WASHINGTON - August 05, 2020 - Princess Moss, an elementary music teacher from Louisa County, Va., has been elected vice president of the National Education Association.
Nearly 6,000 NEA elected delegates to NEA’s virtual Representative Assembly (RA), which was conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 crisis, cast mail-in ballots electing a new NEA president, vice president and secretary-treasurer.
The newly elected leaders are taking the helm of NEA during an unprecedented time for our students, schools, and communities. COVID-19 closed school buildings across our nation this spring, and now school communities are wrestling with incredibly difficult decisions as they return to learning.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new light on the many inequities embedded into our systems. As your vice president, I pledge my full attention and energy to ensuring safe learning spaces for all students and educators, and to bridging these inequities,” said Moss. “We must be unapologetic and relentless in fighting for our diverse population of students so that they receive the support they need to ensure their success.”
A champion of children and public education at the local, state, and national levels, Moss distinguished herself for 6 years as NEA secretary-treasurer. Previously, she also served two terms on the NEA Executive Committee, where she participated in the Elementary and Secondary Education (ESEA) Advisory Committee, steering the Association’s strategy for the law’s pending reauthorization, and the Dropout Prevention Advisory Committee, helping develop relevant tools for NEA members.
“Princess is an amazing leader who cares deeply about every child in America,” said outgoing NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia. “She sees the potential in every student—and every educator—and has made it her mission to give them all opportunities to succeed.”
Every student, regardless of where they live, or their race or family’s income, can grow up to be a successful teacher, scientists, future entrepreneur, Moss believes — if students and educators are provided with the support and resources they need. “America’s public schools continue to face many challenges and need our help more than ever to ensure student success,” said Moss.
With Moss as president from 2005-2008, the 62,000-member Virginia Education Association increased its membership and advocated successfully for greater investment in public education at the state and local levels. She also served as VEA vice president and on the Board of Directors for NEA and VEA for more than 10 years.
In 2006, Moss was tapped by Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine to serve on the Commonwealth's P-16 Education Council, tasked with coordinating education reform from preschool through higher education. She also served on the Executive Committee of the Foundation for Virginia, a 501(c)4 bipartisan coalition of organizations, business leaders, and public officials promoting a better future by ensuring quality education, public safety, and other priorities. Through her wide range of experiences, she has developed a recognized expertise on women's issues, minority concerns, political action, school finance, and professional development.
Moss earned her bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Mary Washington, and received the university’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2006. She also earned a master's degree in elementary and secondary administration and supervision from the University of Virginia.
Moss will join newly elected President Becky Pringle and Secretary-Treasurer Noel Candelaria at the helm of NEA. The new leadership team will head the nation’s largest labor union.
Currently finishing her second term as NEA secretary-treasurer, Moss will assume her new duties on September 1, 2020.
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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
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