Photo by TwistedTwin156 via Flickr.
Statement from CEA President Sheila Cohen
The nation’s attention is rightfully drawn to President Obama’s speech today as the nation marks how far America has come in the 50 years since the March on Washington led by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and what remains to be done.
As the head of Connecticut’s largest teacher organization, I want to emphasize that educators continue to work to achieve equity, social justice, and opportunity for all—in our schools, our workplaces, and our communities.
Equal educational opportunity remains a key civil rights issue of our time. While progress has been made in the past 50 years, much more must be accomplished. We should never minimize the potential impact that race, class, and economics can play in individual lives and the realization of the American dream.
President Obama began his career working as an organizer in impoverished black communities. He spoke today with great insight and wisdom about the need to recommit anew to social justice and economic opportunity for all.
Our nation must ensure that all students, regardless of race, gender, or family income, have access to a world-class education system. Our teachers are critical in ensuring that students have the opportunities to grow, achieve, and succeed in the 21st century—and to help turn that dream into reality.
Watch President Obama’s speech or read the full transcript here.
