Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/81698
National convention highlights Educators leave NEA Representative Assembly committed to leading the profession If public education is to remain a basic right for every child, rather than a privilege for only the wealthy, educators will have to lead their profession, not just in their schools but in their communities and in political campaigns. T hat was the recurring mes- sage from President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Teacher of the Year to Rebecca Mieliwocki, and NEA President Dennis VanRoekel to the more than 8,000 educators at the 2012 National Education Association (NEA) Representative Assembly, which ended delibera- tions on July 5. The NEA Representative Assembly is the largest democratic decision-making body in the world. Nearly 8,000 educators gathered in Washington, DC to determine edu- cation policy for the nation's largest union. They also gathered to hear from leaders in politics and educa- tion, and to honor their colleagues. • 2012 National Teacher of the Year Rebecca Mieliwocki spoke about the power teachers have to shape and transform the lives of their students. An English teacher at Luther Burbank Middle School in Burbank, Calif., Mieliwocki told delegates she is proud to represent teachers. "So here I stand, one teacher symbolizing millions," she said. "One imperfect, enthusiastic, hard-working and committed exam- ple of the millions more just like me. One voice to stand for all of us…" • Judy Near, an elementary school health technician from Colorado, is NEA's Education Support Professional of the Year. Near urged educators to take con- trol of their profession through leadership roles. "To lead you just need a vision, hope, and inner strength to believe you can change things," Near said. The Delaware delegation stands up and cheers as Vice President Joe Biden energizes the 8,000 NEA RA delegates to join "Educators for Obama." • Educators also heard from President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, who said that Governor Mitt Romney's attacks on teachers and public edu- cation are fundamentally an attack on the middle class. Educators cheer the President as he calls from Ohio Ariel Hardy, an elementary teacher in Wilmington, looks over the RA agenda for the day. • NEA Executive Director John Stocks delivered his first address as executive director, challenging educators to become "social justice patriots." • Gov. Mark Dayton of Minne- sota received the "Greatest Governor" Award. The annual award recognizes and honors gover- nors who have made major, state- level education strides that improve public schools. "I am very honored to receive this award from educa- tors across America," said Gov. Dayton. "As a former public school teacher, I know how challenging their jobs are. I promised that my administration would make educa- tion and jobs my highest priori- ties." Cheers erupted from delegates when President Barack Obama called to thank the educators for their steadfast support of his re- election efforts and their unwaver- ing commitment to students and public education. The president called NEA dele- gates from Toledo, Ohio, the first leg of his "Betting on America" bus tour. "I want you to know that I am proud of all the great work you have done," said President Barack Obama. "You can't help the American people without helping educators. I'm proud to stand with you, I'm proud of your support." President Obama chided those who are playing politics with the middle class and the American Dream. He said those on the other side want to take America back to the policies of the past. Referring to Gov. Mitt Romney and Republican leaders in Congress, the President said, "They want us to go back to policies that just give big tax cuts to the wealthies. We tried it and it did- n't work." 4 September 2012 DSEA ACTION! That's Kelli Bradley (right, from Brandywine), participating in NEA's annual "Outreach to Teach." She's sort- ing and packing food at a D.C. Food Bank. "We know what will work," the President told the audience of edu- cators. "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 inspir- ing. 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." www.dsea.org