NEA President Dennis Van Roekel had high praise for the IEA Thursday for the organization
’s efforts to secure federal Race to the Top funds for Illinois schools.
Speaking before the delegates to the IEA Representative Assembly, Van Roekel said IEA’s significant role in shaping the state’s initiative to secure the federal funds would yield significant positive results for IEA members.
“IEA … not only got to the table but influenced the outcome and is going to make a difference for every single member of this organization in the year ahead. That’s power. That’s the ability to use collective action for good.”
Van Roekel added that the NEA is continuing to “fight the good fight” in its significant lobbying efforts:
- To change the federal “No Child Left Behind” legislation to reduce its reliance on single high stakes testing.
- To use collaboration and involvement of educators to help struggling schools.
- To protect the rights of educators and school employees in school reform efforts.
Click for Van Roekel’s speech
Click for Blueprint for Race to the Top