July 4 NEA RA

NEA Choir Performance

Chris Bridges, NEA delegate and Wake County Executive Board member performs with the NEA choir.

Introduction of North Carolina's International Guests

President Strickland and Vice President and host, Rodney Elis present the Teachers' Association of the Republic of Indonesia President, Sulistiyo and Vice President, Unifah Rosyidi to the NEA delegation. Also present Jenny Wood, Haywood County President, host to the international guests.

Delegate insight in the 2009 NEA RA

NEA delegates, Angela Ray, Haywood County, Anna Austin, Buncombe County and Jenny Wood, Haywood County

Wow, the weather is absolutely fabulous here in San Diego, California! Every part of the day is like a fall morning in the Western North Carolina Mountains. The delegates have enjoyed the opportunity to hear U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, state the urgent need for change in America's educational system. Duncan encouraged support and collaboration from NEA and its members.

Throughout the conference, all of our delegates have demonstrated immense amounts of effort and enthusiasism. First time delegate Angie Rae has displayed huge initiative by bidding and winning the State Contact for Alaska. Coincidentally, the state contact from Alaska is a North Carolina native! Jenny Wood, a delegate from Haywood County, has had the distinct pleasure to serve as a North Carolina host for NEA's international guests, President Sulistiyo and Vice President Unifah Rosyidi of the Teachers' Association of the Republic of Indonesia.

The discussion taking place on the RA floor has allowed us to hear many different viewpoints and concerns that impact public education, not only nationally, but also at the state and local levels. In the next two days, there will be more business to address here at the 2009 NEA RA. We look forward to watching the healthy debates, attending caucus meetings, such as NBCT and O, and taking time to meet and talk with new friends.