Ei-iE

Obama was supported by both EI’s national affiliates, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA), because of his involvement in maintaining public services and promoting education in particular. EI urges Obama and other global leaders to continue and increase their spending on education and quality teacher training.

Re-election is a victory for public education and students

“President Obama’s re-election is a victory for students and their educators,” underlined NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. “Voters made clear that they value public education, workers’ rights, health care, women’s rights and a strong middle class.”

He stressed that students and children scored major victories throughout the United States, as voters took to the polls and made their point: “It’s time to focus on what’s important here at home, he said, in addition to re-electing President Obama, voters elected friends of education to every level of government and rejected ballot measures that attacked educators and public education.”

“President Obama’s re-election is a victory for students and their educators,” said Van Roekel. “Americans have spoken and they’ve chosen to continue moving forward.  Voters made clear that they value public education, workers’ rights, health care, women’s rights and a strong middle class.”

“The re-election of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden is a declaration by the American people that to rebuild a strong and vibrant middle class and ensure a voice for all, we all have to be in this together,” AFT President Randi Weingarten said.

She explained that the importance of this election was far greater than casting a ballot for one candidate over another – in fact, as important as that exercise in democracy is: “The American people voted to create opportunity and shared prosperity by sharing responsibility, and to reject the cynical ‘you're on your own’ philosophy.”

She also highlighted that Americans voted for a vision for the nation that says government has an essential role that includes protecting families in times of crisis, investing in public schools as a foundation of democracy, guaranteeing access to affordable healthcare, and ensuring retirement with dignity after a lifetime of hard work.

“What this says is that voters were paying attention,” said Van Roekel. “Instead of standing by and watching their rights being trampled on in their states, voters from all backgrounds stood up and said, ‘my family is important, too.’ It will be our job to remind other lawmakers of this significant mandate.”

Van Roekel also indicated that from day one, NEA members have supported President Obama and his vision for America and public education, working tirelessly over the past two years on behalf of America’s public school children.

A clear message in favour of public education

“In this election, voters in the United States have shown that they value public education, workers’ rights, health care, women’s rights and a strong middle class,” said Fred van Leeuwen, EI General Secretary. “This is a message that resonates worldwide, especially in this time of economic crisis,” he went on to say. “Sustained and sufficient public financing of education is necessary despite any economic downturn or budgetary contraction, in order for all to benefit from quality education. Educators worldwide are hopeful that President Obama in his second term will lead by example and help make this a reality.”