News Release

National Meeting Focuses on Political, Community Involvement in Public Education 

NEA President Reg Weaver Leads Discussion

MONTGOMERY, TX—At the ACORN national meeting, Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association, addressed the need for political and community involvement in public education.

This year’s meeting focused on the 2006 elections and building partnerships between teachers, public schools and communities.

“We are at a critical crossroads,” Weaver said.  “As we step forward into the new year we need to build upon our victories and elect officials that understand the challenges facing today’s public schools.”

In November, thousands of voters across the country turned out to the polls in contentious political battles to stand up for children and quality public education.  In California, voters defeated propositions that would have severely impacted the recruitment of quality teachers. In New Jersey and Virginia, voters elected public education advocates to the office of governor.

Weaver addressed more than 1,000 ACORN leaders and staff members from across the country.  Established in 1970, ACORN promotes social justice and stronger communities in the United States, Canada, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Weaver urged the audience to build a partnership between communities and public schools.  This partnership is outlined in Weaver’s “six areas of mutual responsibility,” which focuses on providing teachers and public schools with the necessary resources to help every child succeed. 

“With the support of the community and local leaders, our public schools will succeed in providing every child with a quality education,” Weaver said.  “It is our responsibility as concerned citizens, as parents, as teachers, and as community members to take on this shared responsibility and ensure that every child has access to a great public school."

Dec. 17, 2005

# # #

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.