News Release

NEA Honors Teacher for Tackling Achievement Gap

2005 NEA Human and Civil Rights Award Winners Announced

Washington, D.C. -- Largo, Florida, resident James Edward Feazell, Sr. was selected by the National Education Association (NEA) to receive the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award for leadership and perseverance in achieving human and civil rights goals.

Feazell will join 10 other civil and human rights recipients who work tirelessly to promote social justice and dignity for all citizens at an awards ceremony in connection with NEA's Annual Meeting in July.

When test scores can effectively decide a student's future, the retired social studies teacher could not stand by idly when 76 percent of black students in Pinellas County scored below grade level on the state-required Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) in math. In 2003, Feazell offered free tutoring three times a week to nine students in his neighborhood. Of these students, eight passed the FCAT.

Feazell formed a partnership with several local schools and created the "Bridging the Achievement Gap" program that helped 45 students prepare for the FCAT and other standardized tests, improve reading and vocabulary skills, and get guidance in applying for college.

The program has since grown to serve 250 students. Last year, 95 percent of the students passed the FCAT and 83 percent are expected to go onto college. Feazell's motivation to tackle the minority achievement gap can be traced to his rearing in the racially divided metropolitan area of Pinellas County. "I had teachers and preachers and a momma who helped me," said Feazell. "I do whatever I can for everybody, especially educationally."

Feazell attended segregated schools, graduated from Bethune Cookman College and Northeast Missouri State University with a master's in Social Science. He began teaching at the newly integrated Largo High School in 1969 where he founded the Black Culture Club, the Logos Club, and the Human Relations Club.

He began an African American history program for five county schools, founded the Florida Future Educators of America program, a free clinic, and a spiritual-based basketball league. Feazell also provides role model and mediation group counseling.

"Too many black children are at risk of being labeled failures because they can't pass a test," said Reg Weaver NEA President. "Thanks to Mr. Feazell's commitment to give to others what was given to him, the students of Pinellas County have better chance for a brighter future."

The NEA Annual Human and Civil Rights awards ceremony, held each year during the Association's Annual Meeting, provides national recognition to local heroes and is expected to attract 2,500 educators and invited guests. The awards are named after human and civil rights pioneers and commemorates NEA's 1966 merger with the predominately Black organization, the American Teachers Association. Tickets to the 2005 NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards Dinner may be ordered by faxing (202) 822-7578 or mailing a request to NEA Human & Civil Rights Award Dinner, 1201 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036.

April 4, 2005

For more information, contact:
Gabrielle Cassell Lange, News Media Services (202) 822-7296

Photos upon request

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.