CONTACT: Derran Eaddy   (202) 822-7823

June 30, 2006

New Chair Begins NEA Student Program Term

Anthony Daniels to serve a two-year term as NEA Student Program Chairperson

ORLANDO—Hundreds of students from across the country elected Anthony Daniels, an Alabama A&M University graduate student, to serve as the chairperson of the NEA Student Program. Daniels was elected to the two–year term during the "Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow" Student Leadership Conference, which was held June 25–28, in Orlando, Fla. 

"As the new face on the frontline, I am looking forward to bringing an innovative outlook to the student program," said Daniels.  "Throughout my term, the student program will be focused on ensuring that tomorrow's teachers are well prepared to give all students access to great public schools that lead to successful outcomes in their lives."

As the chairperson, Daniels will be based in NEA's downtown Washington, D.C., office where he will be immersed in learning about education policy, advocacy and leadership. During his term, he will benefit from regular access to NEA’s robust staff of leading authorities in the field of education, as well as access to NEA’s renowned library of education resources.       

Daniels is currently pursuing a master's degree in special education in a collaborative teacher K-6 program, and he is on track to graduate in December 2006. He also plans to attend St. John's University School of Law in New York and eventually practice education law.     

During the "Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow" Student Leadership Conference, aspiring teachers took time out of their summer breaks to attend workshops and learning sessions designed to help them become more effective leaders in their student associations, as well as to become exceptional teachers when they graduate. 

At the conclusion of the student conference, NEA President Reg Weaver provided closing comments and visited with students to offer words of encouragement, congratulations and thanks for choosing teaching as their career.

"It’s sometimes easy to get discouraged with the challenges of the classroom," said Weaver, "but when you see these young people, share in their excitement, and see their commitment to children, you get inspired, and you know the future of America's public schools is in good hands."

Each year, the student conference is held in conjunction with the NEA Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly where more than 9,000 elected delegates convene each year to determine NEA leadership and governance matters.  

Approximately 60,000 students from 900 colleges and universities across the nation enjoy NEA Student Program's host of professional development resources, including participation in NEA's 2.8 million member network of education professionals, access to scholarships that offset college tuition costs, grants to implement community outreach programs and insurance protection from work-related liabilities in schools.

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.8 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.