Imagine yourself in a room filled with over 7,000 educators grooving to the sounds of Black Eyed Peas "Let's get it started." Yeah, that's right! The 2005 National Education Association Representative Assembly (NEA RA) is an annual meeting where delegates from across the country debate issues that impact public education, elect national officers, and set policy for the 2.7 million-member association. It is a wonderful opportunity to network with delegates nationally.

 

This year there were some memorable moments that truly brought all the states together. Our brothers and sisters joined California in its fight against the Governor and his special interest groups. Our own CTA President Barbara E. Kerr led a march of more than 300 people to the Governor's office in downtown Los Angeles to protest his broken promises.

 

This was an incredible experience that I'll never forget. I hope all of you decide to run next year to represent the students from California as a delegate. I am truly honored to have represented an elite group of pre-professionals, our student association.