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Mandy Plucker Prepares for Teaching Future during NEA Student                Program Conference

 “University of NEA Student Program” Conference Theme Offers              Professional Development Experience for Aspiring Educators

 WASHINGTON — Mandy Plucker, chairperson of National Education              Association Student Program,  is looking forward to her teaching career and               gained valuable education insight by attending the National Education                  Association Student Program (NEASP) conference in Boston, Mass.

 The Fall Connections conference, which ran from November 11-13,                 complements college students’ academic training by offering access to               professional development seminars that address today’s most critical and relevant classroom issues.  

 “My involvement with the National Education Association Student Program has been a life-changing                 experience. The program has given me true insight into issues that affect education policy, teaching                 methodology, curriculum development and assessment techniques,” said Plucker, who will continue her            graduate studies at South Dakota State University when her two-year term expires in July 2006.

 Her current role as chair is a full-time position based in NEA’s Washington, DC offices, where Plucker is immersed in an education focused environment. “The Student Program is supported by NEA’s 550            member professional staff that includes respected experts in the field of education,” said Plucker.  “Every             day, I am surrounded by national leaders who produce and maintain the Association’s renowned library of education resources.”  

 The Student Program experience is designed to help emerging leaders in the education field gain experience         and knowledge needed for successful and productive careers.  When Plucker graduates in May 2007, she         plans to serve as a student counselor at a college or university. 

 She completed her undergraduate work at Dakota State University, where she earned her bachelor’s              degree in elementary education and special learning and behavioral problems with an endorsement in       kindergarten, middle school and technology.  

 Plucker’s Student Program involvement includes holding offices such as student representative on the          NEA Board of Directors in 2003-04, student representative on the NEA Advisory Committee of Membership            from 2001 to 2003, and state president of South Dakota’s Student-NEA from 2002 to 2004.   

During the NEASP Fall Connections conference, which was organized around the “University of NEASP”      theme, students enhanced their teaching readiness by enrolling and participating in breakout sessions in                 four subject areas: Core Classroom Requirements, Heath and Wellness, Human Resources and Electives.

 Conference attendees also had the opportunity to meet with NEA President Reg Weaver, who delivered             the commencement address and discussed the importance of nurturing students who will be future leaders               in education.

 Leading authorities in the field of education and teacher preparation served as conference presenters          facilitating discussions and activities designed to help students develop the skills they need for long-term       success.  Sessions were scheduled on topics such as differentiated instruction techniques, planning and        managing grade books and daily lessons, building working relationships with parents and other school staff, maintaining personal finances and healthy lifestyles, and negotiating the transition from college student to      classroom teacher.  

 About 300 conference participants “graduated” from the “University of NEASP” conference more             prepared to face the issues that beginning teachers traditionally find challenging.     

 About NEASP

Approximately 60,000 students from 900 colleges and universities across the nation enjoy NEASP’s list                 of professional development resources, including participation in NEA’s 2.7 million member network of       education professionals, access to scholarships that offset college tuition costs, grants to implement             community outreach programs, and insurance protection from work related liabilities in schools.

 Members also benefit from NEA’s state and national lobbying initiatives, which support pro-public                   school legislation.

 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Derran Eaddy, NEA Public Relations (202) 822-7213, deaddy@nea.org

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7                        million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals,                  retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.