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.
Register to participate in the 2nd session on June 7th from 11:00-1:00pm click here
#athenaleaders
