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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2001

News Release

NEA Ad Campaign Stresses Teachers' Role in Making Public Schools Great for Every Child

Spots to Air on ABC, CBS, NBC, BET, Univision

Washington, D.C. -- A $3 million advertising campaign for the National Education Association (NEA) will begin airing on morning and evening news shows and prime-time information and entertainment programming on networks, BET, and Univision on October 22.

"The campaign reminds the public of the contributions of America's teachers and the value of public education," said Bob Chase, president of the 2.6 million-member association. "It is more important than ever that Americans recognize the role of teachers, parents, and support professionals working together to make public schools great for every child."

Chase pointed out that every day America's public schools touch the lives of more than one-half of the nation's population. "Growing evidence shows that schools are improving, and the parents of public school students recognize the difference," he said.

The three 30-second spots were produced by Laguens Hamburger Stone of Washington, D.C. and ZGS Communications of Arlington, VA.

"I hope people will hear the central message of the effort and take a closer look at what's happening in their local public schools," Chase said.

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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 professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.