Members in the News
The world of politics and, specifically, education politics is constantly changing. Read the latest news updates on topics related to education, politics, and Teach For America alumni.
LAUSD Board to Hold Off on Cuts to Pre-K and the Arts Thanks to Motion Proposed by Steve Zimmer (Los Angeles, ’92)
Daily News Los Angeles, Feb 15, 2012
The LAUSD board unanimously approved a motion submitted by LEE member Steve Zimmer (Los Angeles ’92) to hold off on cuts that could have ended Pre-K, the arts, or adult education for at least one more month while they seek other options.
Op-Ed: How to Grade a Teacher
Los Angeles Times, Feb 10, 2012
Kyle Hunsberger (Los Angeles ’04), Los Angeles Unified School District math teacher, Teach Plus Teaching Policy Fellow, and LEE member argues teacher evaluation, including the use of reliable test data, can be good for students and teachers.
Three LEE Members Testify on Behalf of a Bill to End Seniority-Based Layoffs at the Minneapolis Statehouse
TwinCities.com, Feb 6, 2012
LEE Members Erin Gavin (Twin Cities ’09), Sarah Schultes (Twin Cities ’09), and Jennifer Flood (Bay Area ’97), testified on behalf of a bill that would end seniority-based layoffs in the Minneapolis School System. Proponents argue that the policy disproportionately affects schools with large populations of low-income students and students of color because those schools tend to employ more novice teachers.
Natasha Kamrani (Houston, ’91) Named President of the Nashville Public Education Foundation
The City Paper, Jan 23, 2012
Former teacher, attorney, and school board member Natasha Kamrani (Houston, ’91) was recently named president of the Nashville Public Education Foundation, a nonprofit working to identify opportunities for private investment in public education initiatives.
San Carlos School Board Appoints Elliott and Farley (Los Angeles, '91) to Fill Vacancies
The Daily News, Jan 17, 2012
The San Carlos school board Thursday night chose LEE member Kathleen Farley (Los Angeles, '91) to join it by serving the remaining terms of two trustees elected to different posts last November.
Editorial: John White (Greater Newark, '99) Appointment as Louisiana Education Superintendent Assures Continuity for Reforms
The Times-Picayune, Jan 13, 2012
Former New York City education official and head of Recovery School District in New Orleans, John White (Greater Newark, '99) has been named Louisiana state schools superintendent.
Brian C. Johnson Raises Over $350,000 for New San Fernando Valley Assembly Seat
Press Release, Jan 11, 2012
Brian Johnson has raised over $350,000 from a diverse pool of more than 500 separate donors as of the December 31st reporting deadline in the race for California’s State Legislature. Johnson’s campaign suggests this fundraising strength gives him an advantage looking ahead toward the June primary.
John White (Greater Newark ’99) Appears Poised to be Named State Schools Superintendent This Week
The Times-Picayune, Jan 11, 2012
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal’s pick for superintendent is John White (Greater Newark, '99), former New York City education official and head of Recovery School District in New Orleans. White is expected to be named state schools superintendent.
Kyle Hunsberger (Los Angeles ’04): The War Over Teacher Evaluation Misses the Point
Huffington Post, Dec 23, 2011
Kyle Hunsberger (Los Angeles ‘04), Los Angeles Unified School District math teacher, Teach Plus Teaching Policy Fellow, and LEE member shares that though the debate about how best to employ student growth data to evaluate teachers is “in its infancy,” it is a difficult conversation worth having.
Lucas Spielfogel (Baton Rouge '10) Helps Six Baker Students Set Sights on D.C.
The Advocate, Dec 21, 2011
LEE member and Baker Middle School teacher Lucas Spielfogel (Baton Rouge '10) has charted an ambitious course for a group of students: a trip to Washington, D.C., to see some of the places they’ve studied in their history classes.
Fulbright scholar Scott Fry (Chicago '09) will travel to South Africa
Toledo Free Press, Dec 15, 2011
Toledo native and Fulbright Scholarship recipient Scott Fry (Chicago '09) will travel to Johannesburg, South Africa, in January to teach and serve as a cultural ambassador.
Jeremy Ly (Chicago '06) Announces Run for State House
Press Release, Dec 2, 2011
John White (Greater Newark ’99) the ‘Natural’ Choice for State Education Superintendent, Official Says
Associated Press, Nov 29, 2011
The head of Louisiana's education board doesn't expect a long, national search for the next state superintendent, saying she's not even sure if the board will accept applications or instead just vote on John White, Gov. Bobby Jindal's choice for the job.
Alec Ross (Baltimore '94) Makes Foreign Policy Magazine's List of Top 100 Global Thinkers
Foreign Policy Magazine, Nov 29, 2011
Alec Ross (Baltimore '94) was named one of Foreign Policy Magazine's 2011 'Top 100 Global Thinkers.'
Allecyn Gay (S. Louisiana '08) Profiled: Improving Louisiana’s Education System One Teacher At a Time
NBC News 33, Nov 26, 2011
Lee Member Allecyn Gay (S. Louisiana '08) talks with NBC reporter Kelsey Scram about her rewarding experiences as a teacher in New Orleans.
Jeremy Ly's (Chicago '06) Op-Ed in the Morris Daily Hearald: Change the tone in politics
Morris Daily Hearald, Nov 7, 2011
Jeremy Ly (Chicago '06) declares, "We need to change the tone in politics... locally."
Mervan Osborne (Los Angeles ' 90) Gets Accolades for 'Focused and Professional Campaign
Cambridge Daily, Nov 4, 2011
Mervan Osborne (Cambridge ' 90), running for Cambridge, Massachusetts School Board, has won praise from the Cambridge Daily for the sophistication of his campaign and the depth of his resume.
Sekou Biddle (NY '93) to challenge Orange to regain DC Council Seat
The Washington Post , Nov 4, 2011
Sekou Biddle, a LEE member and former member of the D.C. State Board of Education and the D.C. Council, will challenge D.C. Council member Vincent B. Orange in the April Democratic primary, in an attempt to regain the seat he lost to Orange in May of last year.
Charlotte Observer Endorses Aaron Pomis (ENC '02) for School Board.
Charlotte Observer, Oct 30, 2011
The Charlotte Observer named LEE member Aaron Pomis (ENC '02) one of four candidates it is endorsing for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education.
Steven Zimmer (Los Angeles, '92) Introduces "Anti-Dating Violence" Initiative in Wake of School Stabbing
Los Angeles Times, Oct 13, 2011
LEE member Steven Zimmer"s (Los Angeles, '92) "Anti-Dating Violence" initiative was passed by the Los Angeles Unified School District Board last Tuesday in response to a fatal school stabbing earlier in the month. The resolution will fund programs in high schools that to teach students about healthy dating and how to avoid abusive relationships.
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