Reg Weaver, National Education Association
Monday, August 25, 2008
Remarks as prepared for delivery

I am here today on behalf of 3.2 million NEA members to tell you why we support Barack Obama for President of the United States.

The world has changed dramatically since I started teaching in 1961. Unfortunately, as a nation, our approach to education has not kept pace. We aren't giving all children the education they will need to succeed in the 21st century.

I know a man who knows that NEA is not for the status quo, that we are an organization that has changed as the needs of children have changed. And together we must change public education. I know a man who offers new ideas and new commitments to public education, while his opponent proposes to continue or expand the failed policies of the current administration, policies that fail our children. I know a man who knows we can't be prepared for the 21st century, rebuild our economy, and secure our nation without a well-educated workforce.

When the man I know is president, he will expand access to early childhood education, so all children are prepared to learn when they enter kindergarten. Because he recognizes children learn differently. He will support local school districts in establishing policies to ensure they have small class sizes, so every child receives the attention they deserve. He will support programs that help parents become involved in their child's education.

He will tear down financial barriers that prevent many students from attending college. He will work with teachers and other education personnel, treating us as allies instead of adversaries. He knows that you must respect educators and include them in the education dialogue. This will be a partnership for children. He knows we must hold schools accountable. But that the world is too complex and diverse to judge students by a single, multiple choice, and high stakes test.

The man I know understands that public education helped make this country great and will restore the commitment. He will invest in our children's education because he knows that it is a basic human and civil right, and our nation's future is in their hands. We need a president who will treat children as more than test scores, and provide basic resources so educators can help every child succeed. This man has a plan.

Barack Obama is that man, and his plan is at barackobama.com. That, my friends, is why the 3.2 million members of the National Education Association are organized, energized and mobilized to help elect Barack Obama as the next president of the United States of America.

Thank you.