CHICAGO - July 04, 2011 - The National Education Association’s highest governing body has voted to approve the recommendation of President Barack Obama for re-election in 2012.  

“President Barack Obama shares our vision for a stronger America,” said Dennis Van Roekel, president of NEA.  “He has never wavered from talking about the importance of education or his dedication to a vibrant middle class."

During NEA’s Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly (RA) delegates voted on a recommendation from NEA’s Political Action Committee to support President Obama. The recommendation and vote are early for the 3.2 million-member NEA. The Association’s presidential recommendation process typically takes place the summer before the general election. NEA initiated this timetable in order to provide early and strong support to help ensure the election of a candidate who is on the side of students and working families.

“The last two years of state legislatures and the mid-term elections were eye-opening.demonstrating what can happen when education legislation and decisions are left in the hands of politicians who do not support public schools,” Van Roekel added. “We as a nation have to get our priorities right. We cannot sacrifice our students’ futures by shortchanging them now.”

Van Roekel noted that President Obama has made critical investments through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which saved and created jobs that fueled local economies, strengthened public education and brought relief to countless working families. The historic Affordable Care Act will provide health care to 32 million people, including millions of children. By approving the Education Jobs Bill, the President helped to keep class sizes from ballooning and important education programs and services from being cut.

“There are two very distinct visions for this country,” Van Roekel said. “One is about opportunities for all and one is not. This vote is about choosing a vision that our members know is best for students, for public schools and for America.”

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

CONTACT: Ramona Parks-Kirby