Part 1 Education in Arizona

Education is a fundamental building block of a prosperous and peaceful society.

Funding as seen by the recent teacher strike and #redfored movement is one of the issues that face the Education community in Arizona, but it isn’t the only issue. Dr. Eileen Borris led a dialogues session where women leaders in the community gathered to share their thoughts on the important issues of Education. The Dialogue session was part 1 of a 3 part series addressing Education in Arizona this summer. Below is a sampling of the dialogue questions and responses.

What is at the heart of the matter for education in AZ?

Time it takes to have issues resolved
Complex systems issue
We lack Inclusiveness in solving the issues
Lack of respect for the profession
Retention and development of passionate teachers
Need strong leadership: passion, vision, drives change
Systemic issues that we are looking at in isolation—impacts economic future, housing, poverty, business-need to look at holistically
People who need it the most, are left behind

What are the major issues concerning the future of education in AZ?

That there is limited big business to support education; lack systems thinkers
Fight for funds every year
System has been in the comfort zone. General public does not like change, Change attitude needed in the community and with legislature
Dynamics of child has changed-need to address different needs, behaviors of children-social, technological, behavioral

What are your Hopes and dreams about the future of Education in AZ?

That AZ is not at the bottom for Education
More inclusive and positive political experience between politics and educators
Teachers won’t have to work multiple jobs to stay in the classroom
Psychologically safe environments for learning where no kid is lost for violence

What Actions would you like to see taken?

Business agreements/partnership with public schools
Produce a life long learner: things beyond the classroom, the test/ratings.
Is this a women’s issue? More Women teachers, passion of the person, salary low.
Social, economical, societal building block impact taught to legislatures and public
Transparency of funding and budgets and goals

What did you learn today that was meaningful?

There is hope because there are people who care
Very complex issue and will not be a simple answer
Would have liked to see more teachers here to learn from others leaders that we are not normally exposed to.
There are very smart women who can make a difference
Education is healing -the individual and community; Education is power
One voice does make a difference

Part 2 participants will co-create actions teams around education issues. We invite all who have a sincere desire to improve education in Arizona to attend.

#athenaleaders