Educators endorse Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

October 15, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Eric Swedlund
Communications Director
Giffords for Congress 
520-512-0012

 

 

EDUCATORS ENDORSE CONGRESSWOMAN GABRIELLE GIFFORDS 

Educators For Giffords formed to support re-election campaign, citing Giffords’ strong advocacy on behalf of teachers, students and schools 

 

TUCSON–A new group of educators has formed to support the re-election of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, citing her longtime dedication to education at all levels. 

Educators For Giffords – a diverse collection of public, private and charter school teachers, administrators and parents from throughout Southern Arizona – will work to spread the message about Giffords’ strong advocacy for expanding early childhood education, improving achievement across K-12 grades and ensuring affordability and accessibility to post-secondary education. 

“What I’m most impressed by with Gabrielle is that she understands what the 21st Century student really needs to master in terms of critical thinking, problem solving and technical proficiency,” said Rex Scott, a member of the Educators For Giffords steering committee. “She is committed to making the improvements we need to restore America’s educational advantage.”

A proud product of Tucson’s public schools, Giffords has fought to expand college scholarships, cut student loan costs, increase science standards and make sure schools receive adequate funding. 

She worked to expand and strengthen Head Start last year. She is fighting for reforms in the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind that will give teachers and schools the resources they need to be successful. She is also on the leading edge in Congress in pushing for better science and math education, co-sponsoring the America COMPETES Act. 

Giffords held two educational summits in Tucson and Sierra Vista in 2007, gathering input from teachers, administrators, parents and business leaders in Southern Arizona.

More than 300 people showed up to discuss their views about standardized testing, especially with English language learners and special education students, and teachers shared their concerns about the constant pressure to “teach to the test.” 

Giffords has also earned endorsement from the National Education Association, Arizona Education Association and Tucson Education Association. 

The Educators For Giffords steering committee includes: 

• Claudia Teplitsky
• Beth Slaine
• Daniel Thrall
• Rhonda Martin
• Rex Scott
• Naomi Karp
• Tom Drexel
• June Webb-Vignery
• Brian Eller
• Michael Gordy 

Giffords’ final debate of the 2008 election focuses on education and is tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Flowing Wells High School in Tucson.

 

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