NEA members elect new leaders to champion public education nationwide

WASHINGTON — Nearly 6,000 delegates representing educators from every state and territory have chosen new national officers to lead NEA, the nation's largest labor union, during the union's 105th Representative Assembly (RA).

Delegates elected Princess R. Moss, an elementary school music teacher from Louisa County, Virginia, as president; Noel Candelaria as vice president; and Robert Varela Rodriguez as secretary-treasurer through NEA’s democratic election process, reflecting the collective voice of nearly 3 million educators and education support professionals across the country. 

A longtime advocate for students, educators, and public schools, Moss previously served as NEA vice president and secretary-treasurer. She is a past president of the Virginia Education Association, where she helped advance collective bargaining rights and increase investment in public education. Nationally recognized for her leadership on public education, educator advocacy, and racial and social justice, Moss has served on numerous education and nonprofit boards and was appointed by two Virginia governors to statewide education leadership roles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Mary Washington and a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from the University of Virginia.

“It is an honor to serve as president of the National Education Association. I step into this role inspired by the dedication of the millions of educators who show up every day for their students and communities,” said President-elect Princess Moss. “Together, we will continue fighting for the resources, respect, and professional voice educators deserve because when we invest in public education, we invest in the future of every student. I look forward to building on our union's proud legacy and working alongside our members to ensure every student, in every ZIP code, has access to a high-quality public education."

Vice President-Elect Candelaria, a special education teacher and former teacher's aide from El Paso, Texas, rose from the classroom in the Ysleta Independent School District to become secretary-treasurer of the National Education Association, the nation's largest professional organization. His path to national leadership included serving as president of the Ysleta Teachers Association, followed by three years as vice president and then president of the Texas State Teachers Association. 

“I am honored and humbled to serve as Vice President of the National Education Association. Public education changed my life, and educators opened doors that transformed my future. Now it’s our turn to ensure every student—regardless of their ZIP code, race, or background—has that same opportunity. Together, we will build the power to defend public education, advance racial and social justice, and ensure every educator has the respect, resources, and voice they deserve. Because when educators are empowered, students, families, and communities thrive.” 

Secretary-Treasurer-Elect Rodriguez is a special education teacher in California’s San Bernardino City Unified School District with 17 years of experience teaching at the elementary and middle school levels. First elected to the NEA Executive Committee in 2018, he previously served on the NEA Board of Directors, Budget Committee, and the California Teachers Association Board of Directors. He has also been an active member of the NEA Hispanic Caucus and NEA-LGBTQ+ Caucus. Rodriguez holds a bachelor’s degree in science and a master’s degree in education from California State University, San Bernardino.

"Sound stewardship is an act of commitment to our members and our mission. I accept this responsibility with gratitude and resolve, dedicated to ensuring that every student—regardless of race, ZIP code, or economic status—has access to the excellent public education they deserve. The trust of this membership is a privilege I will honor every day I hold this office."

The newly elected officers will assume office on September 1 and will lead the union’s work to strengthen public education, ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed, and champion the educators and education support professionals who make that possible every day.

This year’s Representative Assembly brought together nearly 6,000 NEA members representing the full breadth of public education professionals, including classroom teachers, paraeducators, bus drivers, school counselors, librarians, school nurses, custodians, cafeteria workers, higher education faculty, retired educators, and aspiring educators. Delegates convened in Denver from July 3 to July 7 to shape the future direction of the union and public education. 

As public education faces mounting challenges and unprecedented attacks, these leaders will take office with a shared commitment to defending the dignity of every student, supporting every educator, and ensuring that every child—regardless of race, background, ZIP code, or circumstance—has access to opportunity. Together, they will lead NEA members in building a stronger, more just future through the transformative power of public education.

The RA is the world’s largest democratic body and the top decision-making body for NEA’s nearly 3 million members. Every year, local unions elect and send thousands of delegates from around the U.S. to draft, debate, and adopt policies that set the course for the future of the NEA. 

For more on President-Elect Princess Moss: https://www.veanea.org/princess-moss-wins-nea/

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest labor union, representing nearly 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.