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Presidential Citizens Medal Recipient Don Cameron
NEA's Don Cameron Receives Presidential Citizens Medal
Washington, D.C. -- Don Cameron, executive director of the National Education Association (NEA) for 17 years, was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal at a White House ceremony on Monday, January 8 for dedicating his life to improving America's public education system.
Cameron started his education career as a teacher of American and World History in Birmingham, Michigan. He moved on to become executive director of the Birmingham Education Association, executive director of the Michigan Education Association and executive director of NEA's Florida affiliate before starting at NEA headquarters in Washington in 1979 as assistant executive director. He became executive director of the organization in 1983 and retired last month at the age of 62. During his time as executive director of the NEA, the organization nearly doubled, growing by more than 1 million members.
Bob Chase, president of the NEA, called Cameron "a pioneer and visionary" for the NEA and public education itself.
"Don Cameron is an outstanding citizen. He has been a strong voice for education since his earliest days in the classroom," Chase said. "The NEA applauds Don for this prestigious honor. America's public education system is better because he has been part of it."
The Presidential Citizens Medal was established on Nov. 13, 1969, by Executive Order 11494. The medal is awarded by the President of the United States to U.S. citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for our nation. The medal may be bestowed by the President upon any citizen of the United States and may be conferred posthumously.
The 27 other honorees at Monday's ceremony were recognized for their remarkable service and accomplishments in a variety of areas including civil rights, medicine and health, human rights, religion, education, sports, disability advocacy, government service, and the environment. Recipients of the award include Muhammad Ali, Henry "Hank" Aaron, Ronald Brown, Robert Rubin, and Elizabeth Taylor.
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The National Education Association is the nations largest professional employee organization, representing more than 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support personnel, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.
CITATION:
A powerful voice for students and teachers, Don Cameron has worked with a pioneering spirit to address the challenges facing Americas public schools. As Executive Director of the National Education Association and as Founding Co-Chair of the CEO Forum on Education and Technology, he has strived for almost 2 decades to ensure students have the talented teachers and technological skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.
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Citizens Medal History
