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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 4, 2003

News Release

Oklahoma Teacher Wins Position on NEA Executive Committee

New Orleans, La. - Carolyn Crowder, an elementary and vocal music teacher from Mustang, Oklahoma, was elected today to the National Education Association (NEA) Executive Committee. She was elected to lead the nation's largest professional employee organization by nearly 10,000 delegates attending the Association's Representative Assembly, meeting July 3-6 in New Orleans.

A strong advocate for providing schools with adequate resources, Crowder currently serves as president of NEA's affiliate, the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA).

"I can't wait to get started working on the Great Public Schools Action Plan," said Crowder.  "I'm highly enthusiastic about the Executive Committee's commitment to organizing on issues that are important to students and education employees.  My experience in Oklahoma as state president has prepared me for the challenges that are facing us today."

With two decades of teaching experience, Crowder has been a champion for public education and school employees at the state and local levels.  As a classroom teacher, she received a grant from the Oklahoma Reading Council and an award from the State Economic Association.  In addition to serving as OEA President, Crowder served as a member of the OEA Board of Directors for six years, on various state committees, and as Chair of the Oklahoma Education Coalition for 99-00.  She also held a number of offices at the local Association level including president, delegate and negotiator.

The NEA Executive Committee consists of nine members - three executive officers and six members elected at large by the Representative Assembly.  Crowder will serve a three-year term starting in September. 

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.