Dedicated Educator Received NEA-Retired’s Highest Award
“I was always one of those high school students who had to get involved in things. … I was nosy, so what better way than to get involved?”
These were the words of Shirley George, some 30 years ago, as she took the reins as president of the Education Association of Norfolk, in Virginia. Since that time, her passion for standing up for students and serving her state and national associations has never waned.
For her decades of service and selfless dedication, George received NEA-Retired’s highest honor, the Distinguished Achievement Award, presented at the NEA-Retired Annual Meeting this summer.
As a special education teacher, George recognized the importance of every education support pro?fessional (ESP), from her aides to those who drove her students to school. Connie Coates, an ESP whom George mentored, says George encouraged her to run for president of her local association, which led to additional leadership roles with the Virginia Education Association (VEA).
Over the years, George has served in leadership positions with her local, as well as with VEA, VEA-Retired, and NEA. She has also been an avid PAC fundraiser and membership recruiter.
Former VEA Vice President Jeff Cobb recalls how George was a “positive and vital force” for retirees, especially in Virginia Beach. As a Uniserv director, later as chair for Congressional District 2 in Virginia Beach, and then as a retiree, George has lobbied the state’s General Assembly relentlessly. Her advocacy has focused on retiree pensions, equity in insurance reimbursements for retired ESPs, and issues affecting the lives of active members.
In support of George’s nomination, VEA-Retired Council President Lola McDowell wrote: “Shirley is a truly exceptional member and advocate who has dedicated her life to the support of public education in so many ways!”
—Kathy Davis, Secretary-Treasurer, VEA-Retired
Announcing the 2026 NEA-Retired Communications Award!
Every year, the NEA-Retired Executive Council Communications Committee recognizes NEA-Retired affiliates for outstanding communications work. The following awards are presented to affiliates in two categories: Membership of more than 2,500, and membership of less than 2,500.
- Established State Retired Newsletter (Published more than three years)
- State Retired Newsletter (Published fewer than three years)
- Established Local Retired Newsletter
- E-newsletter
- State Retired Website
- NEA-Retired Spotlight Award (State active newsletter/magazine covering NEA-Retired issues)
The Newsletter Hall of Fame award has only one winner.
To apply, visit nea.org/CommAwards. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2026.
| Vice President | |
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Marilyn Warner Florida Education Association-Retired |
| Executive Council (Two of nine seats were up for election) |
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Meg Gruber Virginia Education Association-Retired |
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Toni Smith Georgia Association of Educators-Retired |
| Executive Council-Unexpired Term (One seat was up for election) |
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Brent McKim Kentucky Education Association-Retired |
| NEA Board of Directors (Two of six NEA-Retired seats were up for election) |
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John Heineman Nebraska State Education Association-Retired |
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Linda McCrary |
NEA-Retired Membership Awards
NEA-Retired is the fastest growing membership category in the NEA family! At the NEA-Retired Annual Meeting this summer, Membership Committee Chair Meg Gruber commended the more than 50 members of the committee. “These hard-working members make miracles happen each and every year by bringing new members into our program,” she said.
Gruber then announced the winners of the 2025 NEA-Retired Membership Awards:
The Retired state group with the largest numerical membership gains is the Michigan Education Association-Retired, with 1,471 new members. This year’s runner-up is the Kentucky Education Association-Retired, with 273 new members.
The state group with the largest percentage increase of new members is the Michigan Education Association-Retired, with a 3.92 percent increase. The runner-up is Education Minnesota Retired, with a 2.4 percent increase.
The “Spirit of Membership Award” has been renamed the “Tom Wellman Spirit of Membership Award” in honor of the former committee chair, who died last year. “Tom created this award to recognize the work of associations in not only increasing membership, but also increasing engagement,” Gruber said. “He knew our associations and chapters would not grow and thrive without members who believe in our mission and vision.”
This year’s winner is the Delaware State Education Association-Retired, which reached out to members and potential members through social media, newsletters, and phone calls. The association also collected school supplies, lobbied legislators, and ran clothing drives with Aspiring Educators, among other activities.
