Day 3 of the National Education Association 2021 Virtual Representative Assembly

 We got started early again today because we had two important guests, and we had a lot of NBIs to complete. 

First, Becky presented the 2021 Teacher of the Year, Juliana Urtuby, who gave an inspiring speech. Then we heard the NEA Vice President, Princess Moss, address the assembly.

We went straight to Legislative Amendments, which were pretty straightforward.

One particularly motivating presentation was from the 2021 NEA Friend of Education, Judy Heumann, who was the first educator to push for New York City to allow educators in wheelchairs. 

Judy Heumann and Becky Pringle

Ms. Heumann has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of differently-abled educators, and she made a difference in the first thirty seconds of her interview with Becky Pringle because she started by describing how she looked on the screen so that those who were vision-impaired would know what everyone else was looking at. Becky said, "You have already taught me something, and I thank you," and she then also described herself on screen. As I listened to Ms. Heumann, I thought about Rich Clevidence, a Special Education teacher at Medina High School who was paraplegic. Rich was a very successful and influential teacher; his students loved him and would do anything for him. I think that Ms. Heumann's work made it possible for us to appreciate him as a teacher in a big, suburban school building.

After some work on NBIs, we had a short break to prepare for our guests. . .President Joe Biden and FLOTUS Dr. Jill Biden (who is a member of NEA)! 

Dr. Jill Biden

Dr. Biden congratulated educators on our work during the pandemic. It is interesting to note that she shared the same stories of frustration with tech, trying to bond with students, and isolation that many of us experienced because she didn't stop working during the pandemic or when her husband became POTUS.

President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden

Joe Biden talked about the importance of the American Relief Act, saying that his focus was to build up our society "from the middle out." He thanked us for teaching, and he said that Americans should now realize how important teachers are. He finished by saying that "[i]t's not enough to get back to normal. We need to build back better than ever," and that is why during his administration, the government will invest in counselors, social workers, nurses, and wraparound services in public schools.

It was a bit difficult to focus on NBIs after that, but we did until 8:20.  Another loooonnnnggg day with the anticipation of a longer stretch the next day.

Up Next: The Last Day, NBIs, Bundling, Memes

Day 2 National Association Virtual Representative Assembly

 Today we got down to business a bit earlier than the previous day because we were excited about a guest speaker. . .

We voted on 5 Policy Amendments and 6 New Business Items. When I look at these numbers, I feel like we didn't cover as many NBIs as we should have covered; however, there was some robust debate in the platform, and I think debate and questions are important. 

We congratulated the NEA Higher Educator of the Year, Julius B. Thomas, who is a guidance counselor at a community college. He spoke about the necessity of advocating for students who need community colleges.

Then we got to see our highly anticipated guest speaker: Stacy Abrams!

NEA President Becky Pringle with Stacy Abrams

I must admit that I fan-girled HARD during this interview. Stacy Abrams spoke with great intelligence and passion about our ability to stand together to fight for voting rights. She is a person who gets it done, and I admire her dedication and ability. 

We then heard a rousing speech from NEA Executive Director Kim A. Anderson, the first woman and person of color to serve in this capacity. She reminded us of our focus to fight racism and discrimination in our schools.

NEA Executive Director Kim A. Anderson

The RA went until after 8:30, and I have to say that I was really exhausted.  I think that waiting- for questions, for debate, for amendments, for voting, for speakers--is the hardest part of any RA. It seems easier to wait when you are in a huge convention hall with 9,999 of your best peeps. In my living room, while juggling laundry and prepping dinner, it definitely isn't as fun.  I look forward to attending our next RA in person.

NEXT: DAY 3 with 2 VERY IMPORTANT GUESTS

Day 1 National Education Association 2021 Virtual Representative Assembly

 

Wednesday, June 30, 2021, was the date of the first day of the NEA Representative Assembly. At 2:00 pm President Becky Pringle banged the gavel to begin the 159th meeting of the largest democratic, deliberative body in the world.

