Statement from Edward J. McElroy,
President of the American Federation of Teachers,
on President Bush's Nomination of Margaret Spellings
as the U.S. Secretary of Education

Washington, D.C.— We in the AFT look forward to working with Margaret Spellings upon her confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Education. In our dealings with her, she has been accessible, open and willing to listen.

Certainly, one challenge in meeting our shared goal of better education for all will be correcting the fundamental problems of the No Child Left Behind Act. But the nation faces a host of other challenges that are outside the scope of the law, including better working conditions and compensation to attract and keep good teachers; better preparation for those entering the profession; and greater access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education. We are sure the good working relationship we have had with Ms. Spellings will continue, and the AFT is ready to work with Ms. Spellings and others in the administration who share our goal of ensuring that all students have access to the high-quality education they deserve.

# # # #