CONTACT:  Michelle Hudgins  (202) 822-7823 

September 8, 2006 

NEA President Receives Two Honors for Commitment to Education

Reg Weaver To Receive Congressional Award and Chairman’s Award 

WASHINGTON—National Education Association President Reg Weaver will be honored with two separate awards this week for his diligence in advancing the cause of education. On Friday, Sept. 8, 2006, Weaver will receive The Great Point Of Light Award from Congressman Major R. Owens, chair of the CBC Education Braintrust.

“Reg Weaver’s leadership stands as a beacon for all of us to follow,” said Congressman Owens. “Few men have worked so diligently and vigorously on behalf of our children, and we salute Mr. Weaver for allowing himself to be used for such a noble task.” The Great Point of Light award is one of five awards presented during the annual Legacy Awards gala co-sponsored by the CBC Education Braintrust and the Education Technology Think Tank (ET3).
 
Additionally, 100 Black Men of America, Inc., will honor Weaver with the Chairman’s Award for Educational Leadership to recognize his work in support of education.  The award is one of four presented during the 100 Cabaret, a gala event held in conjunction with the 100’s 2006 fall conference. Demonstrating a commitment to the cause of education, Weaver, a 35-year classroom veteran and middle school science teacher, has worked tirelessly to ensure the basic right of every child to a quality public education.

“Mr. Weaver’s work in championing the rights of our children has been exemplary,” said Albert E. Dotson, Jr., chairman of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. “We applaud him and encourage him as he continues to lead the charge to educate and empower our youth.”

Recognized around the world for his commitment to education, Weaver serves as vice president of Education International, representing more than 29 million teachers and education workers in 166 countries. He has been named one of Ebony magazine’s “100 Most Influential Black Americans” for his national political influence and was recently awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Shaw University for “his world-class leadership in the efforts to educate children.” 

Reg Weaver is serving his second term as president of the 3.2 million-member National Education Association (NEA).  “I consider it an honor and a privilege to work beside and represent some of the most talented people in the world,” said Weaver. “Making great public schools a reality for every child is not easy, but I am fortunate enough to have the support and dedication of the members of NEA with me.” 

Weaver earned his bachelor of science degree in special education for the physically challenged at Illinois State University.  He received a master's degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago.

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.