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Courage, Compassion, Commitment

Reflections on the KNEA Representative Assembly

By Blake West, President, Kansas National Education Association

If I had to think of three words to describe our experience at the most recent KNEA Representative Assembly, the three C’s above would capture my impressions.  I was so impressed by the speakers who shared with our delegates AND with the members attending and their stories – I wish it were possible to let every KNEA member share in that experience.  Consider these examples.

Courage – Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson is an amazing individual.  For many years he served in the Kansas Legislature; he also served four years as the Chair of the Kansas Republican Party.  His primary commitment during all of this time was to a bipartisan positive vision for strong public schools for every child in Kansas.  His unwavering support for public schools was coupled with a moderate, collaborative style that made him a true friend of education.

Even when he left public service several years ago, his commitment to the well-being of Kansans was evidenced by leadership in several charitable organizations that provided support for families and children.  Eventually, though, the divisions within his own party caused him to question whether he was more deeply committed to party or to principle.

Mr. Parkinson decided that his principles could not be compromised.  In order to express his values for the importance of public education, he decided to switch political parties and serve with Governor Kathleen Sebelius during her second term.  This decision had serious consequences. 

Party loyalty is serious business under the dome in Topeka and the consequences were not to be taken lightly.  Friendships may have been lost, former colleagues have been less than gracious in their interactions with the lieutenant governor.  He is a person of great courage.

Compassion –The Kansas Food Bank was recognized as the winner of the KNEA Friend of Education Award on Saturday morning.  You may have already read about their story in this edition of Issues but, in a nutshell, the Food Bank heard from teachers that there were children in our classrooms around the state whose primary source of nutritious food was what they received at school.  In fact, when these kids went home for the weekend, they might not have enough to eat until the following Monday.

The Food Bank came up with an ingenious strategy:  the Food 4 Kids program.  On Fridays, they give kids who might be suffering from “food insecurity” a backpack with supplies for the weekend.  The results have been overwhelmingly positive. Literally thousands of kids’ lives have been transformed because of the compassion showed by the Food Bank working in partnership with educators who observe the needs of their students.  The program reflects the same spirit of caring and compassion for children and students that causes many of us to choose public education as our calling in life.

Commitment – For the final “C” from our Representative Assembly, the list of names to be recognized won’t fit in this article.  Almost 500 members from across Kansas braved the roads during our untimely final foot of snow (on Friday the 13th) to come to Topeka and sit in meetings for the weekend.  Why?

The answer is really simple:  We share a commitment to great public schools for every child, making our profession as educators strong, and ensuring the well-being of all who choose public education as their career and calling. 

We heard compelling testimonials from Josh Anderson (our Kansas Teacher of the Year), Lori Atkins Goodson (KNEA nominee for the NEA Teaching Excellence Award in 2008), and NEA Vice President Dennis Van Roekel.  Each of these individuals called on ALL of us to become activists for the schools we want. 

They challenged us to lead the transformation of our schools for the 21st century.  They challenged us to locate, elect, and influence policy-makers who will give us the resources to create great schools; policy-makers who will adopt our positive vision for transforming No Child Left Behind; policy-makers who will give schools help to meet challenges instead of punishment for working with students who have great needs.

And the response of our delegates to these challenges was overwhelming as they contributed over $12,000 to the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education and to the KNEA Political Action Committee.  Many signed up for additional monthly contributions to these funds.  Many committed to return home and enroll a nonmember colleague in our Association.

   I’m constantly humbled by the willingness of KNEA members to do just a little more on behalf of their students and their profession.  Frankly, as we accept the challenges of the 2007 KNEA Representative Assembly, it will require courage, compassion and commitment of each of us.  Together, we can create our vision – thanks to each of you, especially the delegates who came to Topeka in mid-April, for YOUR courage, compassion and commitment.

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