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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2002

News Release

Reg Weaver Elected NEA President

Illinois Native Vows to be a ?Relentless Advocate for Public Education?

Dallas - After campaigning on a platform of education reform, Reg Weaver, an outspoken advocate of public education and one of the country?s foremost African American labor leaders, was elected president of the 2.7 million-member National Education Association (NEA) here today.

The ebullient Weaver, a 35-year teaching veteran and middle school science teacher from suburban Chicago, has served as vice president of the country?s largest professional employee organization since 1996. Weaver, who will assume the NEA presidency in September, succeeds Bob Chase, who has been at the organization?s helm since 1996.

Weaver, an outspoken advocate for helping low-income schools and encouraging strong parental involvement, was selected after a vote by the 9,000 delegates to the 2002 NEA Representative Assembly. Weaver defeated Californian Denise Rockwell, who served two terms on NEA?s Executive Committee. He is the fourth African American president in the history of the 145-year old labor union.

?The honor I received from the delegates today, the expression of trust they placed in me, is both humbling and uplifting,?? Weaver said. ?Truly, words cannot express the deep appreciation or the renewed enthusiasm I feel for our mission as the result of my support here in Dallas.

?Public education and public educators are faced with enormous challenges that require our immediate attention. We must focus on an education reform package largely developed without our input,? added Weaver. ?And, we must concentrate on the upcoming political campaigns to ensure that we support the right policymakers who understand the importance of public education.?

Born in Danville, Illinois, Weaver, 62, earned a bachelor?s degree in special education for the physically challenged at Illinois State University in Normal and a master?s degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago.

A member of the NEA Executive Committee from 1989-1995, Weaver has held office at the national, state and local levels - as president of the 90,000-member Illinois Education Association from 1981-1987, as vice president of the same organization from 1977-81 and as president of the Harvey (Ill.) Education Association from 1967-1971. He is a former member of the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and has represented the NEA at numerous international meetings. Ebony Magazine honored Weaver with its Influential Black Educator Award; the Illinois Education Association presented him with its Human Rights Award. Weaver is also an honorary life member of the National Parent Teachers Association.

?In the months ahead, we will be assessing and addressing a variety of issues,? says Weaver, who begins his three-year term as president Sept. 1. ?But one thing will remain consistent: NEA will be a tireless, relentless advocate for children, students and public education.?

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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.