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.
posted by RSmith @ 1:53 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
It was an honor to represent our members as a state delegate to the NEA Convention. What an inspiration to be among 9,000 delegates with the same goal of attaining Great Public Schools.The delegation discussed No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Social Security Offset, Health Care, among other issues. We are a body of educators that provides input that shapes NEA belief statments (resolutions), and a Legislative agenda that address the issues and concerns surrounding Public Educations. As the experts we have a common sense approach to solving the high rate of drop outs, teacher salary and benefits issues, and the over testing issues that is being driven by a failed policy NCLB. NEA is working with state and local affliates to be the strong advocate for education. As members of Springfield NEA you can be proud of belonging to an organization which believes in its membership.
Thank you
Brent Fullington
State delegate
SNEA Vice-President
Wow! The National Assembly was amazing. As a first time delegate, my learning curve was pretty steep. Everyone kept me informed and on task.
I'd say that there were 3 major highlights of my trip. First just the thrill of being in such an historic city as Philadelphia. It was an easy city to get around and several delegates walked the 6 city blocks from our hotel to the convention center together each morning. We had a bit of time to take in the sights on our Sunday afternoon.
Each morning the Missouri delegates met for our caucus. Here is where I learned about the official business of the association. We discussed and debated the new business items which were going to be brought before the assembly that day. It was great to see that the microphones were available to anyone who wanted to make their opinion or perspective known. Once we were at the general assembly it was fascinating to watch the largest deliberative, democratic body at work.
All of us had the opportunity to hear 8 of the Presidential candidates address the assembly. What a rush! I could get used to educational issues having such a primary position in their speeches. Each candidate that participated was welcomed by the delegates with energy,interest and respect.
Now that I am back in Springfield, I hope to encourage our members to become more active at the local,state and national level. I want to let prospective members see the ways that they too can advocate for great public schools for every child. Collectively, we can make a difference.
Thanks for reading,
Kittilu Maxson
SNEA Exec. Board
SNEA Mem. Chair
MNEA PAC Council
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