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159th Annual MeetingJune 30–JULY 3, 2021

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National Education Association159th Annual Meeting100th Representative Assembly (Virtual)

Walter E. Washington Convention Center Washington, DCJune 30 – July 3, 2021

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Contents Highlights

159th Annual Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

NEA Officers, 2020–2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

NEA Rules of Procedure for the 2021 Virtual Representative Assembly . . . . . . .12

Voting for Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Voting on Amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Candidates for NEA Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Annual Meeting Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

NEA Modified Strategic Plan and Budget for 2021–2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Name Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Subject Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

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1

Wednesday, June 30

June 30 – July 3, 2021

100th NEA Representative Assembly

Presiding: Rebecca S. PringlePresident, National Education Association

Walter E. Washington Convention Center Washington, DC

12 pm Noon eastern time—Deadline for amendments to NBIs for debate today

2 pm FIRST BUSINESS MEETING Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Washington, DC

Call to Order Rebecca S. Pringle, President

Land Acknowledgement

National Anthem

Pledge of Allegiance

NEA Mission Statement

Invocation

Preliminary Credentials Committee Report Brenda Robinson, Chairperson

159th Annual Meeting

Wednesday

2

Wednesday

Wednesday, June 30 (continued)

Adoption of the Order of Business

Standards of Conduct

Introduction of Executive Committee and Senior Staff

Introduction of NEA Past Presidents and Executive Directors

Keynote Address Rebecca S. Pringle, President

Presentation of Standing Rules

Candidate-Related Announcements Tom Brenner, Chairperson, Committee on Constitution, Bylaws and Rules

Responses of Candidates

Preliminary Elections Committee Report Charles Smith, Chairperson

4 pm Deadline for Any New Resolutions and Amendments to Resolutions

4 pm Deadline for Submission of Amendments to the NEA Legislative Program, and Policy Statements

Evening SECOND BUSINESS MEETING

Call to Order Rebecca S. Pringle, President

Secretary-Treasurer Report Noel Candelaria, Secretary-Treasurer

Action on New Business (two hours)

BREAK

Thursday–Friday

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Thursday, July 1

Noon ET Deadline for NBI amendments for debate today

2 pm THIRD BUSINESS MEETING

Call to Order Rebecca S. Pringle, President

2021 ESP of the Year

Action on New Business (60 minutes)

2021 Higher Educator of the Year

BREAK

Evening FOURTH BUSINESS MEETING

Call to Order Rebecca S. Pringle, President

NEA Executive Director Kim A. Anderson

Action on New Business (60 minutes)

Presentation and Discussion on Proposed Amendments Tom Brenner, Chairperson, Committee on Constitution, Bylaws and Rules

BREAK

Friday, July 2

Noon ET Deadline for Legislative, Policy Statement, and NBI amendments for debate today

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Friday–Saturday

Saturday, July 3

Noon ET Deadline for Resolutions and NBI amendments for debate today

2 pm SEVENTH BUSINESS MEETING

Call to Order Rebecca S. Pringle, President

Action on New Business (60 minutes)

Presentation of Modified 2021–2022 Strategic Plan and Budget

Friday, July 2 (continued)

2 pm FIFTH BUSINESS MEETING Call to Order Rebecca S. Pringle, President

2021 Teacher of the Year

Action on NEA Legislative Program Shannon McCann, Chairperson

Friend of Education

Action on New Business (60 minutes)

BREAK

Evening SIXTH BUSINESS MEETING Call to Order Rebecca S. Pringle, President

Action on New Business (60 minutes)

Action on Proposed Amendments to Policy Statements

BREAK

5

Saturday

Dallas, Texas has been named the host city for the

2022 Annual Meeting July 2–6

Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center

Saturday, July 3 (continued)

Final Credentials Committee Report Brenda Robinson, Chairperson

Presentation of Proposed Amendments to NEA Constitution for Vote in 2022 and Candidates for Office in 2022 Tom Brenner, Chairperson Chairperson, Committee on Constitution, Bylaws and Rules

Report on Results of Action on Amendments to NEA Constitution and Bylaws Charles Smith, Chairperson, Elections Committee

Acknowledgement of Outgoing Officials

BREAK

Evening EIGHTH BUSINESS MEETING

Call to Order Rebecca S. Pringle, President

Presentation of Resolutions Committee Report and Action on Resolutions Amendments Rachel Stafford, Chairperson

Action on New Business (60 minutes)

at or before ADJOURNMENT8:15 pm

6

NEA Officers, 2020–2021 Executive Committee Rebecca S. Pringle, president Princess R. Moss, vice president Noel Candelaria, secretary-treasurer Eric R. Brown, Illinois Mark Jewell, North Carolina Shelly Moore Krajacic, Wisconsin Robert V. Rodriguez, California Christine Sampson-Clark, New Jersey Hanna Vaandering, Oregon

Board of DirectorsAlabama Barbara Cady, Huntsville Nashasta Craig-Pollard, Mobile Mary Beth Tate, Fort Payne

Alaska Tammy A. Smith, Fairbanks

Arizona Amber Gould, Glendale

Arkansas Brenda Robinson, Little Rock

California Maritza Avila, Port Hueneme Robert Becker, Huntington Beach Nichole DeVore, Sacramento Chris Finley, Sr., Fresno Mel House, Pasadena Taunya Jaco, San Jose Tara Jeane, Sacramento Robbie Kreitz, Pleasanton Ruth Luevand, San Dimas Elaine Merriweather, Richmond Shane Parmely, Bonita Karen Ridley, Laguna Hills Karen Schuett, Bakersfield Kenneth Tang, Temple City Julius Thomas, Riverside Vacant

