May 18, 2006

Contact: Miguel Gonzalez    (202) 822-7823, 

NEA Executive Director John Wilson Recognized for
Entrepreneurial Vision for 21st Century Education

Receives President’s Award for role as chair of Partnership for 21st Century Skills 

WASHINGTON— National Education Association Executive Director John I. Wilson has been recognized by the Institute for Educational Excellence and Entrepreneurship at West Chester University for his vision to prepare students to succeed in today’s increasingly competitive world.

The 3E Institute acknowledged Wilson for his critical role as NEA executive director and chair of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. He received the Educator 500 President’s Award at the 4th Annual Business and Education Leadership Forum held last week at the Union League in Philadelphia.

“John Wilson is an outspoken advocate for children, educators and public education,” said Reg Weaver, president of NEA. “His work as executive director reflects his commitment to ensuring every child’s basic right to a great public school. I’m pleased to see him recognized for his dedication to preparing students to live and work in a global society.”

Born in Burlington, North Carolina, Wilson is a long-time special education teacher and Association leader. He became executive director of NEA in 2000 after serving in various leadership capacities in North Carolina, including serving as president of the Raleigh Association of Classroom Teachers, the Wake County Association of Classroom Teachers and the North Carolina Association of Educators.

“John Wilson is a true entrepreneurial educator and a national spokesperson on the importance of business and education working together for students,” said Dr. Madeleine Wing Adler, president of West Chester University of Pennsylvania. “His role as NEA executive director and chair of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills is critical to providing high school graduates with skills to excel in today’s economy.”

As chair of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, Wilson is responsible for bringing together the business community, education leaders and policymakers to ensure that students emerge from America’s schools with the skills needed to be effective citizens, workers and leaders in the 21st century.

“Our students need to think critically, communicate effectively, and master core subjects as well as 21st century content and skills in order to compete and succeed in today’s global environment,” Wilson said. “Improving learning, achievement and competencies demands a clear understanding of the skills that are increasingly important for every high school graduate. I applaud the 3E Institute, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, and NEA for their relentless commitment and work to turn this vision into reality."

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.8 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.