Team ISEA Meets Maquoketa EA Member While in D.C.

Team ISEA had a pleasant surprise in Washington, D.C. while attending the "Constituent Breakfast" hosted by U.S. Senator Tom Harkin when we met Maquoketa EA member Tod Bowman. Tod (2nd from right) a High School Government teacher at Maquoketa High School, is serving a one month internship in Senator Harkin's Washington, D.C. office. What a great way to get a thorough understanding on the actual "workings" of the federal government, then to be able to share those experiences with students! We wish you our best, Tod and know your classroom instruction when you return home will be richer with your first-hand-experiences!

Team ISEA Meets With U.S. Senator Tom Harkin

On Wednesday, May 3, 2006 Iowa's U.S. Senator Tom Harkin hosted a "Constituent Breakfast" in which Team ISEA were one of the many guests present. The event was held in the Dirksen Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Senator Harkin took time to visit with Team ISEA on issues important to all Team NEA. We thanked Senator Harkin for his leadership in the Specter-Harkin Amendment that passed the U.S. Senate adding $8 billion to education. The amendment faces uncertainty in the U.S.House.

Pictured here with Senator Harkin are NEA Directors from Iowa Jim Young (at left), a fourth grade teacher at Hansen Elementary in Cedar Falls; Gayle Jeffers (2nd from right), a High School French teacher at East High School in Sioux City; Iowa U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (2nd from left); and me (on right).

One of the true highlights of my association experiences over the years came back in May of 1989. I was a member of NEA's Congressional Contact Team at the time and I was asked to represent ISEA in Washington, D.C. at an NEA Banquet honoring the members of the 100th Congress for their 100% voting record with NEA. Yes, I got to present Iowa's senator, U.S.Senator Tom Harkin with his 100% voting record from NEA. Senator Harkin continues to be a champion for children and their families and for public education. Thank you Senator Harkin for the great work you continue to do for America's students!