Transforming Public Education
Public schools have to change, and transforming public education requires partnerships. NEA President Dennis Van Roekel wants a great public school for every student in this country. This school year, he's asking NEA members to step up and take responsibility for making a difference in their schools and communities: "The current system where almost one-third of high school freshmen do not graduate is failing to meet the needs of too many students. The students who will graduate in 2020 are in first grade today. Now's the time for transformation we can't wait."
Van Roekel also said that we don't always need to agree; we just need to stay engaged and keep the lines of communication open. Here's a video excerpt from his keynote address at this summer's annual NEA Representative Assembly.
Video
Dennis Van Roekel at the RA
Dennis Van Roekel addresses delegates at the NEA Representative Assembly in San Diego, California on July 3, 2009.
Click here for the full text of President Van Roekel's keynote.
Click here for the President's message in the August issue of NEA Today.
RELATED ITEMS
- YouTube Video: The Promise of Change
President Van Roekel addresses attendees at the Joint Conference on the Concerns of Minorities and Women about the power of public education as a gateway to global opportunity. - Dennis on the Go
A look inside the world of NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. - More about Dennis Van Roekel
