Having said that, I do know the value of membership and its relationship to power. But as long as the NEA and its state affiliates continue to endorse issues that do not relate specifically to education, it/they will never see the kind of membership numbers they seek…at least not in those states who are located in more conservative states, specifically those of us who teach in a right to work state.

Teachers do face numerous obstacles and vicious attacks, but from my perspective, the average teacher is being used as a pawn at both the state and national level.

The HQ staff in my state endorses the philosphy that leaders are only temporary. As a sitting local President, I was told I was not association material because I dared to advocate for my members in my local at the state level.

A level of arrogance exists which also serves as an obstacle to success. Teachers do need someone to advocate for them, but, unfortunately the NEA and far too many state affiliates are their own worst enemy.

Her record in support of public schools is stellar. Her father is a retired public school teacher, her brother is a public school teacher, and she knows the issues involved with public education from the perspective of a public school parent.

It can only benefit public education and public school educators to have someone serving as vice-president who actually does understand these issues first hand…for a change. I have to believe that despite her statement, Ms. White knows Governor Palin’s record on public education.

As governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin secured a large increase in funding for public schools, and, even more significantly, was able to get the legislature to change the way public school are financed in a way that secures more resources for the rural schools where the resources are most needed. It is also true that she sought more funding than the legislature appropriated.

It is sad that NEA has functioned for so long as an arm of the Democratic Party (despite the bi-partisan talk)and never offered Republicans a reason to move more towards the NEA positions. (Why would Republicans do that when NEA was going to endorse Democrats regardless of what they did?)Now that Democrats like Adrian Fenty and Corey Booker are openly attacking teacher unions, it looks like the NEA and the AFT may have to actually get serious about working across the aisle.