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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 5, 2001

NEWS RELEASE

Mississippi Teacher Lands Position on NEA's Executive Committee

Los Angeles - Michael Marks, a high school dramatic arts and debate teacher from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was elected today to the National Education Association's (NEA) Executive Committee. He was elected to lead the nation's largest professional employee organization by more than 9,000 delegates attending the Association's Representative Assembly, meeting July 4-7 in Los Angeles, California.

A strong advocate for teacher quality, Marks currently serves as president of NEA's affiliate, the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE).

"I believe we ought to be committed to putting a qualified teacher in every classroom," said Marks. "My first priority is ensuring quality teaching for our children."

The son of two retired teachers and NEA members, Marks has devoted his professional life to the cause of public education. A 19-year teaching veteran, he served as chair of the Mississippi affiliate's student program and on the MAE board of directors.

Marks has been widely recognized for his contributions to public education. He has received national honors including the Outstanding Teacher of the Performing Arts Award and the Milken National Educator Award. He is also a former Mississippi Teacher of the Year.

The NEA Executive Committee consists of nine members - three executive officers and six members elected at large by the Representative Assembly. Marks will serve a three-year term starting in September.

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support personnel, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.