Full Text of Student Program Chairperson Jermaine Coleman's Speech
July 3, 2009
Hope, to look forward with desire and reasonable confidence.
Hope, to believe, desire or trust.
Hope, to feel that something desired may happen.
And at this time, I ask that all Student members present please rise.
These students represent the over 60,000 Student members from 1,100 campuses nationwide. They represent the roots of the NEA, the beginning of all membership. Every year, the NEA Student Program produces 10 to 12 thousand active members and one in every three student members goes on to become an NEA leader. Today, I assure you, hope starts here.
In my first year as Student chair, I'm often asked, is there anything I can do, or is there anyone I can talk to? Well, the answer is yes. You can start by getting to know every Student member in your delegation, offer them your advice, assistance, give them your card, and extend your contact beyond this week of of Assembly.
Next is to simply make the contact back at our locals. I can almost guarantee that every teacher in this room comes across a student teacher or a college student who wants to teach.
We must make that contact. A simple conversation to those students, to those future teachers, could be the difference between a nonmember and a member or even the difference between a balanced class size and a teacher shortage. NEA, I challenge you all to help strengthen your Association. I challenge you all to seek, sponsor, and mentor a Student member in your local. There is much work that lies ahead.
And as I close out of my three minutes of fame -- I leave you with the words of Maya Angelou:
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
NEA, I only hope that I made you all feel like the difference lies in you. Thank you.
