Campus & Community / Magazine Feature

Panel of local educators to discuss K-12 reform

A panel of educators will discuss K-12 reform from their points of view as part of the University of Denver Bridges to the Future programming Monday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. in the June Swaner Gates Concert Hall at the Newman Center.

Adam Schrager, political reporter at 9news, will moderate the event with the theme “A Nation Still at Risk: The Future of Education.”

Jerry Wartgow, interim dean of DU’s Morgridge College of Education and former superintendent of Denver Public Schools, will be on the panel along with Michael Johnston, principal of Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts, and Jen Phillips, a teacher at Euclid Middle School.

Phillips, who teaches math and science at Euclid, says education is a critical topic that should involve the entire community.

“Well educated students will become the taxpayers, community leaders and citizens of tomorrow,” she says. “Our education systems are currently not demonstrating adequate success in delivering students who are driven, confidence, creative, critical thinkers.”

Phillips admits that making graduates successful is challenging for administrators and teachers.

“Teachers face the emotional toll of seeing students come in each day from difficult home circumstances and try to meet the neglected needs of these students as well as provide for their educational needs,” she says.

DU created Bridges to the Future in 2002 as a way to engage Coloradans in an exploration of American history, values and expectations in a post-9/11 world.

There is no charge for tickets or parking, but reservations are required. To reserve a seat, go to www.du.edu/bridges. For those without Internet access, please call (303) 871-2357.

You can also watch the event live at www.du.edu/bridges beginning at 7 p.m.

Comments are closed.