Delegates Chart the Course for the Future
July 5, 2009
Delegates packed the RA floor to conduct new business and greet the 2009 Teacher of the Year.
Photo by Scott Iskowitz for RA Today
Delegates accomplished a lot yesterday – from approving the NEA Legislative Program to honoring the Teacher of the Year – but they also were reminded that much work remains to be done, even after the 88th Representative Assembly ends.
The first step toward transformation of public schools is the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the so-called No Child Left Behind law. Yesterday delegates heard from NEA’s ESEA Advisory Committee, established by the RA in 2005 and critical today as the opportunity to reauthorize ESEA grows closer.
NEA’s leaders and lobbyists need your support, said NEA Executive Committee member Christy Levings, the committee’s chair. “Our goal is to make Congress and the Obama administration know what works and doesn’t work.”
At least one person will be listening. That’s President Obama, who appeared before the RA yesterday on a video message filmed in the White House. “I want to thank you for working with Arne (Duncan, Secretary of Education), for sharing your thoughts, concerns and experiences,” Obama told delegates. “While we may not agree on everything, we all share the deepest respect for the work you do and the sacrifices you make.”
Delegates also heard from National Teacher of the Year Anthony Mullen, a high school teacher from Connecticut and former New York City police detective, who exhorted politicians and policy-makers to pay as much attention to graduation rates as they do high-stakes testing results. “Origin is not destiny,” he reminded his colleagues. And small miracles happen in schools every day.
The work of the RA resumes today – and continues even after the gavel falls, Van Roekel told delegates. He urged them to sign up for Dennis2Delegates, a new website where NEA delegates will continue to provide information and collaborate with the NEA president. To sign up, fill out our survey form.
Video
Obama Speaks to Delegates
In a pre-recorded address, replayed at the 2009 Representative Assembly, President Obama speaks to delegates.
