News Release

NEA Provides $500,000 for Katrina Relief Efforts

Students, Teachers and School Employees are Recipients of Aid

(HOUSTON) -- The nation’s largest educator organization, the National Education Association (NEA), has provided $500,000 in direct aid to students, teachers and school employees affected by Hurricane Katrina.

NEA President Reg Weaver presented checks to NEA affiliates in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas during a two-day trip. Weaver also met with displaced teachers, students and their families in Mobile, AL; Jackson, MS; Baton Rouge, LA; and Houston, TX.

“I will never forget what I have seen, or what these brave people have told me,” Weaver said “I will carry their stories with me to make sure that leaders at the national, state and local levels understand how important it is that we join together and help.”

“These children need a sense of security and safe place to call home,” Weaver said. “School is an important way to help fulfill those needs. We can’t let ourselves be complacent when it comes to educating these students. It’s vital to their health and well-being that they attend great public schools and continue their learning.”

The funds provided by NEA will help displaced students buy school supplies, textbooks and in some cases, clothes.  In addition to the goal of raising $1 million in aid, NEA assistance includes setting up a toll-free helpline for school employees affected by the hurricane and creating the NEA Adopt a School program to match donors with schools and classrooms in need of assistance.

“This is just the beginning of what is going to be a very long journey,” Weaver cautioned. “We have to keep the long-term needs of these displaced students in any plans that are made for recovery and rebuilding efforts. Providing them with great public schools should be one of our highest priorities. These students deserve nothing less.”

For more information about the NEA’s Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, visit the NEA Web site or call the helpline at 1-866-247-2239.

September 21, 2005

For More Information Contact:

Denise Cardinal, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7239

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