Nation’s Parents Take to Capitol Hill in Fight for Education Reform

U.S. Ed Secretary to Meet with Parent Leaders
at National Event; March 7-8

ALEXANDRIA, VA. (March 6, 2012)—Hundreds of parent leaders representing their respective U.S. states will gather in Washington, DC to train and advocate on behalf our nation’s children with members of Congress this week. In addition, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will also meet with National PTA leaders and discuss the state of education during a keynote address at National PTA’s® Legislative Conference (March 7-8) at the Doubletree Hotel Crystal City – National Airport (300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA).  

National PTA, the nation’s largest child advocacy association representing millions of parents across the country, will also recognize the recipients of the National PTA Congressional Voice for Children Award and the 2012 Advocacy Awards recipients during the two-day conference.

A list of the event highlights, including award recipients, is below:

    Keynote Address
    Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education
    When: Wednesday, March 7th, 12 p.m. (during luncheon)
    Where: Doubletree Hotel Crystal City – National Airport; 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA; Crystal Ballroom, Lobby Level

    2012 Advocacy Awards
    Congressional Voice for Children

        Recipient: U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
        Recipient: U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-5)

    Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Award

        Recipient: Amy Zink (European Congress)

    Local/District/Regional PTA Outstanding Advocacy Award

        Recipient: Duval County Council of PTAs (Florida)

    State PTA Outstanding Advocacy Award

        Recipient: California PTA

The two-day conference provides ‘grasstop’ leaders from across the country an in-depth look at the latest National PTA Public Policy Agenda through a series of workshops, skill building trainings, panel discussions and guest speakers. Parent leaders will then visit with congressional leaders to advocate for effective family engagement in education and equity and opportunity in education for all children.

For more information about the National PTA Legislative Conference, please visit www.pta.org.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.