Slide 2 Since 1857 NEA has led the crusade for the rights of all
educators and children Our Proud History Slide 3 NEA believes every
student in America, regardless of family income or place of
residence, deserves a quality education. Slide 4 Dedicated
Association members teach, drive, feed, counsel, nurseand inspire.
Slide 5 It has been a battle all along the way, so lets look at
some of the struggles that got us from there to here TODAY Slide 6
Ironically, even though the NEA had been open to minority educators
from day one, women were barred from joining. Slide 7 This changed
at the end of the Civil War and the Association was open to all
persons, not just gentlemen. Slide 8 VEAs first meeting was at the
First Baptist Church in Petersburg, VAs 2 nd largest city.
Attendees traveled by rail, horse and buggy and on foot through
Civil War torn VA. Slide 9 Founding president: Col. Lee Powell of
Winchester was called into active duty for the Confederacy so the
first term was completed by Rev. Dr. John Atkinson, President of
Hampden Sydney College Slide 10 VAs all-black teacher organization
formed in Lynchburg at the Peabody Institute, a training school for
African American teachers. Slide 11 1887: Founding President of the
Virginia Reading Circle, (later known as VTA) James Hugo Johnston,
President of Virginia State University Slide 12 Rosa Dixon Bowser
Elementary teacher in Richmonds public schools for 39 years; first
African American female to teach in Richmond public schools. VTAs 2
nd president was a female Slide 13 A plaque in the VEA conference
room lists all presidents of both VEA and VTA dating back to 1863
Slide 14 NEAs first legislative victory: establishing the
Department of Education. 1867 Slide 15 A native of Franklin County,
VA, Booker T. Washington, founder of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama,
addresses the 1884 NEA convention. Slide 16 At the turn of the
century, teachers were still struggling with perennial issues:
Salaries remained under $50 a month Women were still paid less than
men the Average Class Size was 60 Slide 17 The 1905 National
Convention was dedicated to ending child labor. A sweatshop in
neighboring NC. Slide 18 1909 VEA worked with the Virginia General
Assembly to create the pension plan that is now called VRSthe first
of its kind in the country. Slide 19 1910 Ella Flagg Young NEAs
first female president, a full decade before women gained the right
to vote.. Dr. Young was Americas first female superintendent Slide
20 1929 The U.S. stock market crashed forcing some schools to
close. In those that remained open, the teachers copied textbooks
by longhand. NEA gave our schools voice. Slide 21 World War II: NEA
coordinated the rationing of staples and promoted the sale of
Defense Savings Stamps. They also lobbied for special funding for
public schools near military bases. Slide 22 NEA lobbied strongly
for the G.I. Bill of Rights to help returning soldiers continue
their education. Slide 23 Walking tall. The nation watched as
six-year-old Ruby Bridges integrated a Louisiana school under the
protection of U.S. Marshals. Slide 24 VEA AND VTA MERGED JANUARY 1,
1967. Slide 25 Until 1971 in Virginia, a pregnant teacher had to
resign before she began to show. VEA/NEA won the fight to overrule
mandatory leave for expectant teachers in Chesterfield, VA. Slide
26 1973 VEA wins fair grievance procedure for teachers and in 2009
for ESPs Slide 27 Mary Hatwood Futrell born in Altavista and taught
in Alexandria 1960-1976, served as VEA President from 1976-78 NEA
President from 1983-89. Slide 28 Dr. Futrell was influential in the
formation of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Slide 29 2001 VEAs Brighter Futures Campaign Brought $1.5 Billion
to VA Schools Slide 30 2009 VEA wins planning time for elementary
teachers after 36 years Slide 31 Our Vision A great public school
for every child in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Slide 32 Our
Mission The mission of the Virginia Education Association is to
unite our members and local communities across the Commonwealth in
fulfilling the promise of a high quality public education that
successfully prepares every single student to realize his or her
full potential. We believe this can be accomplished by advocating
for students, education professionals, and support professionals.
New member w/ building rep in Chesterfield County Slide 33 Equal
Opportunity. Slide 34 A Just Society. Slide 35 Democracy Slide 36
Professionalism Slide 37 Partnership Slide 38 Collective Action
Repair the Damage Rally in Richmond, 2011 Slide 39 Your Association
work can help. What have you done today to make you feel proud?