NEA Officers

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Colorado Kevin LaDuke, Grand Junction Amanda Prichard, Littleton

Connecticut Tara Flaherty, Middlebury Katy Gale, Stanford

Delaware Kimberly Carlson, Dover

Federal Anita Lang, APO, AE

Florida Lawrence Allen, Kissimmee Nelly Henjes, Clearwater Brian Kerekes, Orlando Gilda Morgan-Williams, West Palm Beach

Georgia Deborah Jones, Ellenwood Daniel Sobczak, Snellville

Hawaii Aaron Kubo, Keaau

Idaho Margaret Hoy, Twin Falls

Illinois Amy Biancheri, Batavia Bill Farmer, Chicago Rebecca Gamboa, Naperville Karl Goeke, Bloomington Gina Harris, Oak Park Gladys Marquez, Frankfort David Watts, Wood River

Indiana Julie Hyndman, Fort Wayne Hilda Kendrick-Appiah, Jeffersonville

Iowa Mike Beranek, Des Moines Rachella Dravis, Denmark

Kansas Amy Jensen, Wichita Angela Powers, Olathe

Kentucky Robin Brown, Murray Jo McKim, Louisville

Louisiana Elizabeth Sullivan, Shreveport

Maine Rebecca Cole, Windham

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Maryland Theresa Dudley, Hyattsville Russell Leone, Baltimore Tanya Martin, Pikesville Erika Strauss-Chavarria, Columbia

Massachusetts Ryan Hoyt, Waltham Zena Link, Northborough Deborah T. McCarthy, Hull Betsy Preval, Medford Candace Shivers, Webster Yan Yii, Stoneham

Michigan Reed Bretz, Grand Rapids Marcia Mackey, Rosebush Robyn O’Keefe, Birmingham Anthony Pennock, Battle Creek Alfonso Salais, Jr., Lansing

Minnesota Heather L. Bakke, Winthrop Marty Fridgen, Lake Elmo Marty Scofield, Blaine

Mississippi Christopher Stevens, Tupelo

Missouri Paul Guess, Gladstone Andy Slaughter, Saint Charles

Montana Glen Southergill, Butte

Nebraska Linda Freye, Lincoln Tracy Hartman-Bradley, La Vista

Nevada Rachel Croft, Carson City

New Hampshire Terry Burlingame, Gilmanton Iron Works

New Jersey Brenda Brathwaite, Absecon James Frazier, Vauxhall Anita Kober, Little Ferry Robert La Morte, Hasbrouck Heights Susan McBride, Paterson Peter Moran, Easton Deanna Nicosia-Jones, Clayton Marilyn Weeks, Princeton Kimberly Scott-Hayden, Union

NEA Officers

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New Mexico Denise Sheehan, Dona Ana

New York Serena Kotch, Cheektowaga Tom McMahon, Mahopac

North Carolina Turquoise LeJeune Parker, Durham

North Dakota Brenda Seehafer, Rolla

Ohio Adrienne Bowden, Pickerington Phyllis Carter-Bell, Liberty Township Dan Greenberg, Sylvania Dwayne Marshall, Blacklick Kim Richards, Novelty Angela Stewart, Columbus

Oklahoma Shawna Mott-Wright, Tulsa

Oregon Enrique Farrera, Portland John Scanlan, Pendleton Jennifer Scurlock, Eugene

Pennsylvania Nancy Behe, Carrolltown Dawn Blaus, Mercer Rudolph Burruss, State College Melissa Constantino-Poruben, Sewickly Kevin T. Deely, East Texas Cheryl S. Mattern, York Mollie Mumau, Erie Stephanie Towles, Reading

Rhode Island Vin Levcowich, Wood River Junction

South Carolina Bernadette Hampton, Beaufort

South Dakota Dana Livermont, Sioux Falls

Tennessee Tiffany Reed, Memphis Randall Woodard, White House

Texas Aaron Phillips, Amarillo David Ring, Lubbock

Utah Michael Harman, Salt Lake City Mindy Layton, Bountiful

Vermont Mary Bowers, Barre

NEA Officers

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Virginia Christina Bohringer, Alexandria Charlotte Hayer, Petersburg

Washington Jeb Binns, Burien Stephanie Gallardo, Burien Shannon McCann, Federal Way Martha Patterson, Silverdale Sobia Sheikh, Lynnwood

West Virginia Kimberly Bonnett, Cox MillsWisconsin Scott Ellingson, Hudson Nick Sirek, Eau Claire

Wyoming Dirk Andrews, Casper

Aspiring CarVaughn Page, Loganville, GAEducators Alexandria Toay, Carol Stream, IL Roman Trejo, Blue Island, IL

Retired Anita Gibson, Rainsville, AL Julie Horwin, Scottsdale, AZ Judy Rohde, Shoreview, MN Barb Schram, Lansing, MI Mae Smith, Aurora, IL Marilyn S. Warner, Clearwater, FL

