Tomorrow's Teachers -- 2003

President's Message

Finding Strength in Numbers

On behalf of the National Education Association, let me welcome you to the NEA Student Program and to your future career in public education. I have been privileged to work with and talk with a number of Student Program members across the country. And I always come away feeling rejuvenated. It's wonderful to be able to interact with a group of people who demonstrate such energy and enthusiasm for public education.

As a member of NEA, you embark on a lifelong career of activism on behalf of your colleagues and the students you teach. This is an Association with members everywhere--2.7 million of them in fact. That's one in every 100 Americans. Our strength lies in our numbers. So I know I can count on you--our future educators and our future leaders--to help us. After all, you are the ones who ultimately will direct the course of the teaching profession.

By 2007, nearly 2 million teachers across the country will retire. We must take aggressive steps to replace these educators and ensure that all students receive the quality education to which they are entitled.

You can help us achieve this vision. You can help us recruit qualified educators, like yourselves, and develop strategies to keep them in the profession. You can help us ensure that every child attends a school free from intimidation and harassment. You can reach out to students on your campus and to people in your community to generate support for public education. The students of America's public schools are counting on you.

So bring your energy, your ideas, and your interests into the NEA house, because that's where we want you to be. This Association will support you in every way it can. Never forget, NEA is here for you--and so am I.

Reg Weaver
NEA President