Philadelphia Story - NEA Convention

Springfield Delegates Attend Philadelphia Conference

Philadelphia was the perfect setting for the nation's largest deliberative democratic body to meet during the first week of July. Springfield NEA sent four delegates to the annual convention that marked the 150th anniversary of NEA's founding.

Melissa Albright (Wilson's Creek), Brent Fullington (Cherokee), Kittilu Maxson (Wilder) and Ray Smith (Hickory) were among the 9,000 delegates that descended on the City of Brotherly Love for a week of state caucuses and lively, sometimes grueling, representative assembly meetings. Philadelphia proved to be a terrific site. Hotels were within walking distance to the convention center, there were all kinds of eateries that were reasonably priced, beautiful architecture wherever one walked, and, of course, some fascinating historical sites.

Among the highlights of the assembly were speeches from eight presidential candidates: Hillary Clinton (see Melissa over her shoulder), Barak Obama, John Edwards, Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, Dennis Kucinich, Bill Richardson and Mike Huckabee. Huckabee was the lone Republican to accept an invitation to speak, and it should be noted that he received several standing ovations from a full-house of NEA delegates. (It should also be noted that about one third of NEA members are Republicans, and there is a very active Republican Caucus within the NEA - a fact that is apparently lost on the other GOP presidential candidates.)

The renewal of No Child Left Behind and its effect of public education was the major topic with almost all the candidates. Next year in Washington, D. C., the RA promises to be even more politically charged as the NEA elects new leadership and the nation gears up for the 2008 elections. Participation in a national Representative Assembly is an unforgettable experience - just ask Brent, Kittilu, Melissa, Ray or any of our members who've attended previous NEA conventions. It's a great way to get a wider perspective on education issues, meet teachers from around the nation and stay informed on issues that directly affect our work in the classroom.