A Special Stop Here in Washington, D.C.

Today before Team ISEA Executive Director Jan Reinicke and I headed to a day-long meeting at the NEA building here in Washington, D.C., we were able to participate in United States Senator Tom Harkin's weekly constituent breakfast at one of ths U.S. Senate office buildings. U.S. Senator Harkin has always been considered a "friend of education" with his advocacy for students and their families and can back it up with his 100% voting record with Team NEA. Here Team ISEA Executive Director Jan Reinicke (on left) and myself are pictured with Iowa's and NEA's friend of education, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin.

Today, one last friend I had the chance to say "good-bye" to was one of U.S. Senator Harkin's great education staff person's, Rob Baron. Rob has been extra special to work with as he's always accessible to Team ISEA for calls from Iowa or when our NEA Directors are in Washington, D.C. to call upon the senator. Thank you Rob for your partnership in working with Team ISEA and Team NEA!

Team NEA Provides Training for Outgoing (Nearly Dead) Presidents

In February and again here in April, Team NEA provided the opportunity for two (2) all-day trainings for outgoing (or some teasingly say--nearly dead) state presidents. For many, they have come up through the ranks of their state organization and served 4-6 years as state president. These state leaders are to the point in their careers they still have much to contribute to the association and public education as their term(s) as state presidents come to an end.

For me, my two terms as Team ISEA president will come to an end on June 14, 2008. While it has been a magnificent opportunity to meet members in their worksite and put a face on Team ISEA, it will be time for me to step aside and allow our newly elected leadership team to lead.

Participating in the two training dates in Washington, D.C. are some terrific friends and mighty fine Team NEA leaders who are also leaving office (left to right): myself; Donna DeKraii, president of the South Dakota Education Association; Donna New Haschke, president of the Texas State Teachers Association; Bill Bjork, president of NEA-Alaska; and Roy Bishop (completes his terms 7/09), president of the Oklahoma Education Association. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside these great state leaders!