Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/731916
32 ADVOCATE | FALL 2016 National Perspective Delegates heard from NEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year Doreen McGuire-Grigg, who spoke of the herculean efforts of ESP throughout the nation. She advocated for the inclusion of ESP, and underscored the value they bring to other educators and students. "We are more than partners, we are problem-solvers. We are an untapped resource and we are here to support the whole student, the whole school and the whole community. We are the secret weapons," McGuire-Grigg said. In her speech, 2016 National Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes urged delegates to never underestimate the power they have to transform the lives of their students. "Students should see their teachers as someone who cares about their academic success and their personal growth," Hayes said. "Someone who cares about their families and their communities. Someone who takes the time to learn their stories and understand their journeys. We are the people who ignite passions in students." How do we ensure that educators will always serve this critical role? asked NEA Executive Director John Stocks. After all, more than 2 million new educators will be entering the workforce over the next five years alone. In his address to the RA, Stocks warned the delegates that the new generation of educators may not necessarily understand how vital their association can and will be to them and their students. "We must become relevant to them, to help them meet the changing needs of their students…to help them be successful educators, and to tap into their idealism," Stocks said. "And we must act with urgency." At every RA, delegates are charged with electing new NEA leaders. In addition to voting for new Board of Director members, delegates also re- elected Maury Koffman of Michigan and Kevin F. Gilbert of Mississippi to serve another three-year term each on the NEA Executive Committee. n