News Release

Maryland Teacher Returns to NEA Executive Committee

LOS ANGELES -- Marsha Smith, a middle school physical education teacher and team leader from Rockville, Md., was returned to the National Education Association (NEA) Executive Committee today.  Smith, who ran unopposed, was declared elected to the leadership of the nation's largest professional employee organization at NEA's Representative Assembly here.

Smith has served on the NEA Executive Committee for three years, where she has spoken on behalf of the nation's educators on issues ranging from health education to international education.

Elected in 2002, Smith has served as a delegate to Education International, a liaison to the National Association of School Nurses and on numerous other panels and committees concerning school health, student achievement, and the fixing and funding of the No Child Left Behind Act.  She also serves on the Maryland Professional Standards and Teacher Education Board.

"I look forward to the day when we create a great public school for every child," said Smith.  "Gathering together is a beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is success."

A third-generation educator, Smith has been a champion for public education and follows in the footsteps of her grandmother, mother and father.  Her husband and son are also educators.

The NEA Executive Committee consists of nine members -- three executive officers and six members elected at large by the Representative Assembly.

July 3, 2005

Contact:
Melinda Anderson
NEA Public Relations (202) 822-7200

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