High school science teacher and union activist from Illinois elected to NEA Executive Committee

PORTLAND, Ore.—A dedicated Illinois teacher and lifelong union activist will serve on the executive committee of the National Education Association, the nation’s largest labor union. Bill Farmer, a high school science teacher from Evanston, Illinois, was elected by his union siblings at NEA’s Representative Assembly to serve on the organization’s influential and highest governing body. 

As a classroom teacher for more than two decades, Farmer has dedicated his life's work to organizing and advocating for students, public schools, and union members. As president of his local, he helped deliver big wins for educators—including lower health care costs and securing 12 weeks of paid parental leave—while keeping membership above 98% after the Supreme Court struck down agency fees.

“Bill Farmer leads with his union values. His sharp organizing instincts and a deep commitment to public education have brought transformative change to his students, fellow educators, and his community,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “As public schools face even more challenges, NEA members are mobilizing and speaking up because unions are made for moments like these. Bill’s deep organizing experience and unwavering commitment to racial and social justice will help power our movement forward and protect the rights of every educator and student.”

Farmer led the Illinois Education Association’s efforts to overhaul legislative priorities with a focus on racial and social justice and helped design a more equitable dues structure based on income. Nationally, he has served on NEA’s Budget Committee, the Charter School Task Force and Safe, Just and Equitable Schools Task Force, and chaired the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Committee.

“I believe in the collective power of educators to transform lives. It's time to ignite our potential energy—and turn it into real change for our students and our union,” said Farmer. “I look forward to the opportunity to help support our members to organize for power back in their local communities to advocate for our students, strengthen our public schools, and uplift our professions. Our students deserve classrooms that embrace the value of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility so we can create a society where everyone can thrive.”

Nearly 7,000 educators are in Portland, Oregon, for the 168th Annual Meeting and 104th RA, the organization’s top decision-making body, which sets Association policy for the coming year. Delegates will complete an agenda, which includes adopting a budget, electing executive committee members, and addressing new business items.

For more information on NEA’s Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly, go to www.nea.org/ra

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.