At-Large Andrea Beeman, Maple Heights, OH Kenneth Dukes, Montevallo, AL Gwendolyn Edwards, Dumfries, VA Stephanie Ervin, Spokane, WA Michael Glabere, Milwaukee, WI Cynthia Henderson, Shreveport, LA Carmen Hill, St. Louis, MO Lisa Jennings, Sioux Falls, SD Pamella Johnson, Olympia, WA Kathy Meltsakos, Groveland, MA Ellen Olsen, St. Paul, MN Margaret Powell, Cary, NC Matthew Powell, Mayfield, KY Loretta A. Ragsdell, Oak Park, IL Saul Ramos, Worcester, MA Ashanti Rankin, Bridgeton, NJ Mary Ann Rivera, North Riverside, IL HaSheen Wilson, Boardman, OH

NEA Officers

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Ethnic-Minority Cecily Myart-Cruz, Inglewood, CA Representatives Lindsay Peifer, St. Paul, MN Tucker Quetone, Rochester, MN Christine Trujillo, Henderson, CO

Honorary John Lucas, Durham, NC

12

NEA Rules of Procedure for the 2021 Virtual Representative AssemblyThe NEA Board of Directors has acted to convene the 2021 NEA Representative Assembly in a virtual format given the ongoing health risks posed by the global coronavirus-19 pandemic. Delegates to the 2021 Representative Assembly will take action on business during the virtual meeting, including amendments to the Legislative Program, Resolutions, and Policy Statements; the Modified Strategic Plan and Budget; and new business items. Voting on amendments to the NEA Constitution and Bylaws will take place via a secure online platform during the Representative Assembly, and election of members to the NEA Executive Committee and At-Large Board of Directors seats will take place via mail ballot following the virtual Representative Assembly.

The NEA Board has approved the following proposed Rules of Procedure to govern the conduct of the 2021 virtual Representative Assembly. These Rules allow for the full participation of delegates in debate and votes on business in the most efficient manner given the necessary limitations in terms of time and technology of conducting a meeting of the size and complexity of the NEA Representative Assembly virtually.

1. DelegatesStanding Rule 1 shall remain in effect with the following exceptions:

• Complaints or questions regarding the issuance of credentials shall be submitted in writing to the committee no later than June 1 by email to Keira McNett (kmcnett@nea.org).

• Objections to the seating of a delegate(s) may be challenged by motion to amend the preliminary report of the Credentials Committee conveyed via email to Keira McNett (kmcnett@nea.org). The Credentials

Standing Rules

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Committee shall review any such challenge and any complaint regarding the issuance of credentials submitted by the June 1 deadline, and make a recommendation as o its disposition to the NEA Board of Directors, which shall have final authority over the matter.

• Registration of delegates, successor delegates, nondelegate members and guests shall begin June 1, 2021 and shall be completed by June 28, 2021 prior to the issuance of the Credentials Committee preliminary report.

• No one shall be permitted to participate in the virtual RA other than registered delegates. Nondelegate members and guests may only observe the virtual Representative Assembly. The NEA Parliamentarian, General Counsel, and other such staff and speakers as requested by the presiding officer shall be permitted to address the Assembly as appropriate.

2. Committee on Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules

Standing Rule 2 will remain in effect in its entirety.

3. Order of Business and DebateThe following sections of Standing Rule 3 will remain in effect:1

A. Adoption of the Order of BusinessB. Documents Governing Representative AssemblyC. Advisors to Presiding OfficerE. Display of BusinessH. Closing DebateN. Suspension of a Standing RuleP. Contact E-Mail Address

Due to the limitations of a virtual Representative Assembly, the following procedures will also govern:• New business items shall be scheduled for at least two

hours per day at the time specified in advance by the chair. Debate on resolutions, legislative amendments, policy statement amendments, and amendments to the

1The following subsections of Standing Rule 3 shall not be in effect for the 2021 Virtual Representative Assembly: D.

Standing Rules

14

NEA Constitution and Bylaws shall be scheduled for no more than one hour each. Extension of these time periods shall be permitted only with the approval of two-thirds of delegates present and voting.

• Items that have not been heard by the adjournment of the Representative Assembly as set by the presiding officer shall fall to the ground, have no effect, and not carry over to any future Assembly.

• No delegate, other than the maker, shall speak more than once on the same item, nor longer than two (2) minutes.

• Any motion to refer one or more NBI’s must include a written indication as to the position of the maker of each NBI on the referral. That information shall be shared with the delegates in advance of the debate on the referral.

• All motions requiring a second are deemed to be seconded.

4. ReportsStanding Rule 4 will remain in effect in its entirety.

5. Amendments to the NEA Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules

Standing Rule 5 will remain in effect in its entirety with respect to proposed amendments to the NEA Constitution and Bylaws for consideration at the 2022 Representative Assembly.

6. New Business ItemsThe following sections of Standing Rule 6 will remain in effect:2

B. FormatD. Duplicate New Business Items

Scheduling of New Business Items; F. Delegate Recognition and Speaking Time; G. Yielding Speaking Time; I. Roll Call Vote; J. Length of Remarks; K. Motions Submitted in Writing; L. Object to Consideration; M. Motion to Refer; O. Breaks.2The following subsections of Standing Rule 6 shall not be in effect for the 2021 Virtual Representative Assembly: A. Submission; C. Distribution

Standing Rules

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E. Relating to Federal LegislationF. Submitted by the NEA Board of DirectorsG. Boycotts and SanctionsH. Cost EstimatesI. DurationJ. EditingK. ImplementationM. Impacting the Representative Assembly

In addition, the following Rules shall be in effect:• New business items shall be specific in nature and

terminal in application, shall concern issues beyond one state affiliate, and shall not call for NEA to do work that is already in progress. New business items that do not meet these criteria shall be ruled out of order and will not be considered.

