paced day ended with a little more action: A opening pitch thrown by NEA’s team captain... Dennis Van Roekel... at the Padres/Dodgers game! Last night, during Friendship Night at the ballpark, delegates celebrated the kick-off to a meaningful, business-oriented RA that promises a few more home runs for public education.
