News Release

Mississippi Teacher Reelected to NEA Executive Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Michael Marks, a high school dramatic arts and debate teacher from Hattiesburg, Miss., was reelected today to the National Education Association (NEA) Executive Committee, the nine-member governing body that oversees the 2.7 million-member Association.  He was elected by more than 9,000 delegates attending the Association’s Representative Assembly, meeting July 4-7 in Washington, D.C.  He ran unopposed.

“Now more than ever, American’s public schools need the help of caring individuals to ensure that no child is left behind,” Marks said.  “It is with great public schools for every child in mind that we must continue to forge toward new horizons.”

The son of two public school teachers, Marks boasts a long and rich history of contribution to education and the arts.  He chairs the NEA Early Childhood Education Committee and serves on NEA’s Read Across America Advisory Committee. 

A 24-year teaching veteran, he previously served as president of the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE), chair of the Mississippi affiliate’s student program and on the MAE board of directors.  He is a former Mississippi Teacher of the Year who has received national honors including the Outstanding Teacher of the Performing Arts Award and the Milken National Educator Award.

The Executive Committee comprises the three NEA officers plus six members elected at large.  Marks will begin a new three-year term in September.  

July 5, 2004

For more information:
NEA Public Relations, 202 822-7200

###

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.