IEA’s delegation with New Jersey Education Association members who also wore “Everyone Is Welcome Here” shirts to NEA’s Representative Assembly.

Thousands of delegates from around the country packed the Oregon Convention Center for the National Education Association Representative Assembly in Portland, Ore., over the July 4 holiday weekend.

Why it matters: RA is the highest governing body of the NEA. Delegates from state associations set the business for the union during the gathering.

What did Idaho do?: Idaho sent 37 people to RA, including delegates, staff and one aspiring educator guest.

The poignant part: IEA received a shout-out from NEA President Becky Pringle from the RA stage on the first day for its stance on the “Everyone Is Welcome Here” poster controversy.  The delegation was wearing their Everyone Is Welcome Here shirts — and so were many other educators.

• Boise Education Association member Sarah Inama’s refusal to remove the sign from her classroom has become a galvanizing symbol of defiance against anti-public education forces. 

Other business: Delegates, governance and the executive team also participated in conferences, meetings and events in the lead-up to RA for a total of 13 days of action.

Friend of Education Award: Josh Cowen, a public school advocate and national expert on private education vouchers, was awarded NEA’s highest honor: The Friend of Education Award. Cowen spoke against vouchers in Boise in January.

Fun fact: NEA RA is the largest deliberative democratic assembly in the world.