( CNN ) -- A year earlier than usual , the nation 's largest teachers union on Monday endorsed President Barack Obama for re-election in 2012 . The National Education Association , which represents 3.2 million teachers and administrators , approved the recommendation from its political action committee at its annual meeting in Chicago . Obama `` shares our vision for a stronger America , '' NEA President Dennis Van Roekel said in a statement issued by the group . `` He has never wavered from talking about the importance of education or his dedication to a vibrant middle class . '' Since taking office in 2009 , Obama has championed education reform and used stimulus money to help keep teachers employed . Now he is calling for maintaining or increasing spending on education despite negotiating federal budget cuts . However , not all of the Obama administration 's education policies have pleased the union , particularly its support for charter schools and continued reliance on standardized testing to assess performance . The NEA statement said the organization usually waits until the summer of an election year to endorse a candidate . This year , it did so earlier than normal `` in order to provide early and strong support to help ensure the election of a candidate who is on the side of students and working families . '' Calling a conservative swing in state legislatures and the November 2010 congressional elections `` eye-opening , '' Van Roekel said the nation `` can not sacrifice our students ' futures by shortchanging them now . '' `` There are two very distinct visions for this country , '' Van Roekel said in the statement . `` One is about opportunities for all and one is not . '' Vice President Joe Biden addressed the meeting on Sunday and pledged continued support for public education . Biden cited anti-union efforts by Republican governors in Wisconsin and other states who blamed benefits for school teachers as a cause of their budget deficits . `` We should working with you , not against you , '' Biden said to applause . `` We should be listening to you , not lecturing to you . We should be embracing you , not pushing you aside . You are not the problem . '' He concluded by telling the NEA delegates that they `` should have no doubt about my affection for you and the president 's commitment to you . '' CNN 's Tom Cohen contributed to this report .
The National Education Association makes its choice a year earlier than usual . Vice President Biden spoke to the group the day before its vote . Comment: