Dayton wins NEA award

The National Education Association honored Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton today by naming him "America's Greatest Education Governor" for 2012.

NEA officials presented the award to Dayton during the teacher union's representative assembly in Washington, DC. An NEA news release said the annual award recognizes and honors governors who have made major, state-level education strides that improve public schools.

"Gov. Dayton has repeatedly stood strong for Minnesota's students and schools," said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. "He has kept his promise to make education a top priority of his administration by increasing education funding and focusing on our earliest learners. We are pleased to honor Gov. Dayton with the America's Greatest Education Governor Award. We are grateful for his continued commitment to students and the education professionals who work in schools and classrooms."

The release noted Dayton's signing of an education policy bill that includes a provision to require school districts to pay teachers their full salary while on a military leave.

Dayton is the fifth recipient of the award. Last year, the NEA honored Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear.

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