WSC Chapter of the MSCA

Howdy howdy howdy from the floor of the 2008 Representative Assembly of the National Education Association—the largest democratically elected deliberative body on the planet. Preliminary registration counts 8,909 delegates representing 3.2 million members from all fifty states and the District of Columbia. It’s a festive atmosphere on the convention floor—much like I imagine it will be at the nominating conventions later this summer in Denver and Minneapolis. Blaring music, huge video screens, relentless campaigning, big blocks of rowdy state affiliates. And speeches. Oh, the speeches.

Reg Weaver gave a rousing address this afternoon, speaking of the light we share as teachers, telling movingly of his own struggles with high-stakes testing that would have directed him into a career as a manual laborer. Instead, Reg went into teaching, eventually rising to be the President of the NEA in 2002. During his two terms, the NEA has grown 22%. In this, his farewell address as president, Reg shared with us his opinion that among the American people, the tide is turning against No Child Left Behind in its current form. He also discussed Iraq, Katrina, and our collective strength to make a positive change in our world. Building on a quote of Muhammed Ali: “If you even dream of beating me, you better wake up and apologize,” Reg urged us to persevere in our struggle to provide all students with the best possible education.

This is no political convention. It is the largest, most energetic collection of educators I have ever had the privilege of serving with. The spirit in this hall is something to be believed. It’s the same kind of sparkle I experience whenever I’m at a math conference or a Lego fan convention. The fellow feeling of so many passionate educators is truly inspirational.

I arrived on Monday to attend the MA state caucus meetings, as well as the meetings of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Caucus. In both caucuses, we have spent much of our early time hearing from candidates for the NEA offices and board and conducting our own elections for caucus leadership and representation. We are now shifting toward caucus-wide debate of the specific business items that will come before the full assembly.

UPDATE (5-Jul-08)--Len Paolillo, sociology professor at our sister campus MCLA, has won election to the NEA Executive Committee by a razor-thin 50.16%.

In the state caucus, our most contentious discussion centers around a membership question: Do we allow state affiliates to permit educators and support staff at private schools to join the NEA? We will likely tackle this issue in two separate pieces: (1) for preschool workers, and (2) for K-12. (Faculty in private higher education already has this right.) You may recall an unsuccessful ballot issue last November intending to unionize preschool workers. The MA delegation voted overwhelmingly in support of the first part, and I wholeheartedly agree. The MA delegation has also voted in support of the second part, but I am not sure that I agree. I understand many reasons on both sides of this debate, and I continue to listen to members of my caucuses and the larger debate as we grapple with this fundamental question of who we, the NEA, are. I would appreciate hearing your opinion on this matter.

UPDATE (5-Jul-08)--(1) passed 56% to 44%, and (2) failed 36% to 64%.

As a state, we are also trying to put a new business item on the assembly’s agenda. Following a disaster, we want the NEA to urge state and federal disaster relief authorities to move with all due haste to restore school services—and this is the key part—in the same form as they existed prior to the disaster. We are troubled to see authorities using tragedies like Hurricane Katrina as excuses to replace public schools with charter schools, and would like to see this practice cease.

UPDATE (5-Jul-08)--This measure was referred to the appropriate committee, which effectively puts it off until next year.

In the GLBT caucus, I am most impressed at our recent growth, most notably from southeastern states. All serious candidates for NEA offices appreciate how important a group we are, and in many cases made a campaign stop with the GLBT caucus before visiting with Massachusetts. The nearly useful awareness of and sensitivity to GLBT issues in our schools—and the NEA’s aggressive pursuit in support of our GLBT educators and youth—warms my heart.

Some issues before us over the next four days include adjunct faculty compensation and GPO/WEP provisions. If you would like to know more about what we are up to regarding these issues—or indeed, anything I mention above, do not hesitate to contact me via email at ewelsh.

I deeply appreciate the opportunity to represent our state's fine public higher education system at the national assembly, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Ted Welsh
Mathematics