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President's Viewpoint
vanroekel.jpgTime For America's Education System To Wake Up
The digital age has dawned, but too many of our schools still rely on models from 1908 to meet the growing and changing needs of the 21st century. Simply put, many of our approaches are outmoded and out of touch, which makes it harder for educators to challenge students and hold their interest. NEA is a firm proponent of providing all children with the critical, intellectual, and personal skills they need to be successful in the 21st century

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A History of NEA main page
Read about NEA's history, beginning in 1857 A timeline of important events in NEA's history Comparisons of the past and present People of vision who have led the way Photographs, ephemera, memorabilia Video clips Test your knowledge of NEA history Members are part of NEA's ongoing history -- tell us your story! Read about the American Teachers Association

Luminaries

Zalmon Richards

Zalmon Richards

Zalmon Richards
(1811-1899)
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Zalmon Richards, an education reformer and founding member of the National Teachers' Association (which later became the National Education Association), was elected its first president in 1858. Richards was also founder of the Union Academy in Washington, D.C. and a member of the faculty at Columbian College (now George Washington University).

From 1869 to 1871, Richards served as the first superintendent of public schools in the District of Columbia. He was later appointed the District's auditor.

His former home on Corcoran Street in Washington, D.C., is on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

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