For More information:
NEA Communications 202-822-7200

October 9, 1998

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the National Education Association (NEA) today took action to provide for NEA affiliation of Education Minnesota, effective immediately.

Education Minnesota was created September 1, 1998 when the Minnesota Education Association and the Minnesota Federation of Teachers merged. Action to make the NEA affiliation permanent is expected next July, when the NEA Representative Assembly will consider an amendment to the NEA bylaws.

Education Minnesota is also affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Education Minnesota includes approximately 62,000 members.

"We are pleased to welcome Education Minnesota into the NEA family," said Bob Chase, NEA president. "Together we will be better able to pursue our mission to improve public education for the children of Minnesota and the entire United States. With our enhanced membership, we will fight to improve teacher quality and to secure higher levels of student achievement."