John Stocks, agraduate of Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, was named ExecutiveDirector of the National Education Association (NEA) on September 1, 2011. Previously, he served as deputy executivedirector of NEA from 2004-2011. Asdeputy, Mr. Stocks was responsible for setting NEA’s policy, political andmembership priorities. Under hisleadership, new alliances were built to advance public education and NEA memberswere mobilized in support of improving the federal No Child Left Behind law.
From 1990-2004, Mr. Stocks servedas assistant executive director for public affairs at the Wisconsin EducationAssociation Council (WEAC). In thatposition, he had oversight for the Association’s public relations, legislative,political action, and teaching and learning departments. During his tenure at WEAC,the organization supported legislative efforts to expand early childhoodeducation, improve student achievement, lower class sizes and ensurecomprehensive standards for teachers.
Mr. Stocks’ commitment to socialjustice has been evidenced in many of the roles he has played throughout hiscareer. Prior to joining WEAC, he servedas executive director of Idaho Fair Share, a grassroots citizen actionorganization dedicated to keeping utility rates affordable for workingfamilies, and he spearheaded legislation on behalf of low and moderate incomeutility ratepayers. In 1988, Mr. Stocksran for the Idaho state senate, defeating a four-term incumbent. Hislegislative record includes successfully shepherding a bill to improveprotections for people facing bankruptcy due to family medical crises. He servedas chief architect of the Idaho Senate Democrats’ re-election plans, securingseven new Senate seats and protecting all incumbents over three electioncycles. Mr. Stocks has been honored bythe Midwest Academy, a grassroots training institute with a long tradition ofpreparing progressive leaders. He was also honored by the Ballot InitiativeStrategy Center for his innovative work in ballot measure campaigning, winningdifficult battles in support of students, educators and the middle class.