• The adoption of a new business item shall not include approval of any appropriations.

• All new business items MUST be submitted to the Committee on Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules no later than 4:00pm Eastern time on June 15, 2021, and shall be submitted by:o Petition of Delegates – Petition of at least fifty (50)

delegates;o State Delegation – A majority vote of those present

and voting at a state delegation at a regularly called meeting of the delegation in connection with the Annual Meeting;

o Governance Body – a governance body of the NEA or a state or local affiliate; or

o Committee on Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules – the Committee on Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules

• All new business items submitted by the June 15 deadline will be posted on the delegate website, along with rationale, maker contact information, and cost as soon as available.

• Final new business items that have been revised by the maker must be submitted in writing to the Committee on Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules no later than 4:00pm Eastern time on June 25, 2021. No final new

Standing Rules

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business item may be submitted or considered that has not been submitted in preliminary form by June 15, 2021.

• Delegates may submit amendments to published new business no later than noon eastern time on the day on which the new business item is to be considered.

7. Resolutions Committee and ProcedureStanding Rule 7 shall remain in effect with the following modifications:• Elections Procedure – Elections shall be by secret

ballot. Voting shall be by those delegates present and shall take place in a business meeting of the state delegations and by the retired and aspiring educator delegates at a time and place designated by the Chair of the delegation.

• The report of the election results shall be submitted to clewis@nea.org before the close of the 2021 Representative Assembly.

• Any new resolutions and amendments to resolutions shall be submitted to the Committee on Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules by 4:00pm Eastern time on June 30, 2021.

• All new resolutions and amendments to resolutions submitted by the June 30 deadline will be posted on the delegate website, along with rationale and maker contact information.

• Delegates may submit amendments to published new resolutions and amendments to resolutions no later than noon eastern time on the day on which the report of the Resolutions Committee is to be considered.

8. Amendments to the Legislative ProgramStanding Rule 8 shall remain in effect with the following modifications:• Legislative amendments shall be submitted

preliminarily to the Committee on Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules no later than 4:00pm Eastern time on June 30, 2021, and shall be submitted by:

Standing Rules

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o Petition of Delegates – Petition of at least fifty (50) delegates;

o State Delegation – A majority vote of those present and voting at a state delegation at a regularly called meeting of the delegation in connection with the Annual Meeting; or

o Governance Body – a governance body of the NEA or a state or local affiliate;

• All legislative amendments submitted by the June 30 deadline will be posted on the delegate website, along with rationale and maker contact information.

• Delegates may submit amendments to published legislative amendments no later than noon eastern time on the day on which the Legislative Program is to be considered.

9. Policy StatementsStanding Rule 9 will remain in effect with the following modifications:• Amendments to existing Policy Statements shall

be submitted preliminarily to the Committee on Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules no later than 4:00pm Eastern time on June 30, 2021, and shall be submitted by:o Petition of Delegates – Petition of at least fifty (50)

delegates;o State Delegation – A majority vote of those present

and voting at a state delegation at a regularly called meeting of the delegation in connection with the Annual Meeting;

o Governance Body – a governance body of the NEA or a state or local affiliate; or

o Committee on Legislation or Committee on Resolutions

• All amendments to existing Policy Statements submitted by the June 30 deadline will be posted on the delegate website, along with rationale and maker contact information.

Standing Rules

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• Delegates may submit amendments to published policy statement amendments no later than noon Eastern time on the day on which the item is to be considered.

10. Elections for State, Retired, and Aspiring Educator Directors

Standing Rule 10 will remain in effect in its entirety.

11. Elections Continued by Representative Assembly DelegatesThe following section of Standing Rule 11 will remain in effect:3

A. Elections CommitteeB. Procedures:

1. Filing2. Advance Publicity4. Campaign Expenses5. Notification of NEA At-Large Director Positions8. Tenure

In addition, the following Rules shall be in effect:• Candidates for At-Large Board seats shall file no later

than 4:00pm Eastern time on June 15, 2021. All filing forms shall be submitted to clewis@nea.org.

• Nominators for candidates for Executive Committee and At-Large Board seats shall submit the official nomination form to clewis@nea.org no later than 4:00p Eastern time on June 15, 2021.

• Nominated candidates shall provide videotaped speeches, which shall be presented to the virtual Representative Assembly on the date set by the NEA President and for the time periods set forth below.o Candidates for NEA Executive Committee –

3 minutes eacho At-Large candidates for the NEA Board of

Directors – 2 minutes each3The following subsections of Standing Rule 11 shall not be in effect for the 2021 Virtual Representative Assembly; 7A, B, C, I, K. L, M. Voting Procedures

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• No campaign materials shall be displayed where they are visible on screens during the virtual Representative Assembly, provided that this prohibition shall not apply to the wearing of T-shirts, hats, pins, buttons, and the like.

The order in which candidate speeches shall be presented to the Assembly shall be determined by a lottery conducted virtually on June 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time. Candidates shall be provided with the log-in information for the lottery by noon on June 16, 2021

The vote for NEA candidates will take place by secret mail ballot mailed directly to delegates’ home addresses in the process detailed below

Ballots shall be sent out no later than July 2, 2021 to the home address of each delegate as submitted on their delegate registration form. Mail ballots must be returned by July 23, 2021 to be counted in the 2021 Representative Assembly elections.

