Next at the RA: ESEA & Teacher of the Year
What to Expect on July 5, 2009 — Day 3 of the 2009 RA
On the third day of the 2009 Representative Assembly, delegates will debate and adopt the NEA Legislative Program for the 111th Congress. Topping the list of legislative priorities is the need for Congress to craft a new Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) that actually supports teaching and learning. The current version of ESEA, “No Child Left Behind,” is overdue to be changed and reauthorized.
NEA is also urging Congress to create a new national health care system that will provide high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive health benefits for all Americans.
In preparation for ESEA reauthorization, the NEA ESEA Advisory Committee met with the Obama administration and members of Congress, providing input from the front lines on what real education reform can look like if educators are given the flexibility and resources they need. The committee will present its report Sunday morning.
In the afternoon, 2009 National Teacher of the Year Anthony Mullen, a special education teacher from Greenwich, Connecticut will address the assembly. Mullen, a former New York City police officer, teaches at the ARCH School, an alternative high school for at-risk and special needs teens. As National Teacher of the Year, he’s been traveling the country speaking on the value of good teaching.
Other RA business includes reports on actions of the 2008 Representative Assembly, action on proposed amendments to NEA policy statements, voting on by-law amendments, and two sessions of new business.
