The Botetourt Education Association (BEA) is sponsoring the forum “Public Education Matters for Teachers, Staff, Students & Our Communities,” Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the Moody Center (2nd Floor) at Hollins University, 7916 Williamson Rd., Roanoke. The free public event beginning at 5:30 p.m. will feature Virginia Education Association (VEA) President Jim Livingston who will begin his remarks at 6 p.m.
“Free public education is a fundamental cornerstone of democracy, and is a key to our student’s futures and to the United States’ economic success in a competitive global economy. We are excited to be offering our members and the wider community an opportunity to hear from Livingston, a longtime advocate for public education,” said Melissa Amos, co-president of the Botetourt Education Association.
Livingston, a middle school math teacher from Prince William County, began his two-year term as president of the VEA August 1, 2016. A 29-year veteran of the classroom, he previously served as president of the Prince William Education Association (PWEA) from 2012 until July 2016.
“VEA goals include improving student achievement, establishing effective mentoring programs to enhance professional standards, championing the human and civil rights of every student and employee in every school in the Commonwealth, securing adequate funding for our public schools and engaging with our communities. I am looking forward to continuing our dialogue with BEA members and the larger community on December 6,” said Livingston.
He was joined on the VEA’s new leadership team by James Fedderman, a choral music teacher from Accomack County, who will serve as VEA’s Vice President. Fedderman has been the president of the Accomack Education Association (AEA) and is a Virginia representative on the National Education Association (NEA) Board of Directors. He’s also the first African-American male ever elected to the VEA presidency or vice presidency.
