Vision for Position

I’m asking you to put your trust in me, Lindsey Smith, by electing me as NEA Director. I have the heart of an advocate and I will continue to amplify your voices and share your stories. Sharing our collective voice with decision makers will ensure positive outcomes for educators, public schools and the extraordinary students that we serve in Idaho.

As educators, we improve the quality of public education when we unite and advocate collectively. NEA Directors make critical decisions about association policy. If elected to this position, I will ensure that Idaho is represented throughout the nation as I help administer decisions made by delegates of the NEA Representative Assembly (the NEA’s highest decision-making body). I will also serve as a direct line of communication and you will remain informed about what is happening at the national level. NEA Directors are the voice of their constituencies. I may be from the North, but I am committed to ALL regions of the IEA and will listen to your concerns and seek to understand all perspectives. 

For many years, I have been working with educators across the country to create policy changes by leveraging the power of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and claiming our rightful seats at the table. For the past decade, I have been working with NEA Education Policy and Practice, side by side with many of our current NEA Directors from other states. Together, we mentor and guide educators as they change policy and practice to benefit their communities. The insight and experience that I have gained from my many association roles have prepared me as an optimistic leader who deeply believes that, “We can fix this!” We have the tools to transform policy and practice at the local, state, and national levels and create real change in our schools. My member focused vision will ensure that our Idaho voice is heard!

I have a profound understanding of how to take initiatives from the national level and adapt them to fit our unique mission and vision in Idaho. My many NEA roles throughout the last decade have provided me with the opportunity to stand as a founding member of both the IEA Early Career Educator Committee and the thriving IEA Leaders for Just Schools program. I am proud of the work we have done to support educators and create the equitable public schools that our students deserve.

It will be an honor to lead with you and continue to share your stories on behalf of public education in Idaho.