U.Va. Curry School of Education to Host Public Lecture by National Education Association President Reg Weaver

April 2, 2008 — Reg Weaver, who is serving his second term as president of the 3.2 million-member National Education Association — the nation's largest professional employee organization — will visit a University of Virginia Curry School of Education class, taught by assistant professor Carol Anne Spreen, on April 8 at 10 a.m. to discuss "Teacher Professionalization, the Unions and No Child Left Behind." The public and the media are invited to attend his talk in Ruffner Auditorium, which will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

A middle school science teacher and 30-year classroom veteran, Weaver has been a lifelong advocate for quality public schools. He served as president of his National Education Association local chapter in Harvey, Ill. and president of the NEA affiliate in Illinois, and now leads one of the most influential education organizations in the nation.

He travels nationally and internationally as an ambassador for public education and advocating for the basic right of every student to attend a great public school.

Weaver also serves as vice president of Education International, a 348-member organization representing more than 29 million teachers and education workers in 169 countries; on the executive board of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education; and on the board of governors for the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. He is a member of the board of directors of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, serves on the advisory board for Horace Mann Educators Corporation and is an honorary life member of the National Parent Teachers Association.

His commitment and contributions to public education haven't gone unnoticed.  He has been named one of Ebony magazine's 100 Most Influential Black Americans for his national influence. Weaver's recent honors include the 2007 Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund's Excellence in Leadership Award; the 2006 Chairman's Award for Educational Leadership, presented by 100 Black Men of America Inc.; and the Congressional Black Caucus Education Braintrust's 2006 Great Points of Light Award.

Weaver earned his bachelor of science degree in special education for the physically challenged at Illinois State University. He received a master's degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago.

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