Candidate names shall be placed on the first mail ballot in the order determined by lottery held on June 16, 2021, supervised by the Elections Committee Chair and the CCBR Chair. Should runoff elections be necessary, the order of candidate names shall similarly be determined by lottery.

The order of the lottery shall be as follows: For placement on the first ballot, the Chair of the Election Committee shall draw on behalf of each candidate in the alphabetical order of each candidate’s state. For placement on a runoff ballot, the candidates shall draw in order of the highest number of votes received on the previous ballot.

Runoff elections shall be held as necessary by subsequent mail ballots until there is an election for each position by a majority vote.

Candidates shall be briefed on the mail ballot procedure and shall be provided with the opportunity to observe the procedure, either in-person or virtually. Candidates shall be provided at least 7 days advance notice of the

Standing Rules

20

time and place for the counting of the ballots and shall be given the opportunity to observe that process virtually or in person as the pandemic situation allows. The Elections Committee shall have the authority to set procedures for ensuring observability, secrecy, and election integrity.

Candidates for Executive Committee and At-Large Board of Directors shall file both the preliminary and final reports called for in Standing Rule 11.B.4(b). Preliminary reports shall be submitted to clewis@nea.org by 4:00pm Eastern time on June 15, 2021 and final reports shall be submitted to the committee within thirty (30) days following certification of the election results.

The committee shall report to the Representative Assembly, prior to nominations, whether any candidate has in any manner violated the election rules and regulations. The final report shall be made available for inspection by any member by means of an appropriate NEA electronic publication.

The Elections Committee shall report the results of the election July 23, 2021 via posting on the RA delegate website.

12. Definitions4

The definitions in Standing Rule 13 shall remain in effect with the following modification:

• “Secret ballot” shall be defined to include electronic voting that preserves the secrecy of the ballot and ensures one delegate one vote.

13. Other Standing Rules SuspendedAll other Standing Rules shall be suspended during the 2021 Virtual Representative Assembly.

4Standing Rule 12, Operating Procedures, shall not be in effect for the 2021 Virtual Representative Assembly

21

Voting for OfficersI. General Information

II. Election of Executive OfficersThis year, the Representative Assembly will elect two members of the Executive Committee for three year terms. The following candidates have filed for the two Executive Committee seats (listed in order of filing).

NEA Executive Committee, two positionsMatthew Powell qGladys Marquez q

Ronald “Duff” Martin qMichael Wesley, Jr. q

Mark Airgood qTania Kappner q

Voting on amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws will take place via a secure online system as described on next page.

Constitutional Amendments (Requiring a 2/3 Majority Vote for Adoption)

YES NONo. 1 q qNo. 2 q q

Bylaw Amendments (Requiring a Majority Vote for Adoption)

YES NONo. 1 q qNo. 2 q q

22

Voting

Voting on amendments

Voting on amendments to the NEA Constitution and Bylaws will take place via a secure online system. Following floor debate on the amendments, each vot-ing delegate will receive an email with a unique link to access the ballot. Delegates will simply click the link, mark the ballot, and submit the ballot electronically. The ballot will remain open until noon eastern time on the next day

23

Candidates for NEA Office

NEA is publishing and distributing the candidate statements for candidates for Executive Committee seats as a service to its members in order to ensure a fully informed electorate. All candidates were provided with an equal opportunity to submit statements to NEA for publication. Each of these statements was prepared by the candidate and solely reflects the views and opinions of the candidate, and not those of NEA or its affiliates. The candidate is solely responsible for his or her statement.

Candidates appear in the order in which they filed for office.

Candidates for Executive Committee (Two Positions)

Matthew Powell

My name is Matthew Powell and I’m a Custodial Supervisor and Transportation Specialist from Mayfield, Kentucky. I’m also the 2019 NEA Education Support Professional of the Year. I’m no stranger to union activism. I’m an elected member of the NEA Board, State Executive Committee, District/State Board of Directors and Local President. I’m also one of Kentucky’s top political activists, working to hold elected officials accountable for providing great public schools.

In 2015 and 2018, the NEA RA elected me to serve as ESP At-Large on the NEA Board. I’m asking for that same confidence by electing me in 2021 to the NEA Executive Committee. To learn more about my leadership at the local, state and national level, visit my website at www.powellfornea.com.

24

Gladys Marquez

Gladys Márquez is an energetic, goal-oriented, educator with 24 years of experience educating ELL students in Illinois. She is a union activist, community advocate, and organizational leader whose experience has helped advance educational policy and amplify our organizational work in the areas of social and racial justice. Her vision for the association centers on the belief that all students deserve access to a great public education. Her goal as a NEA Executive Committee member is to help create new and innovative ways of organizing to advance our collective mission. Gladys often says her “North Star” is organiz-ing to leave the world better for generations to come. Her commitment and track record of activism attests to her dedication to our nation’s students and communities.

Ronald “Duff” Martin

Ron DUFF Martin is seeking your support for election to the NEA Executive Committee. A middle school social studies teacher from Wisconsin, Duff has previously served on the NEA Board of Directors, Co-Chaired the Ethnic Minorities Affairs Committee, and currently serves as the Vice President of the National Council of State Education Associations and President of the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC).

