NEA Statement on
Margaret Spellings Named as
New Secretary of Education

WASHINGTON - Below is a statement from President of the National Education Association (NEA) Reg Weaver on the news reports that Domestic Policy Adviser Margaret Spellings will be nominated Secretary of Education for the Bush Administration's second term:

"The NEA is hopeful that President Bush's nominee for Education Secretary understands the vital role teachers play in improving student achievement, and will work with the National Education Association to make public schools great for every child.

"This is a great opportunity for the Administration to change the tone of its discourse with the education community, particularly the 2.7 million members of the National Education Association who are in schools all over this nation.

"We look forward to finding common ground with Ms. Spellings in her new role."

November 16, 2004

Contact:

Denise Cardinal   202-822-7239
Michael Pons      202-822-7595

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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.