Attending the National Education Association's Representative Assembly (RA) is always exhilarating and inspiring, no less so this year for the visits we had from eight presidential candidates, including one republican, Huckabee, from Hope Arkansas.  We heard from Clinton, Obama, Richardson, Dodd, Kucinich, Edwards, and Biden.  All were received with gusto, but Clinton and Obama received the loudest, most enthusiastic applause.  Huckabee drew a big laugh saying he wasn't sure why he was the only republican to accept the NEA's invitation, opining that maybe the others didn't think public education was important, or perhaps were afraid of the NEA.

Aside from the grueling schedule of early morning caucuses at the hotel and long meetings at the convention center, I had the chance to see a production of Carousel, go on a Duck Tour through the old section of Philadelphia and onto the Delaware River.  We were also treated to several fireworks shows visible from our hotel rooms.  Fireworks in Philadelphia, the first capitol of the United States, was a sight to see.

My hope is that others will take the opportunity to run for election as a delegate to the RA.  It's a chance to represent our local on a national level.  Nominations will be called for in the spring. 

President Reg Weaver galvanized the crowd of roughly 16,000 to become instant

lobbyists, exhorting them to pull out their cell phones and call their legislators to

urge comprehensive NCLB reform. “Keep those calls coming,” Weaver urged the

assembly as delegates cradled cell phones to their ears, flooding the phone lines

of Congressional leaders Sen. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Sen. Edward Kennedy

(D-MA), and others.

About an hour later, Weaver told delegates that Rep. George Miller’s office had

responded to one call with, “If you’re calling from NEA, we’ve already heard

from everyone there.”

Delegates also welcomed Education Support Professional of the Year Veronica Henderson, a 27-year veteran of Baltimore  County public schools and a passionate advocate for homeless children. Henderson paid tribute to the Association’s success over the years in diversifying its membership and it services, urging delegates to continue pushing for professional respect for the 400,000 ESPs in their ranks.

“We all have a role to play,” Henderson  told the crowd. “I am willing and committed to doing my part. Will you join me?”

Democratic presidential primary candidates Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) and Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM) addressed delegates, joining in NEA’s call for the end to one-size-fits-all testing and punishment of schools based on test scores.

In new business, delegates approved a measure calling for an exit strategy for the war in Iraq and a declaration of Association’s support for U.S. troops, as well as one to raise awareness on the genocide in Darfur.

An emotional high point  came with the honoring of the nine Black children who in 1957 dealt a blow to school segregation by walking through the doors of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. During the ceremony, six of the nine came on stage to be honored: Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Minnie Jean Brown Tricky, Dr. Terence Roberts, Carlota Walls Lanier, and Jefferson Thomas. The ceremony ended with award presenters and recipients leading the delegation in a stirring rendition of “We Shall Overcome.                           Courtesy of ”http://www.nea.org/annualmeeting/raaction/070307wrap.html

Sylvia and Ben Franklin

Linda Merritt

Spirit of Philadelphia