U.S. Senator Whitehouse Receives Congressional Voice for Children Award

To be Recognized during National PTA Event
at Nation’s Capital; March 7-8

ALEXANDRIA, VA. (March 6, 2012)—National PTA® this week is recognizing U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) for receiving the National PTA Congressional Voice for Children Award.

Since taking office in 2007, Senator Whitehouse – a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee – has been a steadfast supporter of family engagement, including cosponsoring the 2011 Family Engagement in Education Act in the current session of Congress.  Senator Whitehouse is also a champion of the middle school grades, dating back to his time as Rhode Island’s Attorney General.  

Senator Whitehouse will be recognized, along with U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-5),  this week during National PTA’s® Legislative Conference (March 7-8) in Washington, DC.

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.

In addition, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will also meet with National PTA leaders and discuss the state of education during a special keynote address. 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.

About the Congressional Voice for Children Award

The National PTA Congressional Voice for Children Award is given to two Members of Congress each year (bicameral, bipartisan) in recognition of outstanding leadership related to child and education advocacy.