Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/426191
AEA Advocate x Winter 2014/15 13 AROUND AEA Lily Eskelsen García, the newly elected president of the National Education Association (NEA)—the nation's largest union of educators—came to Tucson on October 30, 2014, as part of a six-day blitz to pound the pavement with educators and candidates and kick into high gear the Association's get-out- the-vote operation before Election Day. In addition to Arizona, Eskelsen García also visited Colorado, Michigan, Florida, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. "This is one of the most critical elections in recent memory," said Eskelsen García. "From Washington to state houses to school boards, there's too much at stake to sit on the sidelines. That's why I am joining educators in rolling up our sleeves and pounding the pavement to encourage voters to go to the polls on November 4. Our votes matter, our voices matter. Educating our students is the most important investment we can make in our future. We know that whom we elect to office matters. And we need to elect leaders who will make quality public education for every student a top priority." During her visit to Tucson, Eskelsen García met with AEA members, community leaders, and the press and discussed the issues affecting education today including the over-testing of students, charter schools, the importance of school equity and providing the right support for English Language Learners (ELL). Eskelsen García, a former Utah Teacher of the Year, started her career as a lunch lady and now heads the 3 million-member NEA, which is the parent organization of the Arizona Education Association. Eskelsen García attended a luncheon with Attorney General candidate Felecia Rotellini and AEA President Andrew F. Morrill and met with AEA-Retired members and education supporters. Afterwards Eskelsen García met with canvassers from Mi Familia Vota and heard their inspiring stories of hope. Tucson educators were fired up to hear Eskelsen García at the Get Out the Vote rally held at Tucson Magnet High School. "You don't punish lawmakers by staying home. You punish them by showing up." TEA member NEA's First-Ever Latina President Visits Tucson to Talk Education, Immigration Issues and Get Out the Vote in Election 2014 Continued on page 15