In 1857, “The Call” went out to those teachers “who are willing to unite in a general effort to promote the general welfare of our country by concentrating the wisdom and power of numerous minds, and distributing among all the accumulated experiences of all; who are ready to devote their energies and their means to advance the dignity, respectability, and usefulness of their calling …”

We, the 3.2 million members of the NEA, are the hope fulfilled of those 43 educators, and their vision of a great public education available to every child is a dream realized. At our RA this year in Philadelphia, more than 9,000 delegates gathered to celebrate our 150th year. Beyond the regular business of the RA, under the theme “Fighting for Public Schools: Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow,” we had the opportunity to see the Magna Carta, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, six members of “The Little Rock Nine,” eight candidates for President, and actor Richard Dreyfuss.

Imagine the hope the English barons felt on July 15, 1215 in Runnymede, when, after King John’s series of stunning failures, they were able to place checks and balances on the King’s power, grant civil liberties and the right of Habeas Corpus by forcing his seal on the Magna Carta.

Working from those ideas and more, in Philadelphia, our Nation’s “Founding Fathers” declared independence from King George’s tyranny. They continued their work by framing our Constitution in 1787, and later in 1791 added our “Bill of Rights,” further limiting the federal government against potential abuses.

On September 24, 1957, amidst violent threats and intimidation, nine high school students walked into Little Rock Central High School under the protection of the U.S. Army. Subjected to physical and verbal abuse by many of the white students, the Little Rock Nine helped open the public school door to all children.

Eight presidential candidates responded to Reg Weaver’s invitation and, for the first time at the RA, we heard about their views on education issues (their speeches are available www.nea.org).

From ra today: “Richard Dreyfuss, a passionate advocate for civics education, reminded delegates that ‘the idea of America does not happen by itself.’ The nation’s purpose and principles ‘will perish unless you do your duty.’ ”

Last year, RA delegates adopted the NEA’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values. This year, we adopted New Business Item A, whereby the NEA will publicize our Vision, Mission, and Values Statement. We also resolved that a National Education Bill of Rights be ratified and publicly proclaimed to guarantee that every child in America has access to a great public school. Our Vision is a “Great Public School for Every Student”; we believe it is a basic right.