Published: August 10, 2026
First Appeared In NEA Today for NEA-Retired, August 2026
Building Power
This summer, Denver, Colo., buzzed with more than 300 retired educators as they gathered for the 2026 Retired Annual Meeting, on June 30–July 1. Attendees heard rousing speeches from NEA-Retired and NEA leaders, celebrated successes—like increasing membership by 3,643 members in one year and raising more than $13,000 for the NEA political action committee during the conference alone! They also elected new leaders (click here to see election results) and leaned into building power for the nation’s midterm elections in November.
1
OF
8
Speaking on the 250th birthday of the United States, NEA-Retired President Anita Gibson honored educators’ contributions to the nation’s history. “On this anniversary, we are reminded that America has always been a work in progress–striving, learning, improving. And so is education. You were part of that ongoing story. You helped shape citizens who will carry this nation into its next chapter,” Gibson told the gathering. “So today, we honor your service. We honor your patience, your creativity, your compassion, and your belief in the potential of every child.”
2
OF
8
“NEA-Retired, you have organized, advocated, mentored, and led for decades. You have built coalitions, strengthened communities, and advanced public education in countless ways,” NEA President Becky Pringle said to the gathering. “Your voice matters. Your experience matters. Your leadership matters. And it is why the work ahead will require all of us—organized, united, and committed to building power together.”
3
OF
8
“We don’t build power by dividing. We build power by connecting. We build power by listening. We build power by creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and respected. That work starts in our unions. And when retired educators organize through the relationships they’ve built over a lifetime, we become an unstoppable force for public schools, public educators, and public democracy,” said NEA Vice President Princess Moss—who, at the 2026 NEA Representative Assembly, was elected to succeed Becky Pringle as the next NEA President.
4
OF
8
“The story of public education in this country is not finished. The next chapter is being written right now—in school board meetings, in state legislatures, in classrooms, and in communities,” said NEA Secretary Treasurer Noel Candelaria, who has been elected to succeed Princess Moss as the next NEA Vice President. “And you—NEA-Retired—are authors of that chapter. Your leadership built this movement. Your leadership sustained this movement. And your leadership will carry this movement into the future.”
5
OF
8
Susie Jablinske, from Maryland, accepted NEA-Retired’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). NEA-Retired Vice President and DSA Committee chair Marilyn Warner (far right) presented the award, lauding Jablinske’s decades of activism, advocacy, and leadership in her state and local unions.
6
OF
8
The Jack Kinnaman Scholarship Chair Janice M. Poirier (far left) and NEA President Anita Gibson (far right) presented the $3,500 awards to six deserving Aspiring Educators. Three of the winners accepted the award in person: (center, left to right) Dalaney Santos, a senior at Northeastern State University, in Oklahoma; Hannah Rake, a junior at Penn West University, in Pennsylvania; and Michael Dozier, a junior at Grambling State University, in Louisiana.
Three additional recipients were not able to attend in person: Corinna Thomas, a junior at the University of Illinois-Springfield; Kamryn McCutcheon, a junior at the University of Michigan-Dearborn; and Alyssa Svoboda, a junior at John Carroll University, in Ohio.
Named for a former NEA-Retired vice president, the Kinnaman program has awarded over $149,500 to 63 recipients, since 2002, thanks to the generous contributions of NEA-Retired members. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!
7
OF
8
Attendees from Hawaii showing off their state spirit.
8
OF
8
Attendees from Kentucky showing off their state pride.
Congratulations to the NEA-Retired leaders elected and reelected at the 2026 Retired Annual Meeting. Terms will start on Sept. 1 for the following winners:
- NEA-Retired President –Anita Gibson (Alabama)
- NEA-Retired Secretary—Brenda Hare McGown (Kentucky)
- NEA-Retired Executive Council—Brent McKim (Kentucky), Karen Randall (Maryland)
- Board of Directors—Penni Cyr (Idaho), Janice M. Poirier (Florida),
- Board-Alternates—Janice Dwosh (Arizona), Judy Rohde (Minnesota)
- NEA-Retired Standing Committee on Resolutions:
- Karen Solheim (Georgia)
- George Sheridan (California)
- Kathleen Purdy (Ohio)
- Steve Click (Alaska)
- Bobby J. Pierson (Alabama)
- Linda Linn (Iowa)
Congratulations to the NEA-Retired leaders elected and reelected at the 2026 Retired Annual Meeting. Terms will start on Sept. 1 for the following winners:
NEA-Retired President –Anita Gibson (Alabama)
NEA-Retired Secretary—Brenda Hare McGown (Kentucky)
NEA-Retired Executive Council—Brent McKim (Kentucky), Karen Randall (Maryland)
Board of Directors—Penni Cyr (Idaho), Janice M. Poirier (Florida),
Board-Alternates—Janice Dwosh (Arizona), Judy Rohde (Minnesota)
NEA-Retired Standing Committee on Resolutions:
Karen Solheim (Georgia)
George Sheridan (California)
Kathleen Purdy (Ohio)
Steve Click (Alaska)
Bobby J. Pierson (Alabama)
Linda Linn (Iowa)
We Want to Hear from You
Do you have a story to share? Or some feedback for the NEA Today team? Click on the link below to contact us.
Get more from
We're here to help you succeed in your career, advocate for public school students, and stay up to date on the latest education news. Sign up to stay informed.
