President's Viewpoint

NEA President Dennis Van Roekel actively promotes the Association's message in the media.

IN PRINT

We Can Make It Happen
In just a few weeks, the nation will elect a new President and a new Congress. Our most important and immediate task from now until November 4 is to organize, energize, and mobilize our members to get involved in this election. Having your say in the classroom begins with having your say at the ballot box. (September 2008)

Why Politics Matters
NEA President Dennis Van Roekel says one of his priorities is to encourage all Association members -- especially new educators -- to get involved and stay involved in the political process. "Casting a ballot is a critical exercise of democratic participation. But voting is the easy part. It should not be the beginning and end of an individual's political activism." (September 2008)

ON VIDEO

Dennis Van Roekel Claims 'New Era Arising for Education' (12:24 min)
"I can’t think of a better time to unite our members and our nation than in the fall of 2008. This is a time when we need to come together and decide what we want for America," said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel during his July 6, 2008 acceptance speech at NEA's annual convention.  "Nothing good in this country has ever come except through collective action," he told delegates in Washington, D.C.

It was always the good will of the people who want to make things happen, and that is what we do."

Educators Must Hold Elected Officials Accountable (1:06 min)
NEA President Dennis Van Roekel answered the rhetorical question "Why Us?" at the June 2008 annual convention of NEA-Retired members. He reminded the Washington, D.C. crowd that NEA's unmatched membership and unity made them the most likely ones hold chosen leaders responsible for their actions and stand up for policies that improved public education.

Dennis Van Roekel Urges Social Security Fairness from Congress (3:08 min)
NEA President Dennis Van Roekel at a Washington, D.C. press briefing in November 2007 urged Congress to pass the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82/S. 206) and repeal provisions that penalize some public employees by cutting or taking away completely benefits they or their spouse earned.

Van Roekel called the repeals "an issue of fairness, justice and respect. Do we respect our children enough to want to provide the very best educators for them? Or do we want to keep discouraging dedicated and committed individuals from considering education professions?”