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Each year, the National Education Association holds an Annual Representative Assembly where educators all across the United States join together to discuss NEA business. This year, the RA was held in Portland, Oregon from July 3-6. The following ECOEA members represented our district:
- Caitlin Driscoll, Alliance EA
- Tina Bradley, Canton Professional EA
- Juliann Doerschuk, Canton Professional EA
- Rita McMillen, Canton Professional EA
- Michelle Martin Jones, Canton Professional EA
- Geneva Parker, Canton Professional EA
- Lynne Watson, Canton Professional EA
- Angel McCune, Jackson Classified PA
- Heather Zuniga, Malvern EA
- Jen McKelley, North Canton EA
- Julie Nelson, North Canton EA
- Kelli Mohn, Plain Local TA
- Beth Swogger, Wellsville TA
- Christine Willison, Wellsville TA
- Matt Balsinger, Wooster EA
- Karen Linch, Wooster EA
- Kathleen Purdy, OEA-Retired
This year, nearly 6,000 delegates attended the NEA RA including a representation of state and local leaders, aspiring educators, retirees, and educator support professionals. Many business items were handled during the representative assembly including voting on the strategic plan, budget, resolutions, legislative priorities, NEA Executive Committee members, and debating new business items that drive the work of NEA this coming year.
Wooster member Matt Balsinger described his time at the RA by stating, "The NEA RA in Portland was extremely productive and informative this year, with lots of good lessons on organizing and fighting as boots on the ground." The main focus this year was fight back and fight forward. Angel McCune, educational support professional from Jackson Classified described her next steps after attending the RA by stating, " Every decision we make must be done with consideration of the next generation."
After conducting three days of business like usual, the RA delegates participated in a day of learning, which allowed us to be inspired and equipped to continue to fight for our students and profession. When Wellsville President Christine Willison was asked to summarize her experience this year, she said, "This year's RA was all about hope and encouragement. We were encouraged to continue the fight against cuts and cancellation of programming that benefits our most vulnerable students." Overall, ECOEA was well represented at the RA with three first-time delegates and we cannot wait for Denver 2026!
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