WEAC Growth Earns Honors

WEAC grew by more than 2,000 members last year, earning the association and two affiliates top honors from the NEA.

WEAC, the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association and the Milwaukee Education Assistants' Association received first place awards from the NEA for the largest increase in membership in a year.

WEAC President Terry Craney, MTEA President Paulette Copeland, and MEAA President Patricia Anderson accepted the awards at the NEA Retirement Luncheon in New Orleans on June 30. The luncheon was held in conjunction with the NEA Convention.

Membership grew from more than 84,000 members to more than 86,500 members, a 4% increase.

"It’s another sign of the strength and commitment of WEAC and its members," Craney said. "At a time when public education is under increasing attack, everyone involved in schools needs to come together and work to protect public education and make sure our schools remain among the best in the country."

The MEAA was the largest group affiliating with WEAC. last year. MEAA’s unification added 2,400 members for MTEA and WEAC.

"We are gratified to see MEAA join our family," Copeland said. "MEAA members are now becoming involved in the association. They are learning they have a great deal to contribute to our association, and that the association can offer them valuable services and resources."

According to Copeland, the increase in membership also increases the diversity of the association.

"We made a carefully researched and debated decision," Anderson said. "We are now getting involved and feeling like we are part of the organization. As a first-time voting member of this convention, it is a true honor to receive such recognition."

Posted July 2, 1998