Leadership that Listens, Acts, and Delivers
The belief that all students have the right to a high-quality public education regardless of where they live, what their family status is, or what they require to be successful is what led me to become an educator and what guides my decision to run for CTA NEA Director, District 12. Now, even more than when I became an educator 15 years ago, there is urgent need to unite and work to defend, strengthen, and ensure equitable public education for all students. As NEA Director, I will work to build strong partnerships across NEA to address critical issues, including the erosion of students’ civil rights, the more than 50-year failure to fully fund IDEA, fight ongoing efforts to privatize public education, and ensuring that educators’ compensation and working conditions support the delivery of equitable, high-quality education for every student. Additionally, it is time for our union to formally recognize and actively support members with disabilities as an underrepresented group and to advance disability justice within our education system. I will be representing you. I am committed to listening, learning, and relying on you to help inform the issues that most effect your work and your local communities. I will listen, act, and deliver for CTA.
Nancy Massone
STA secretary, CTA delegate
Throughout the last 5 years—and long before—I have seen Dr. Laurie Crawford demonstrate a deep and unwavering commitment to advocating for students and educators with special needs. She has been an active member of our local union bargaining team, where she worked diligently to ensure reasonable caseload limits for teachers and appropriate overage compensation when those limits are exceeded.
After being elected as our local’s State Council Delegate, Laurie immediately began authoring New Business Items (NBIs). In her second year, she reached out to the Communications Committee to successfully advocate for the recognition of Disability Pride Month in July. Her advocacy efforts were also highlighted in CTA Magazine, which featured an article recognizing her leadership and impact.
Laurie is approachable, grounded, and—most importantly—an exceptional listener who genuinely values the voices of others. For these reasons, I strongly believe Laurie Crawford is the ideal candidate for NEA Director for District 12.
Stacy Williams
Ed. Specialist mild/moderate, CTA delegate, NEA-RA delegate, CEEC member, IDEA Alliance member
I’m proud to support Dr. Laurie Crawford for NEA Director District 12 because she is the kind of leader our profession needs. Through our work together in the IDEA Alliance and the CTA Caucus for Educators of Exceptional Children, I’ve seen firsthand her passion, her brilliance, and her unwavering commitment to equity in education.
Dr. Crawford is a champion for students with disabilities and a fierce advocate for the teachers who serve them. She is especially devoted to elevating the experiences of educators who themselves have disabilities—an area where her leadership, empathy, and insight are unmatched. She makes every room more inclusive simply by being in it.
What I admire most is her ability to bring people together. She listens deeply, asks the right questions, and never loses sight of who we are fighting for: our students. Her leadership is grounded, honest, and driven by purpose.
NEA needs a compassionate, courageous, and knowledgeable leader—and Dr. Laurie Crawford embodies all of these qualities. It is a privilege to stand behind her.
Radha Bala
Early Childhood special education teacher, CTA delegate
I have known Laurie for a few years now and I support her as our next District 12 NEA leader. Vote for Dr. Laurie Crawford. She is authentic, passionate and a great advocate.
