Contact: Chris
Chesrown
Media Relations Manager
480-731-8503
For Immediate Release
BUSINESS AND EDUCATION
LEADERS TO BUILD PARTNERSHIPS IN ADDRESSING TEACHER SHORTAGE
Mission Q2: Increasing the Quantity of Quality Teachers
February 7, 2002 - Building on the premise that quality teachers keep kids in school, which impacts the workforce and enhances our economy, affecting our quality of life… business and educators are, together, actively seeking ways to address the pre-K-12 teacher shortage. The community forum, Mission Q2: Increasing the Quantity of Quality Teachers, will bring prominent figures in education and business together to discuss problems and possible solutions.
Study after study shows how our nation, and our growing state, faces a gargantuan task in attracting and keeping quality teachers. Those same studies, and others, illustrate further the negative impact this shortage could have on every aspect of our lives.
On Friday, February 22, 2002, the Teacher Education Partnership Commission and the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce are taking an active step to turn the tide. The community forum will feature a keynote from Jaime Molera, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, who will discuss how quality teachers will impact Arizona's future. Jack Henry, Chairman of the Governor's Task Force on Efficiency and Accountability in K-12 Education will also deliver a keynote address on "Strengthening the Workforce and Economy."
A panel discussion will focus on the need for business and education partnerships and feature insights from Mary Jo Waits of the Morrison Institute, sharing conclusions from the report "Five Shoes Waiting to Drop on Arizona;" State Senate President Randall Gnant will share legislative perspectives; Motorola's Manager of Workforce Development and Education, Barbara Clark will present partnership successes; Dr. Paul Mohr, Superintendent of Phoenix Elementary District #1 and John Mulcahy, Arizona's 2001 Teacher of the Year will offer educational viewpoints.
Hundreds of participants will then break into discussion groups to talk about issues and suggest possible solutions. The outcomes of this forum are expected to lay the groundwork for new programs and policies.
Mission Q2 will be held from 7:30am-11:30am at the Heard Museum, Steele Auditorium.
The Teacher Education Partnership Commission was established by the Maricopa Community Colleges in 2000 and is dedicated to addressing preK-12 teacher recruitment, preparation and retention issues and developing innovative programs and services. Members include over 45 business, education, government and community leaders.
The Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation. It includes 10 colleges, several satellite campuses and business/industry, technical and customized training institutes serving more than 277,000 students annually. For more information: 480-731-8000 or www.maricopa.edu
Established in 1888 and representing more than 4,600 companies with 400,000 employees, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is Arizona's oldest and largest chamber. It now features affiliations with the Greater Phoenix Black, North Phoenix and South Mountain/Laveen Chambers of Commerce. The Chamber supports the growth and development of business and the quality of life of our community, champions the voice of business in government, and keeps businesses informed, connected and prosperous.
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March 13, 2002