Having extensive leadership experience at all levels of the organization, Duff believes that our greatest strength as an organization comes from our local associations, empowering the next generation of leaders, and our work in racial and social justice – these are things he advocates for in his current roles and will continue to advocate for as member of the NEA Executive Committee.

Michael Wesley, Jr.

Michael Wesley, Jr. is a highly-motivated 2nd grade teacher and educational specialist from the great state of Alabama, A proud member of the Alabama Education Association and a candidate for the NEA Executive Committee! Michael believes in the hope, future, and promise of public education for every student in America.

Candidates

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Candidates

As a Member of the NEA Executive Committee and friend of education, Michael will be fully committed to fighting each day for all students, for all members, and for all divisions of NEA equitably. A competent and proficient educator, lifelong-learner, and advocate for racial and social justice in education, he is truly dedicated to the mission, vision, and core values of our beloved organization. Let’s Vote Wesley, “For A Time Such As This!” #iBelieve MichaelWesleyJr.com

Mark Airgood

I’m a member of the Equal Opportunity Now by Any Means Necessary Caucus (EON/BAMN) and a Special Education teacher in Oakland, California. I’ll fight for the NEA to stop school reopening until there is mandatory Covid-19 testing for every student and access to the Covid-19 vaccine for all ages.

Students are 100% unvaccinated; it is reckless to bring them together now. The UK and other variants infect young people at the same rate as adults and Covid-19 cases are growing exponentially worldwide. The black and Latina/o communities continue to be hardest hit. We can’t risk the nightmare of students taking Covid-19 back to their families. I call on everyone to vote Mark Airgood and fight to pause school reopenings until all are vaccinated.

Tania Kappner

I’m a member of the Equal Opportunity Now by Any Means Necessary Caucus, a teacher, and a civil rights leader. All students need to vaccinated before we reopen schools in the Fall.

Child hospitalizations are up sharply and new variants are spreading like wildfire. There is no reason to think that a Covid-19 spike won’t hit us AGAIN if we reopen schools and the economy! Vaccinating teachers won’t turn everything around on its own, especially when no students are vaccinated. 16 year olds are eligible for the vaccine now and vaccines for 12–15 year-olds by later in the summer. There is no reason to rush back to school sites now. We can prevent another catastrophe if we act now. Vote Tania Kappner.

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Annual Meeting CommitteesConstitution, Bylaws, and RulesTom Brenner, Chair, Farmington Hills, MichiganKathleen Axtell, Shelton, Washington Brian Ferguson, North Salt Lake, UtahElizabeth Nahl, Hillsboro, Oregon Sabrina Tines-Morris, NEA staff liaison Carrie Lewis, NEA staff liaison

The Committee on Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules is seated at the front of the hall during all business meetings of the Representative Assembly. The committee receives and processes proposed amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules; supervises the submission and processing of new business; supervises the timing of speeches and roll call votes; consults with delegates who wish to present amendments to the governing documents or to submit new business items; and issues advisory interpretations upon request of the chair on questions arising from the floor. Prior to the Representative Assembly, the committee holds an open hearing for discussion of proposed amendments and briefs the candidates for office.

Credentials

Brenda Robinson, Little Rock Arkansas, chairperson Iona Holloway, La Place, Louisiana Vanessa Jimenez, Phoenix, Arizona Doug Lea, Columbia, Maryland Laura Warren, Lebanon, Oregon Keira McNett, NEA staff liaison

27

Committees

ElectionsCharles Smith, Kansas City, Missouri, chairperson Therman Evans, NEA staff liaison

The Elections Committee, composed of at least 20 members and a chairperson appointed by the Board of Directors on the basis of recommendations from the state affiliates, is responsible for conducting the annual election of officers and any other items on which votes are taken by printed ballot.

ResolutionsEditing CommittEE

Rachel Stafford, Mesa, Arizona, chairpersonTheresa Dudley, Grand Rapids, Michigan Miles Carey, Washington, DC Ruth Luevand, San Dimas, California James Henderson, Windsor Mill, MarylandSabrina Tines-Morris, NEA staff liaison Paul Birkmeier, NEA staff liaison

Resolutions are formal expressions of opinion, intent, belief, or position of the Association. They shall set forth general concepts in clear, concise language, shall be broad in nature, shall state the positions of the Association positively and without ambiguity, and shall be consistent with the goals of the Association as stated in the Preamble of the Constitution. NEA resolutions— organized in goal areas lettered A through J—are adopted by the Representative Assembly.

The Summary of Winter Committee Meeting Actions is posted on www.nea.org/ra in advance of the Representative Assembly. This summary includes all committee recommendations it has made through its winter meeting on February 25–27.

Delegates wishing to submit a new resolution or an amendment to a resolution may do so by visiting the 2021 Virtual RA Submission Site on www.nea.org/ra. The Resolutions Committee conducts an open hearing for delegates on Wednesday, June 23 to discuss the development of its final report and receive for its consideration any additional proposals submitted by

28

Committees

delegates. The committee will contact delegates regarding any proposed changes received on the 2021 Virtual RA Submission Site prior to the open hearing.

After the hearing the committee convenes on Sunday–Monday, June 27–28 to prepare the Report of the NEA Resolutions Committee which contains all proposed amendments it has approved for consideration at the Representative Assembly. The report is posted on www.nea.org/ra on the morning of Tuesday, June 29. Resolutions contained in the committee’s final report represent all recommendations of the committee.

