Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/477223
AEA Advocate | Spring 2015 13 AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA or a hot room because the air conditioning isn't working properly, Loredo said. "Ongoing conversations, plus viewing what is actually happening in classrooms, may just make a few legislators think twice about their votes and priorities moving forward." Loredo also stated that public education is at a pivotal point. "In Arizona, K-12 education makes up 41 percent of the state budget—the largest chunk—yet it's still not nearly enough funding due to all the cuts that have occurred since 2009. If we don't actively engage public policy makers now, frankly it's 'shame on us' for sitting on the sidelines. Educators' working conditions are students' learning conditions... it's time to tell our stories," she urged. n AROUND AEA Heidi Ann Garcia, PhD Phoenix Union CTA member and North High School teacher Today, Senator Katie Hobbs came to my school. It was a very successful day! She was able to see different students in different scenarios, see special programs, and enjoy students, teachers and parents. She was invited to give a presentation in the Government class and in the AVID class. At the end, the principal gave her an honorary diploma. She is now a graduate from North! I had complete support from the administration and from the teachers. Senator Hobbs agreed in meeting next Monday for debriefi ng. It was an incredible experience. I think that she grasped the idea that we are here to support her regarding education issues. Beth Maloney Dysart EA member and past Arizona Teacher of the Year Representative Phil Lovas came to visit the students, staff, and parents of Sunset Hills Elementary School in the Dysart Unifi ed School District in Surprise. His host, Beth Maloney, taught a lesson on citizenship while Rep. Lovas observed with a list of specifi c teaching points and things to watch for, such as how Maloney checks for understanding, makes learning mandatory, and differentiation strategies for the 5th graders in her exceptional needs classroom. Rep. Lovas then received a school tour led by 8th grade National Junior Honor Society representatives. He also met with school administration and parent leaders to discuss various issues important to all stakeholders. The visit was a successful step toward establishing relationships between education leaders and policy makers. Cheryl Redfi eld Gilbert EA member and Teacherpreneur at the Center for Teaching Quality Today's visit with Representative Coleman at Highland Junior High School was rewarding as well as enlightening. Doug Coleman closed a Socratic Seminar by sharing the importance of their [students'] voice. He will return next semester to share in a lesson on campaigns. He also supports my efforts with CTQ to encourage colleagues to share their success stories around Common Core with their students' families. My administrators, Dr. Christina Kishimoto (Superintendent ) and Marcie Taylor (Principal), also shared in the visit. TYLTS proved a great way for them to meet Doug Coleman and together make the event memorable. A great day was had by all! Take Your Legislator to School Learn more at facebook.com/tyltsaz. Read about the experiences of AEA members who participated this fi rst year: Representative Phil Lovas visited AEA member Beth Maloney's 5th grade class at Sunset Hills Elementary School, where he watched a lesson on citizenship and spoke to students and took their questions.