Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/154758
AROUND AEA Education Nation, cont. from page 11 in Phoenix and the state of Arizona," said Soraya Gage, General Manager of Education Nation. Coverage on 12 News, the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com continued throughout the week, highlighting examples of innovation in schools. "All of us at 12 News are pleased to be working with NBC News on this important initiative," said John Misner, "Arizona's rhetoric and Chief Operating Officer, Republic Media & General Manager, 12 News. "The education goals are up 12 News journalists, along with their here but our funding is colleagues at the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, work every day to address down here." critical community needs. Thoughtful —Joe Thomas, AEA education conversation and forums for Vice-President solutions are clearly at a critical point and we are grateful to be a part of Education Nation." In addition to these events, from April 29May 10, the "Education Nation" bus travelled throughout the region collecting new and gently used books that will be donated to Reach Out and Read Arizona. "Education Nation Phoenix" is supported by Lead Sponsor Helios Education Foundation, Supporting Sponsor University of Phoenix, and Knowledge Partners the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Expect More Arizona, and NBC Learn. "Education Nation" seeks to create a thoughtful, well-informed dialogue with policy makers, thought leaders, educators, parents, and the public, in pursuit of the shared goal of providing every American with an opportunity to achieve the best education in the world. These discussions cover the challenges, potential solutions, and innovations spanning the education landscape. By providing quality information to the public, NBC News hopes to provide information to Americans so they can make decisions about how best to improve our education system both in the near and long terms, and to shine a spotlight on one of the most urgent national issues of our time. 2 Cluster Meetings Connect Association Leaders Local association presidents in the southern region of Arizona meet monthly; however, this part of the state covers a large geographic area and the distance can be a barrier for some members. In an effort to break down this barrier and keep local association leaders connected to the organization and with each other, Cochise County local leaders held their first cluster meeting this past spring. Fall.13advo.indd 12 Participants from Sierra Vista CTA, Douglas EA, Benson EA, Fort Huachuca EA, and Wilcox EA have attended the meetings hosted by Sierra Vista CTA at Buena High School. About 20 members have shown up to each meeting. Information from the Southern Region Presidents' Meeting is shared and members are given an opportunity to talk about issues impacting their needs and interests. Topics have included membership strategies and goals, Prop 301, legislative contacts and updates, new teacher evaluations, Common Core Standards, PARCC Assessment, eSWAG, professional development and training opportunities in the Tucson area, and bargaining settlements. So far, three cluster meetings have been held and additional meetings are planned for later this year. 2 12 Fall 2013 x AEA Advocate 8/7/13 2:35 PM