After the Resolutions Committee has conducted its open hearing and published its report, delegates wishing to submit a new resolution or an amendment to a resolution through the Virtual RA Submission Site must do so no later than 4:00 pm EDT on the first day of the Representative Assembly (Wednesday, June 30). A delegate may propose an amendment to a resolution contained in the committee’s final report, or to any existing resolution contained in the 2020-2021 NEA Resolutions document. A delegate may also propose a new resolution. A new resolution submitted by a delegate from the floor of the Representative Assembly must have a majority of the vote to be placed on the agenda (heard) and a two-thirds (2/3) vote to pass. Submissions are posted on www.nea.org/ra. After 4:00 pm EDT noon on the first day of the Representative Assembly, floor amendments to new resolutions and floor amendments to resolutions amendments posted on www.nea.org/ra shall be in order until 12:00 noon EDT on the day the Report of the NEA Resolutions Committee is considered.

Proposed amendments will be considered beginning with the goal area containing the final resolution debated at the last Representative Assembly during which resolutions were considered. The committee’s report to the 2021 Representative Assembly will begin with Goal Area D and proceed through E, F, G, and so forth.

The definition of an NEA resolution; composition, election, and duties of the Resolutions Committee; and procedures for submitting resolutions are set forth in NEA Standing Rule 7.

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NEA Modified Strategic Plan and Budget for 2021–2022Basis for NEA Program and Budget Development Fiscal Year 2021–2022

Statement of Vision and MissionthE national EduCation assoCiation

We, the members of the National Education Association of the United States, are the voice of education professionals. Our work is fundamental to the nation, and we accept the profound trust placed in us.

our Vision

Our Vision is a great public school for every student.

our mission

Our mission is to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world.

2020-2022 Strategic Framework

GoalTo achieve our mission, and realize our vision of a great public school for every student, we, the NEA, will grow and strengthen our association and promote quality public education by:

• advancing opportunities that will identify, organize, and engage new and early career educators; amplify the voices of all educators; support our members’ professional growth; and promote social justice for our students, our communities, and our nation;

• securing a pro-public education environment for students, educators, and families; and

• building the capacity of the local, state and national union to ensure the success of public education.

Defense

Opp

ortu

nity

Capacity

Growth& Strength

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Strategic Plan and Budget

Strategic Objectives To grow and strengthen our union, we will organize our members around issues that impact teaching and learning and the lives of our students. In partnership with our affili-ates, NEA will:

• Increase Educator Voice, Influence, and Professional Authority: Develop and sustain effective structures, processes, and leaders to increase educator influence in decision-making at worksite, district, state, and national levels.

• Recruit and Engage New and Early Career Educators: Identify, recruit, support, and engage new educators in our association, and connect them with opportunities for professional learning, leadership, and advocacy.

• Advance Racial Justice in Education: Support members in advancing racial justice in education and improving conditions for students, families, and commu-nities through awareness, capacity-building, partnership, and individual and collective action.

• Support Professional Excellence: Support all educators throughout each phase of their career with the profes-sional knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to advocate for and ensure the success of their students and communities.

• Secure the Environment to Advance the Mission of the NEA and its Affiliates: Use all available means, including organizing, legal, legislative, electoral, and collective action, to secure the environment necessary to protect the rights of students and educators, and the future of public education.

• Enhance Organizational Capacity: Develop and leverage the collective organizational capacity across our association that is necessary to advance the mission of the NEA and its affiliates, with particular focus on organizing, technology, affiliate risk mitigation, leadership development, and internal and external partnerships.

Enterprise Operations Ongoing functions across the enterprise that support the Strategic Objectives, build lasting strength, and sustain the organizational infrastructure.

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Name IndexAMark Airgood 21,25Lawrence Allen 7Kim A. Anderson 3Dirk Andrews 10Maritza Avila 6Kathleen Axtell 26

BHeather L. Bakke 8Robert Becker 6Andrea Beeman 10Nancy Behe 9Mike Beranek 7Amy Biancheri 7Jeb Binns 10Paul Birkmeier 27Dawn Blaus 9Christina Bohringer 10Kimberly Bonnett 10Adrienne Bowden 9Mary Bowers 9Brenda Brathwaite 8Tom Brenner 2,3,5,26Reed Bretz 8Eric R. Brown 6Robin Brown 7Terry Burlingame 8Rudolph Burruss 9

CBarbara Cady 6Noel Candelaria 2,6Miles Carey 27Kimberly Carlson 7Phyllis Carter-Bell 9Rebecca Cole 7Melissa Constantino-Poruben 9Nashasta Craig-Pollard 6Rachel Croft 8

DKevin T. Deely 9Nichole DeVore 6Rachella Dravis 7Theresa Dudley 8Theresa Dudley 27Kenneth Dukes 10

EGwendolyn Edwards 10Scott Ellingson 10Stephanie Ervin 10Therman Evans 27

FBill Farmer 7Enrique Farrera 9

Brian Ferguson 26Chris Finley, Sr. 6Tara Flaherty 7James Frazier 8Linda Freye 8Marty Fridgen 8

GKaty Gale 7Stephanie Gallardo 10Rebecca Gamboa 7Anita Gibson 10Michael Glabere 10Karl Goeke 7Amber Gould 6Dan Greenberg 9Paul Guess 8

