Just the beginning . . .

By Kim Campbell
UEA President

Because of your efforts, on November 6, 2007, I was honored to make the following announcement: “With the eyes of the nation upon us, Utah voters today made history by rejecting the flawed voucher law!”

This campaign was an incredible undertaking and there were many heroes along the way. The list of organizations supporting the Utahns for Public Schools Coalition (UTPS) is a lengthy one. In addition, there were many courageous individuals who contributed their time, money, and, in many cases, risked much to ensure the future of public education. There are too many names to list, but please know you have created a legacy for Utah’s children. Appreciation goes out to the parents, policymakers, citizens, and voters who stood up for public schools.

Many thanks to our colleagues from across the nation, the National Education Association family. The outpouring of concern, support, and expertise was amazing. Christy Levings, an NEA Executive Committee member, explained it best on Election Night. A local news reporter asked her about the NEA’s involvement in the campaign. Her paraphrased response was, “I am a 34-year veteran of the elementary classroom in Kansas. I am a teacher. I care what happens across this country concerning public education policy and schoolchildren. If there was a bad public policy concerning children’s health, we would expect every doctor in the country to respond. We expect teachers from all across the country to care about what happens to all children and to respond when there is bad education policy.” We, the members of the UEA, can be proud to be a part of an organization dedicated to the cause of a great public school for every child.

Thank you, also, to the UEA leaders and staff for their tireless efforts. Very few will ever understand the kind of extra hours and extra effort they put in to this campaign.

Finally, thanks to you, Utah’s educators — the members of the UEA. Utah’s teachers shape history every single day in Utah’s classrooms. But on November 6, Utah’s teachers made history:

• You led the petition drive to put this very important issue to a vote of the people. It was the first referendum to make it to the ballot in over 33 years.
• You debated and discussed the issue all across the state with integrity. You kept the discussion focused on the facts and the impact on children.
• You rallied the attention and support of your colleagues across the nation, and educators from across the nation responded and supported your issue.
• In the meantime, you maintained your commitment to your students by getting another school year off and running.

In the words of Christa McAuliffe, “I touch the future, I teach.” Utah’s educators are committed to providing a brighter future for all of Utah’s children. And, as much as we need to celebrate this renewed commitment to public education, the members of the UEA know the work does not end with this vote. We still have much to do to reduce the overcrowding in Utah’s classrooms, to involve parents more as partners in public education, and to make sure there is a well-prepared, well-supported quality teacher in every Utah classroom. The Utah Education Association is committed to this effort and to working with other members of the UTPS Coalition to ensure that this campaign — this vote — turns into good things for Utah’s schoolchildren and Utah’s public schools. And again, thank you! This is just the beginning . . .