CONTACT: Celeste Fernandez   (202) 822-7823

July 3, 2006

Oklahoma Teacher Reelected to NEA Executive Committee

Crowder continues her work for great public schools

ORLANDO—Carolyn Crowder, an elementary and vocal music teacher from Mustang, Okla., was reelected yesterday to the National Education Association Executive Committee, the nine-member governing body that oversees the 2.8 million member Association.

Crowder, who ran unopposed, was elected by more than 9,000 delegates attending NEA's Representative Assembly.  Her three-year term begins September 1, 2006. 

"America’s public schools continue to face many challenges and need our help now more than ever," Crowder said.  "Public education should be the number one priority for lawmakers, from the local to national level.  I'm honored to continue NEA’s commitment to great public schools for every child."

With two decades of teaching experience, Crowder has been a champion for public education and school employees at the state and local levels. Before being elected to the NEA Executive Committee in 2003 she served as president of the Oklahoma Education Association.  She was also a member of the OEA Board of Directors for six years, on various state committees and Chair of the Oklahoma Education Coalition for 99–00.  At the local Association level, Crowder served as president, delegate and negotiator.

"As a classroom teacher Carolyn knows the challenges and difficulties our public schools face," Reg Weaver, NEA president said.  "She understands how important it is to have the proper training, tools and resources to get the job done.  She is committed to the fight for great public schools as a basic right for every child."

Crowder grew up in the Oklahoma Panhandle, graduating from Guymon High School. She went on to graduate cum laude from Southern Nazarene University and received a master's degree in elementary education from the University of Central Oklahoma.

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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.