DENVER - Future teachers from across the country came together today to elect Stephanie Chávez, a student teacher from the suburbs of Chicago, to serve as the next chairperson of NEA Aspiring Educators. She will serve a two-year term.

"It is so important that young people get involved early and make their voices heard," said NEA President Becky Pringle. "Stephanie has been instrumental in bringing the voices of future teachers to the forefront while serving on NEA's Board of Directors, and I have no doubt she will continue to lead and grow our movement as chairperson of NEA Aspiring Educators."

Chávez, a leader on the local, state and national level, has represented aspiring educators on NEA's Board of Directors for the past year, amplifying the voices of young people. She hopes to use her new role to make membership more accessible and inclusive.

"My goal of making membership accessible and union education a priority will set us up to build the inclusive program we all dream of," said Chávez. "Coalition building begins with us. Together, let's build a program that is inclusive for the leaders that will come after us."

"Stephanie is just getting started, with a promising career ahead of her. Even before reaching this point, she has already established herself as a respected organizer, advocate, and trusted voice, said Illinois Education Association President Karl Goeke. "Whether she's addressing racial and social justice issues or shaping conversations around education policy, people listen when Stephanie speaks. She is an exceptional leader today, and her impact will only continue to grow. We're fortunate to have her in the profession."

The Aspiring Educators Program supports, develops and empowers diverse, pre-service teachers with the resources, networks and opportunities to excel as educators and leaders, both as students and throughout their career. More than 40,000 Aspiring Educators are already part of the National Education Association - the nation's largest union of 3 million teachers and school staff.

Nearly 7,000 educators, education support professionals, retired teachers and aspiring educators are in Denver for the 169th Annual Meeting and 105th RA, the organization's top decision-making body, which sets Association policy for the coming year. Delegates will complete an agenda, which includes adopting a budget, electing executive committee members and addressing new business items.

For more information on NEA's Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly, go to www.nea.org/ra

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.