Oregon Educator Elected to NEA Executive Committee

BOSTON - The majority of the 7500 delegates to the National Education Association Annual Meeting voted to elect Oregon teacher Johanna “Hanna” Vaandering to the NEA Executive Committee. She will begin serving a three-year term this September.

“Congratulations to Hanna,” said NEA President Lily Eskelsen García. “I know her nearly two decades in Oregon schools and her leadership with her state and local associations have prepared her well for this role.”

Vaandering, a physical education teacher from Ridgewood Elementary in the Beaverton School District, currently serves as the Oregon Education Association president. She was elected president in 2013. Prior to her election, Vaandering served as OEA Vice President for four years and as Beaverton Education Association President, OEA Region I Vice President and as Pacific Regional Director for the National Council of Urban Education Associations.

“I am honored and thrilled to have this role to advocate for great public schools now at a national level,” said Vaandering. “I am committed to continuing my efforts in ensuring great public schools for all students, fighting for the rights of each and every educator and advocating for stable and adequate school funding for schools across our country.”

Vaandering taught elementary physical education for 17 years at Ridgewood. While at Ridgewood, Hanna started a successful rhythms program to help her students understand the importance of movement and dance.

Vaandering’s experience with OEA started early in her career as a building representative. After serving on her first bargaining team, she was elected to the BEA Executive Committee and then served as Vice President prior to becoming President.

Vaandering was born and raised in Washington County. She enjoys traveling, but is proud to call Oregon home. A graduate of Pacific University in Forest Grove, Hanna was a two-time All-American and Academic All-American catcher for the Lady Boxers. In her free time, Hanna enjoys scuba diving, water skiing and spending time with family and friends.

The NEA Executive Committee consists of nine members – three executive officers and six members elected at-large by the Representative Assembly. The committee is responsible for general policy and interests of NEA and acts for the NEA Board of Directors in between its four regularly scheduled meetings each year.