Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/154758
AROUND AEA AEA Participates in Panel Discussions Education Nation On-the-Road Comes to Phoenix In an effort to continue the national conversation about how to help prepare America's students for success, NBC News brought "Education Nation On-The-Road" to Phoenix on May 2, 2013. During the week, NBC News, 12 News, and Telemundo Phoenix aired education-focused programming and hosted a series of special events that brought Arizona-area business and civic leaders, elected officials, educators, parents, and students together to share information, exchange ideas, and inspire change. "We need to ensure our young people have every opportunity to succeed in today's 21st-century, global economy," said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. "I am excited to welcome NBC News and Education Nation to Phoenix to shine a spotlight on this important issue. We're working hard to support the dreams of our students – from early literacy and afterschool programs, to college readiness and job training initiatives. Improving our schools and strengthening academic achievement will lead to a stronger economic future for Phoenix, our citizens, and our state." NBC News, 12 News, and Telemundo Phoenix hosted a Phoenix Summit on May 3, with a series of panels including: "What Arizona Wants: Raising the Bar in Education," "Early Literacy: Sowing Seeds for Success," "K-12: Improving the Outcome," and "Job One: Preparing Arizona to Compete in the 21stCentury Economy." The Summit was hosted by NBC News Chief White House Correspondent and Political Director Chuck Todd, NBC News Chief Education Correspondent Rehema Ellis, 12 News Anchor/Reporter Kim Covington, 12 News Today anchors Fay Fredricks and Doug Meehan, and Noticiero Arizona News Anchor/ Reporter Patricia Batres. AEA Vice-President Joe Thomas participated in the K-12: Improving the Outcome panel with Arizona House Speaker Andy Tobin, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal, and Arizona Senator Leah Landrum Taylor. "Arizona's rhetoric and Fall.13advo.indd 11 education goals are up here but our funding is down here," stated Thomas. AEA member Leticia Rodriguez-Davis participated in the What Arizona Wants: Raising the Bar in Education panel. On May 4, Rehema Ellis, 12 News' Covington, and Noticiero Arizona's Batres hosted a Teacher Town Hall – a unique educator-only forum that brought together local teachers of all levels for a frank and open discussion about what works in the classroom and how to address the top challenges facing the region's education system. AEA members Nancie Lindblom, Daniela Robles, and Cheryl Redfield were featured speakers during the town hall. Teachers participated in-person or online with the ability to provide comments and feedback through Education Nation website and social media platforms. Visit EducationNation. com to view video of the summit and town hall. "The 'Education Nation On-The-Road' tour has engaged communities across the country to come together and try to find solutions to both local and national education issues. We are excited to partner with the 12 News team to expand the dialogue and bring ideas to the public about how education can be improved (L to R) NBC Political Director Chuck Todd, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal, Senator Leah Landrum Taylor, and AEA Vice President Joe Thomas take part in a panel for NBC's Education Nation. Continued on next page AEA Advocate x Fall 2013 11 8/7/13 2:35 PM