News Release

National Education Association President Honored

Reg Weaver Receives Award
For Advocating for Children and Educators

WASHINGTON, DC -- People for the American Way honored Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association, this evening with the 2005 Spirit of Liberty Award at the Kennedy Center.

"It is a privilege to stand here tonight, surrounded by so many who have helped make a difference in the world," Weaver said. "It is our responsibility as leaders to ensure that our children have access to a quality public education."

As president of NEA, Weaver is an outspoken advocate for children and public education for the nation's largest education organization. The NEA is committed to ensuring quality public schools for every child in the country.

The Spirit of Liberty Award is given to individuals who contribute to the advancement of democracy and civic action. Along with Weaver, other award recipients included Sharon Gless, Jonathan Lewis, Peter Lewis, and Sharon Stone.

"We must begin to fully invest in our children, in our educators and in our public schools," Weaver said. "I stand before you committed and dedicated to ensuring that our children and educators have the full funding and the adequate resources needed to succeed academically and professionally."

Dec. 6, 2005

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NEA Contact:

Jasmine Lyons, Public Relations, (202) 822-7228

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.