Let’s Use Our Power to Make Public Education Stronger, Van Roekel Tells Delegates
NEA President Dennis Van Roekel opened the 2012 NEA Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly (RA) by challenging members to stand up for their profession and come together in a united mission to transform America’s public schools into world class institutions of learning.
Van Roekel said NEA members realize they can’t set education policy by themselves, but they do have the power to influence it.
“You do it each and every day – it’s who we are – it’s what we do…because we educate America!”
He asked NEA members if they are willing to assert their leadership, and take responsibility for their professions, because “if we are not ready to lead, I know there are many others ready, willing, and waiting to do it for us.”
Those include the many elected officials and self-proclaimed “reformers” who are constantly weighing in about public education.
Those include the many elected officials and self-proclaimed “reformers” who are constantly weighing in about public education.
“They have an opinion on everything – the who, the what, the when, the where and the how – about public education,” Van Roekel said.
But amid all the talk, very few bring up the "why" of public education, which Van Roekel said should be the starting point.
“What is the purpose of public education?” he asked. “It’s access and equity…Public education is the vehicle to teach American values and ideals. And in a nation where equal opportunity is one of our most deeply held values, education is the key that opens the door to economic opportunity.”
Educational equity is when every child, and every classroom, has a great teacher and great support professionals, Van Roekel said. If the solutions others are attempting to impose on schools don’t create educational equity, then NEA must take the responsibility to define solutions that do.
Van Roekel asked NEA members to use their collective power to raise the level of preparation for those coming into our profession and improve the practice of those already there. He also demanded that every educator – including ESPs -- receive the professional development and support they need to help all students succeed.
“We are three million strong, and we have the greatest power in the world – the power to change lives. So let’s use that power. Let’s use our power to make public education stronger…. to make our nation a better place, moving ever closer to our great and noble ideal of equal opportunity – not just for a fortunate few, but for every single child.”
NEA Standing Strong Theme Song
Representative Assembly Has a New Theme Song
July 02, 2011
By Cindy Long
By Cindy Long
At the official opening of the 2011 Representative Assembly this morning, hearts were thumping and blood was pumping, and not just from RA excitement. The new RA theme song, “NEA Standing Strong,” inspired and energized delegates with a message that, after a very tough year, was literally music to their ears.
“Standing strong, standing proud, standing tall…Standing up for what is right and true, NEA is standing up for me and you!”
Chris Bodden, whose company has been running the RA from behind the scenes for years, was also behind the music and lyrics of NEA Standing Strong.
“NEA has been under attack, and the organization has to restore its honor,” Bodden said. “We wanted a song that reminds everyone that there is no organization greater than NEA that looks after public education and all it stands for.”
The song title and lyrics follow the theme of the RA that was chosen by President Dennis Van Roekel: Standing Strong for Our Schools, Our Students, And America.
“We wanted the song to show the great work NEA is doing, how they’re fighting the good fight, and how the members are impacting the lives of so many students in so many ways,” Bodden said.
The Standing Strong chorus from the music video showcased five children from New York City’s Young People’s Chorus – Chloe Bodden (Chris Bodden’s daughter), Christopher Hall, Anesa Folkds, Brian Sussman, and Alphea John – all of whom go to public schools.
“The voices of the children really make the message hit home,” Bodden said. “I’ve worked with the NEA for many years, and have worked on a lot of projects, but this was by far the most meaningful. When I heard those voices singing those inspiring words, the hair on my arms literally stood up.”
The delegates also stood up when they heard the voices. In fact, they jumped to their feet, clapped their hands, and sang along to their new song that captures the pride of every educator who is standing up for what is right and what is true.