The Purpose – Articles of Incorporation

The following are the listed purposes for DMEA from our Articles of Incorporation:

– To work for the welfare of school children, the advancement of education, and the improvement of instructional opportunities for all.

– To unify and strengthen the teaching profession.

– To represent appropriate employees of the Des Moines Independent Community School District in their employment relations and to secure and maintain the salaries, retirement benefits, tenure, professional and sick leave, and other working conditions of all members.

– To develop and promote the adoption of ethical practices, personnel policies, and standards of preparation and participation as a mark of a profession.

– To enable members to speak with a common voice on matters pertaining to the teaching profession and to represent their individual and common interests before the Board of Education and other legal authorities.

– To support and strengthen DMEA, ISEA, and NEA through participation and understanding of the programs and goals.

– To create in the community at large a more concerned interest in an understanding of the education program.

The Beliefs – Professional Educators Creed

DMEA members also developed a “Professional Educators Creed” that gives voice to what we as education professionals stand for:

As a professional educator, I believe that education is a noble profession with the power to transform lives and empower human beings to thrive and improve our democratic society and diverse, changing world. I help change the world and create our future. I understand the unique privilege and accept the great responsibility that comes with this charge. To the best of my ability, I will…

• Act on the belief that all students are unique, have worth, and can improve their lives and their world.

• Support and protect the right of every student to a free, quality, public education with meaningful and equitable opportunities to learn.

• Provide an education directed toward the development of the dimensions of human potential and personality.

• Educate with the understanding that public education is the cornerstone of a free and functioning democratic society.

• Provide rich, meaningful, engaging, and challenging experiences that empower the whole person to think, communicate, and interact so they can improve their lives and the lives of others.

• Create caring, supported, and democratic learning communities that ensure the rights of all students are respected, including those who lack the means to make their needs known.

• Provide an education that strengthens respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of all human beings.

• Eliminate ignorance and further understanding and caring.

• Advocate for the well being of students and families.

• Collaborate constructively with colleagues to improve the craft of educating and to build the learning communities that benefit the growth and development of all.

• Collaborate with our school communities and others to inform and shape healthy deliberations about the future of our schools.

• Actively resist and work to change policies and practices that devalue or harm students, the education profession, or public education.

• Exercise my professional judgment independently to benefit students.

• Never cease seeking further education for my continual growth.