HBernadette Hampton 9Michael Harman 9Gina Harris 7Tracy Hartman-Bradley 8Charlotte Hayer 10Cynthia Henderson 10James Henderson 27Nelly Henjes 7Carmen Hill 10Iona Holloway 26Julie Horwin 10Mel House 6Margaret Hoy 7Ryan Hoyt 8Julie Hyndman 7

IHaSheen Wilson 10

JTaunya Jaco 6Tara Jeane 6Lisa Jennings 10Amy Jensen 7Mark Jewell 6Vanessa Jimenez 26Pamella Johnson 10Deborah Jones 7

KTania Kappner 21,25Hilda Kendrick-Appiah 7Brian Kerekes 7Anita Kober 8Serena Kotch 9Shelly Moore Krajacic 6Robbie Kreitz 6Aaron Kubo 7

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Name Index

LKevin LaDuke 7Anita Lang 7Mindy Layton 9Doug Lea 26Russell Leone 8Vin Levcowich 9Carrie Lewis 26Zena Link 8Dana Livermont 9John Lucas 11Ruth Luevand 6,27

MMarcia Mackey 8Gladys Marquez 7,21,24Dwayne Marshall 9Ronald “Duff” Martin 21,24Tanya Martin 8Cheryl S. Mattern 9Susan McBride 8Shannon McCann 4,10Deborah T. McCarthy 8Jo McKim 7Tom McMahon 9Keira McNett 12,26Kathy Meltsakos 10Elaine Merriweather 6Peter Moran 8Gilda Morgan-Williams 7Robert La Morte 8Princess R. Moss 6Shawna Mott-Wright 9Mollie Mumau 9Cecily Myart-Cruz 11

NElizabeth Nahl 26Deanna Nicosia-Jones 8

ORobyn O’Keefe 8Ellen Olsen 10

PCarVaughn Page 10Turquoise LeJeune Parker 9Shane Parmely 6Martha Patterson 10Lindsay Peifer 11Anthony Pennock 8Aaron Phillips 9Margaret Powell 10Matthew Powell 10,21,23Angela Powers 7Betsy Preval 8Amanda Prichard 7Rebecca S. Pringle 1,2,3,4,5,6

QTucker Quetone 11

RLoretta A. Ragsdell 10Saul Ramos 10Ashanti Rankin 10Tiffany Reed 9Kim Richards 9Karen Ridley 6David Ring 9Mary Ann Rivera 10Brenda Robinson 1,5,6,26Robert V. Rodriguez 6Judy Rohde 10

SAlfonso Salais 8Christine Sampson-Clark 6John Scanlan 9Barb Schram 10Karen Schuett 6Marty Scofield 8Kimberly Scott-Hayden 8Jennifer Scurlock 9Brenda Seehafer 9Denise Sheehan 9Sobia Sheikh 10Candace Shivers 8Nick Sirek 10Andy Slaughter 8Charles Smith 2,27Mae Smith 10Tammy A. Smith 6Daniel Sobczak 7Glen Southergill 8Rachel Stafford 5,27Christopher Stevens 8Angela Stewart 9Erika Strauss-Chavarria 8Elizabeth Sullivan 7

TKenneth Tang 6Mary Beth Tate 6Julius Thomas 6Sabrina Tines-Morris 26,27Alexandria Toay 10Stephanie Towles 9Roman Trejo 10Christine Trujillo 11

VHanna Vaandering 6

WMarilyn S. Warner 10Laura Warren 26David Watts 7Marilyn Weeks 8 Michael Wesley, Jr. 21,24Randall Woodard 9

YYan Yii 8

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Subject Index

AAdjournment, 5, 14Amendments

to the Constitution and Bylaws, 21, 26, deadline for submission of, 2, voting, 21,22, to resolutions, 16, 28, to the Legislative Program, 12, 16

Annual Meeting Committees, 26-28

B Business Meeting

First, 1, Second, 2, Third, 3, Fourth, 3, Fifth, 4, Sixth, 4, Seventh, 4, Eighth, 5

CCandidates, 18-25

for At-Large Board, 18, for Executive Committee, 18, for Office, 2, 5, 26, for NEA Executive Committee, 18, 23, for NEA Office, 23

Committees annual meeting, 26-28

EElections Committee, 18, 19, 20, 27

Report, 2Executive Committee, 2, 12, 18, 21, 23-25

Introduction of, 2, NEA Officers, 6 Election of Executive Officers, 21, Candidates for, 20, 23-25

NNational Anthem, 1NEA Officers, 2020–2021, 6-11NEA Representative Assembly, 1, 12New business

action on, 2-5, processing of, 26

OOfficers

2020–2021, 6-11, voting for, 21Order of Business, adoption of, 2

PPledge of Allegiance, 1Policy Statements, 2, 12, 17

action on, 4Preliminary Credentials Committee Report, 1Preliminary Elections Committee Report, 2Presentation of

Standing Rules, 2, Modified 2021–2022 Strategic Plan and Budget, 4 Resolutions, 5, Proposed Amendments, 5

RRegistration, 13, 19Resolutions, 2, 27-28

Presentation of, 5, Amendments, 5, Committee and Procedure, 16

34

Subject Index

SStrategic Plan and Budget, 29-30

Presentation of, 5VVoting, 12, 14-20

for Officers, 21, on amendments, 22

Master

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