Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We are seven years into the new millennium and at no time in history has public education been so much in the public spotlight as it is in 2007. I believe that is because our society understands, as Thomas Jefferson said, "A nation that expects to be ignorant and free, expects what never can or ever will be." Our forefathers understood that access to public education was the great equalizer for our country, that only those educated successfully could be productive and vital citizens, stewards of the future of our nation. The battle for the soul of this nation is not in our churches, but in our public schools, where young minds learn to read and write, think critically, complete complex mathematical operations, explore our history and develop civic values, communicate and get along with others.
The NEA plays a vital role in advancing this cause, and all of you, as members of this noble profession, understand that "A Great Public School for every Student" is something more than a catch phrase on a piece of paper. It means examining our actions and being true to our values, no matter what the obstacles. That takes courage. That means being a leader in our schools and our communities. It means relentless and tireless advocacy on behalf of our students and public education.
The NEA is 150 years old this year. Founded in a call to action that remains a timeless testament to the role of our organization as an integral part in this woven tapestry of Democracy, the words call out a century and a half later to each one of us; teachers, support professionals, higher education and those retired.
"We cordially extend this invitation to all practical educators (sic), who are willing to unite in a general effort to promote the general welfare of our country by concentrating the wisdom and power of numerous minds, and distributing among all the accumulated experiences of all; who are ready to devote their energies and their means to advance the dignity, respectability and usefulness of their calling, and who, in fine, believe the time has come when the educators of this nation should gather into one great educational brotherhood."
I can think of no greater honor than to serve as President of the NEA and to work with all of you in achieving this noble vision. I look forward to the challenge and I am dedicated to working with each and every one of you as together we make it a reality.
Sincerely,
Dennis
The NEA plays a vital role in advancing this cause, and all of you, as members of this noble profession, understand that "A Great Public School for every Student" is something more than a catch phrase on a piece of paper. It means examining our actions and being true to our values, no matter what the obstacles. That takes courage. That means being a leader in our schools and our communities. It means relentless and tireless advocacy on behalf of our students and public education.
The NEA is 150 years old this year. Founded in a call to action that remains a timeless testament to the role of our organization as an integral part in this woven tapestry of Democracy, the words call out a century and a half later to each one of us; teachers, support professionals, higher education and those retired.
"We cordially extend this invitation to all practical educators (sic), who are willing to unite in a general effort to promote the general welfare of our country by concentrating the wisdom and power of numerous minds, and distributing among all the accumulated experiences of all; who are ready to devote their energies and their means to advance the dignity, respectability and usefulness of their calling, and who, in fine, believe the time has come when the educators of this nation should gather into one great educational brotherhood."
I can think of no greater honor than to serve as President of the NEA and to work with all of you in achieving this noble vision. I look forward to the challenge and I am dedicated to working with each and every one of you as together we make it a reality.
Sincerely,
Dennis
A popular and successful teacher, Dennis always works to make sure students are engaged and makes sure he listens to them as well. He brings that same style to his leadership in the NEA.