September - Tennessee Education Association

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National Assembly Inspires, Energizes Tennessee’s Teachers
Rosemary Winters of Memphis EA
performs with the NEA choir in a
Fourth of July celebration at the NEA
Representative Assembly
in Washington, D.C.
By Amanda Chaney
More than 9,000 educators descended upon Washington,
D.C., this summer for the National Education Association’s
Annual Representative Assembly. Tennessee’s delegates,
a group of more than 200 teachers, administrators and
education support professionals, took an active role in
the week-long event by participating in floor discussions,
important votes and even performing with the NEA choir.
The week was filled with many inspiring speeches and
nearly 100 new business items. NEA President Dennis Van
Roekel kicked things off with the keynote address.
“This has been a challenging year for our country. I know
it has also challenged you, as well as our members back
home. Not just in some states, but in EVERY state,” said Van
Roekel. “I know how hard you worked – to stand up for our
members and to serve our students, from pre-K to graduate.
And you do it each and every day – it’s who you are – it’s what
we do.”
Van Roekel went on to challenge members to stand up
for their profession and work together to “raise the level
of preparation for those coming into our profession and
improve the practice of those who are already here.”
The highlight for many attendees was a phone call from
President Barack Obama. The president called in while on the
road for his 2012 campaign bus tour across the country.
“I want you to know that I am proud of all the great work
you have done,” said President Obama. “You can’t help the
American people without helping educators. I’m proud to
stand with you, I’m proud of your support.”
Hamilton Co. EA President Sandy Hughes addresses the
national assembly.
The Tennessee delegation included eight
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8 September 2012 9
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“We know what will work,” he continued. “What will work
is if we are making an investment in a strong and growing
middle class. That starts in the classroom, the places where
you and your colleagues are teaching, and leading and
inspiring. I’m running for a second term as president to make
sure every American has a chance to get a great education
and the skills and training that today’s jobs require.”
In addition to the president’s call, attendees also
received a visit from Vice President Joe Biden and his wife
and former NEA member, Dr. Jill Biden.
The vice president immediately won the crowd over by
confessing, “I’m in love with a teacher.” He went on to say,
“You make dreams a reality. My mother and father never
doubted that I could become vice president or president of
the United States. No group of professionals can make that
possible other than the educators of this great country. You
, CONTEST
know better than anyone that our success in the 21st century
depends on our ability to educate all children. And that
starts with the women and men in our nation’s schools.”
The week’s activities also included several recognitions.
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton is this year’s recipient
of the NEA America’s Greatest Education Governor Award.
Judy Near, a Colorado education support professional, won
STEA members attend the 2012 NEA RA. Clockwise from left: Chris Martin, Amy Orick, Kelly Stapleton, Brittany
the National Education Association’s Education Support
Professional of the Year. The 2012 National Teacher of the
Seal, Corbin Lester, Parris Malone, Londyn Huntley, STEA President and TEA board member Marilauren Anderson, Year was awarded to Rebecca Mieliwocki, an English teacher
LI470912
and Caryce Gilmore. Read the story about Caryce Gilmore on the next page.
from California.
www.teateachers.org