Illinois teacher Bill Farmer elected to NEA executive committee

A high school science teacher from Evanston, Illinois, has been elected to the executive committee of the National Education Association (NEA), the largest labor union in the United States. Bill Farmer was chosen by his peers at NEA's Representative Assembly to join this key governing body.

Farmer has over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher and has been actively involved in union activities. As president of his local union, he achieved significant victories for educators, such as reducing healthcare costs and securing paid parental leave while maintaining high membership levels after a Supreme Court decision affected agency fees.

NEA President Becky Pringle praised Farmer's leadership qualities: “Bill Farmer leads with his union values. His sharp organizing instincts and a deep commitment to public education have brought transformative change to his students, fellow educators, and his community.”

Farmer played a crucial role in the Illinois Education Association’s legislative priorities focusing on racial and social justice. He also contributed nationally through various NEA committees, including chairing the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee.

Expressing his vision for education, Farmer stated: “I believe in the collective power of educators to transform lives. It's time to ignite our potential energy—and turn it into real change for our students and our union.”

The NEA's Annual Meeting in Portland is hosting nearly 7,000 educators who will set policy for the coming year by adopting budgets and electing committee members.

For more details about NEA’s Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly, visit www.nea.org/ra or follow updates on social media using #NEARA.

The National Education Association represents over 3 million educational professionals across various sectors. More information can be found at www.nea.org.