Guest blog: Studt says there is still much to be done at the NEA RA
07/06/2016
Randy Studt, ISTA member and National Education Association (NEA) Representative Assembly (RA) delegate, revealed the challenges and victories of a direct democracy organization reporting on day two of the NEA RA. Studt is blogging from the NEA RA in Washington, D.C., this week.
Edited by Kara Seward
A normal day on the NEA RA floor with over 7,000 educators from across the country is a complicated endeavor requiring tight control usually provided by Robert’s Rules of Order and NEA Standing Rules. That is until someone moves to Suspend the Rules and everyone groans!
On day two, we had speeches. The Education Support Professional of the Year spoke movingly about the importance of paras [paraeducators].
We also have Resolutions, Constitutional Amendments and the infamous New Business Items (NBI) on which to vote before the end of the RA. NBIs are good ideas someone wants NEA to do that we're not already doing. But, each one will also cost money, so our leadership team debates the real needs of our members.
Now, we've still got 125 agenda items to do in less than three days! One took us nearly an hour to debate, amend, vote and eventually refer to a committee! One can only hope we'll get a move on tomorrow.
Pictured are Studt and ISTA President Teresa Meredith. Studt has been a lifelong member of ISTA. Born in Connersville, Ind., he taught for 18 years at North White and since 2003 at West Lafayette.