Meet the Panel

Power Panel: NEA Members Taking Action for Social Justice

Thursday, June 28, 2012
9:50 a.m.–11:45 a.m.

Moderator: Lily Eskelsen
NEA Vice President

The panel discussion, "NEA Members Taking Action for Social Justice," highlighted the work of five educators taking action on a range of urgent issues that affect public education, from boosting student success and leading school reform to fighting poverty, defending union rights, and getting out the vote. After the panel, conferees joined one of five action groups to strategize and develop action plans. During the following day’s workshop sessions, participants delved into 16 social justice issues that impact the future of women and ethnic minority students and educators.

Lauding public schools for the pivotal role they play in educating minority children despite tight budgets, luncheon keynote speaker, Willie Hensley, echoed the call for social activism. Hensley, a former State Senator whose battle for Native rights transformed the lives of Alaska Natives, told conference participants they were on "the front lines of the battle for school funding."

Meet the five panelists—NEA members who represent elementary, middle, and high school teachers; education support professionals; and higher education faculty. This diverse group demonstrates that rank and file educators can take action on a range of urgent issues that impact public education, from boosting student success and leading school reform to fighting poverty, defending union rights, and getting out the vote. Their inspiring examples—which range from individual action to community engagement and legislative initiatives—are especially important in this crucial election year. Insights from these activists and from audience members will inform our afternoon action groups, where participants will generate personal action plans.

School Reform