"A National Treasure"

Last July, at the convention of the American Federation of Teachers in Washington, DC, an emotionally charged video captured for the 4,000 delegates some of the remarkable highlights from the stunning career of retiring AFT president Sandra Feldman.

In May she had announced she would step down because of "ongoing treatment for breast cancer," and the video, described by incoming AFT president Edward J. McElroy as a "through-the-years look" at her career, kept the audience subdued but spellbound.

Whether she was shown debating former Secretary of Education William Bennett or former New York Senator Al D'Amato - and whether it was on CNN or "Meet The Press" - the video captured the essence of Sandra Feldman. She's clearly - as if we didn't know - a passionate, composed, articulate, cool, smiling and unwavering advocate for teachers and kids.

Following the video, incoming AFT president Ed McElroy, flashing a conspiratorial grin, announced that a surprise guest wanted to "have the last word."

With that cue, and to tumultuous applause, Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy strode on stage to give a rousing and very personal testimonial to Sandra Feldman's leadership.

"Sandy has not just led a union," he said. "She has led a movement, inspiring us to expect more and demand the best. It's Sandy's great legacy to all, a legacy of hope, optimism and dedication."

"We'll continue the journey," Kennedy told the roaring crowd. "You are a national treasure, and just as you have always been there when we needed you most, we will always be there for you. We love you, Sandy," he almost shouted, as the crowd leaped to its feet. "We love you very much."

Sandra Feldman's column, "Teacher to Teacher," appeared in this magazine for the first time in September 2002, and her last column appeared in this September's issue.

Taking her place on our pages, as he has taken her place as president of the 1.3 million-member AFT, is Edward J. McElroy. You'll find his new column on page 6.

Sandy, and now Ed, are filling a "Special Editorial Niche" previously occupied by only two other individuals during the 33 years of our existence. The first was Dr. James E. Allen, Jr., for 15 years the Education Commissioner for New York State and then, under President Richard Nixon, the United States Commissioner of Education.

Jim was Chairman of our Editorial Advisory Board as we launched this magazine in 1971, and brought with him a stable of nationwide educational experts who were our inspiration - an awesome and rewarding experience for Patricia Broderick, and for me.

The second person to fill our "Special Editorial Niche" was Richard Riley who, as Secretary of Education under president Bill Clinton, wrote for us throughout his eight years in the post.

Dick Riley could have written for any magazine or any newspaper in the country, but he wrote for Teaching K-8 because he wanted to reach talented, committed, dedicated, exceptional teachers like you.

Sandy - and now Ed - belong in the same "Special Editorial Niche" as Jim Alien and Dick Reilly. Special educators. Special friends.

Allen A. Raymond

Copyright Early Years, Inc. Oct 2004
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