Robert Varela Rodriguez

Robert Varela Rodriguez is a special education teacher in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Delegates re-elected Robert to the National Education Association (NEA) Executive Committee for a second three-year term in July 2022.   

A passionate educator and longtime union activist, Robert has represented California on the NEA Board of Directors for six years, served three years on the NEA Budget Committee and completed a two-year term on the CTA Board of Directors. He served for three years as the president of the San Bernardino Teachers Association and three years as vice president. During his 18 years of teaching, Robert has worked at the elementary, middle school, special day class and resource specialist levels.

Robert believes that only through organizing and collective action can we effect real and lasting change for educators, students, and public education.  He is committed to ensuring that every student - regardless of their race, zip code, or economic status - has access to great public schools. Robert received his bachelor’s degree in science and a master’s degree in education from California State University, San Bernardino.

The NEA Executive Committee consists of nine members – three executive officers and six members elected at-large by the Representative Assembly. The committee is responsible for general policy and interests of NEA and acts for the NEA Board of Directors in between its four regularly scheduled meetings each year. 

The National Education Association is the nation’s largest labor union and professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and aspiring educators.