Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association, delivered a powerful speech to nearly 7,000 delegates at the 103rd Representative Assembly in Philadelphia. Her address focused on the organization's commitment to promoting, protecting, and strengthening public education in the face of ongoing challenges and attacks.
Pringle began by referencing Amanda Gorman's poem "The Hill We Climb," emphasizing the NEA's determination to move forward rather than regressing. She acknowledged the difficult political climate, including attacks on the teaching profession, marginalization of minority communities, and threats to educational freedoms. Despite these challenges, Pringle reaffirmed the NEA's resolve to stand firm in its mission.
The NEA President highlighted several recent achievements by educators across the country. These included the passage of the Freedom to Read Act in Maryland, creative initiatives to support LGBTQ+ students of color in Wisconsin, and successful strikes for better working conditions in Portland, Oregon. Pringle also mentioned the growing movement for Education Support Professional Bills of Rights in various states, recognizing the vital role of support staff in education.
Pringle emphasized the importance of political engagement, calling on members to support the re-election of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as electing pro-education candidates at all levels of government. She stressed the need for a Senate and House that would advance student loan forgiveness, LGBTQ+ rights, and women's reproductive rights.
The speech also touched on the NEA's broader goals, including advancing educator respect and excellence, improving student learning and well-being, and securing a pro-public education environment. Pringle emphasized the need to organize for power, build capacity, and form strategic partnerships to achieve these objectives.
Throughout her address, Pringle invoked the spirit of historical activists and leaders, urging NEA members to draw inspiration from figures like Harvey Milk, Cesar Chavez, Martin Luther King Jr., and Harriet Tubman. She encouraged delegates to persevere in their efforts, reminding them of the importance of their work for students, colleagues, and democracy.
Pringle concluded her speech with a rallying cry, urging NEA members to "keep going" in their mission to win "all the things" for their students, colleagues, and the preservation of democracy. Her powerful words aimed to inspire and motivate the delegates as they prepared to deliberate on important decisions during the assembly.
