Discussion: Postmodernism
Chapter 15:Question 10
Who was the first presidential candidate endorsed by the National Education
Association (NEA)? What was the NEA’s motive for doing so?
The National Education Association was officially started in 1857 in response to the call
to assist states with establishing a public school system. President Jimmy Carter was
the first president to be endorsed by the National Education Association (NEA). NEA
supported Carter’s campaign with funding and volunteers with the hopes of establishing
a cabinet-level department that would provide more visibility, and federal support for
sustainability. Perfect timing for the NEA to move forward with their agenda as
Democrats had recently restructured their presidential candidate nominating process to
resolve complaints that prior candidates were not meeting the will of the people. The
new structure opened the door for future presidential candidates to support grassroots
organizations in addition, the restructure created increased participation and placed
