Rhonda Diles
President, Student-AEA
Rhonda Diles is a senior at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, where she is majoring in elementary education, PreK-4th grade. Diles is a nontraditional student who decided to continue her education after being in the work force for 20 years. As an older student, she understand the importance of education in our society and in our schools.
Diles became a student AEA member in August 2008 and became the president of the student AEA chapter at Henderson State University in January 2009. She was then nominated as the state student President of AEA in August 2009.
"I became involved in the Student-AEA when I realized that the future of our country is dependent on the quality of education we provide our children," she said. "Becoming involved in the AEA and the NEA provides the background and the support of like-minded individuals who share similar goals."
Diles was very enthusiastic about the Summer Leadership Conference and the National Education Association's Representative Assembly, which she attended in July 2009. "My experience walking into the convention center the first time was astounding. Thousands of people from every state joined together as one for education. I would encourage anyone to join and be a part of this organization."
Diles said that a high point of the RA for many student members is the Outreach to Teach program. Each year, NEA selects a high-need public school in the host city, and student members give it a free makeover. This year, Balboa Elementary School in San Diego received various improvements, including major renovation of the teachers' lounge and the school's library.
"The Outreach to Teach program was amazing," she said. "When you do something with hundreds of people that you do not even know and pull together as a group to reconstruct an elementary school in need, it shows the real compassion and effort of a group of educators who only want what is best for the students.
Other student leaders from Arkansas-Student Leaders Conference Spring 2009
For more information contact us at ar-rhutchinson@nea.org |
