NEA bus tour travels through Wisconsin October 22-23

Leaders of the National Education Association are making personal visits to thousands of colleagues in seven states, including Wisconsin, as part of a three-week bus tour this month.

Led by NEA President Reg Weaver, officers and other leaders are hitting the road today with a big bus and an even bigger message -- vote for great public schools on November 2 because a strong America begins in the classroom.

The bus tour visits Florida October 4-9; and Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania, October 18-30.

The leaders, joined by state and local leaders, will talk to tens of thousands of members about John Kerry's plan for positive change in America's classrooms.

The tour will visit Wisconsin October 22-23. Tentative plans call for school visits and a rally at the WEAC Board of Directors meeting in Madison.

The bus will be on the road for three weeks, traveling from school bus barns to staff rooms, from affiliate offices to football stadium parking lots, and, in the process, covering thousands of miles. The media will be on board in some places and so will an NEA camera crew making a documentary film. Members at bus tour events will be treated to food, prizes, live music or a celebrity visit.

"The tour is an excellent way for WEAC members to meet the leaders they have elected and talk about critical issues," WEAC President Stan Johnson said. "We encourage all members to come to one of the events. This bus tour is important because our message is important. At no other time in recent history has a presidential election meant so much to teachers, education support professionals and public education. It's vital that all members get to the polls on November 2 so we can get a pro-education president in the White House."