Contact: Brian Washington   (202) 822-7823

June 27, 2007

Educators Announce $125,000 in Grants Aimed at Helping Children

Council Representing Largest NEA Locals Elects Regional Officers

PHILADELPHIA -- The council representing the largest affiliates within the National Education Association is soliciting applications from its members for NEA Urban Grants, $5,000 cash awards given to selected programs designed to help children.  The National Council of Urban Education Associations, which administers the program, is holding its summer conference this year at the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia.  Council President Susie Jablinske says this year a total of 25 grants will be issued.
 
“We’re looking for those programs that connect with communities and help our children,” said Jablinske.  “The application process is just the beginning of what we hope will be a great way to reward those who take the initiative to make a difference in the lives of children and encourage others to do the same.”
 
The winners will be announced in the fall and the grants are funded by NEA.  NCUEA is composed of 213 of the largest NEA affiliates and is dedicated to addressing the often unique needs and concerns of bigger locals within the Association.  Over 632,000 NEA members belong to NCUEA, representing over 20 percent of the Association’s entire membership.
 
NCUEA also came to Philadelphia to elect its regional officers.  The names were announced today and include:
• Ann Marie Abercrombie, Union County Education Association, New Jersey (East Region)
• Erick Huth, Metro Nashville Education Association, Tennessee (Central Region)
• Laurie McCurdy, Boise Education Association, Idaho (Mountain Region)
• Johanna Vaandering, Beaverton Education Association, Oregon (Pacific Region)
 
Those attending the NCUEA 2007 Summer Conference will also attend NEA’s Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly, which also takes place in Philadelphia June 30-July 5.  More than 9,000 educators from across the country are expected. 
 
“Members of NCUEA have a valuable voice within our Association,” said Reg Weaver, president of NEA.  “Many locals that make up the council represent some of the largest urban areas in the country, and I couldn’t imagine this conference or this Association without their participation.  The council’s perspective is key to providing great public schools for every child."

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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.