Thousands of delegates from across the United States gathered at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon, for the National Education Association (NEA) Representative Assembly during the July 4 holiday weekend. The assembly is a significant event as it serves as the highest governing body of the NEA, where delegates from state associations determine union business.
The Idaho Education Association (IEA) was represented by 37 individuals, including delegates, staff, and one aspiring educator guest. Notably, IEA received recognition from NEA President Becky Pringle on the first day for its position on the “Everyone Is Welcome Here” poster controversy. The Idaho delegation and many other educators wore shirts bearing this message.
Sarah Inama of Boise Education Association has become a symbol of resistance against anti-public education forces after refusing to remove a sign from her classroom.
In addition to participating in RA activities, delegates engaged in conferences and meetings over 13 days leading up to the assembly.
Josh Cowen was honored with NEA’s Friend of Education Award for his advocacy against private education vouchers. Cowen had previously spoken on this issue in Boise.
The NEA Representative Assembly is noted as being the largest deliberative democratic assembly globally.