We opened with a performance from our Amanda Gorman, National Youth Poet Laureate. Her poetry was beautiful and dynamic, and I didn't take any notes or pictures because I was enthralled with her words and the way they floated from her mouth. It was a real fan moment for all of us. While we couldn't see her in person at a convention center, I really think I was better able to appreciate her performance by seeing her close up on the screen. She is amazing, 'nuff said.

Amanda Gorman at the Inauguration of President Joseph Biden

The Land Acknowledgement was performed by James Jones, known as Notorious Cree. He performed an incredible hoop dance to honor America's First People.

Notorious Cree

We had the National Anthem and the invocation, and then we were ready to roll.  Well, sort of ready to roll. This virtual platform was new to many of our delegates, who are often, ummm. . .technically challenged (see my previous post). The various choices on the page took some getting used to, and it took some practice for us to adopt the Standing Rules. Actually, it took a lot of practice and some tough love from Becky Pringle. My favorite line from her may be, "Delegates, I need you to HEAR me." This usually followed with some stern instructions about NOT touching buttons and screwing up the online queue. 

Next we heard the President's address to the Assembly. Becky Pringle is a charismatic speaker, both in a large group setting and one on  one. I met her a few years ago at the Representative Assembly in Houston, and she just EMANATES power. 

OEA President Scott DiMauro, Stephani, and NEA President Becky Pringle

Her speech emphasized the courage and creativity of educators during the pandemic, and it fired us up. Some snippets that resonated with me:

"We lead with love and teach from a place of conviction."

"We will make sure our kids have what they need and what they deserve."

After the speech, we were revved up to debate and vote on New Business Items. Once the delegates got used to the new platform, we worked pretty efficiently through 5 New Business Items. 

One takeaway from this virtual assembly: I really like the online voting. Normally at an assembly, we vote by voice, all ten thousand of us, and sometimes there is a call for division. Then we have to stand up and be counted. While it is very exciting, it is probably not the most efficient way to get things done. The online voting platform allows us to see the percentages for and against, and that eliminates calls of division. I hope that we find a way to continue this type of voting even while meeting face to face.

Gavel down came a bit late: 8:20 PM.  By then I was ready for dinner and bed. 

After all, we still had two more days of the Representative Assembly to go!

Ohio Education Association Caucus Days 2 and 3

On Tuesday, June 29, and Wednesday, June 30, the Ohio Education Association met for their second and third caucus days before the 2021 National Education Association Virtual Assembly. What happened to the first day, you ask? We did have it earlier in June, but it was more focused on procedures for using online apps to debate and vote, so I will focus on the more important meetings before the Representative Assembly.

Usually the Ohio Caucus starts at 7:30 AM each day before the Assembly. This is where we look at New Business Items and vote on whether the Caucus supports or opposes each item.  I was curious how we were going to be able to debate NBIs among over 200 delegates. Ironically, most teachers will acknowledge that we don't listen to instructions very well, and many of us still struggle with tech, even after the hellatious online year we have had. 

Actual image of a teacher struggling with tech

We conducted our caucus through Zoom, and it went surprisingly well. Sure, there were people who kept unmuting themselves and gazing blankly at the screen. Sure, there were people who had trouble unmuting themselves.  All in all, though, it really worked out as well as it could have without meeting face to face.

We managed to debate and vote on the Ohio Caucus positions for at least 40 NBIs dealing with NEA's positions on school funding, students' rights and safety, educators' rights and safety, and even the use of technology in instruction.  It wasn't fun, but it was functional.

Thank you to the OEA Leadership: President Scott DiMauro, Vice President Jeff Wensing, and Secretary-Treasurer Mark Hill. Their guidance, as well as the work of their staff, created a smooth and productive meeting.  

OEA President Scott DiMauro

OEA Vice President Jeff Wensing

OEA Secretary-Treasurer Mark Hill

Up Next: 2021 National Education Association Virtual Representative Assembly Day 1