CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - June 3, 2010) - National PTA announced recently their line-up of speakers at the association's 114th National Convention to take place in Memphis (June 10-13). (Note to media: More details on convention events to come.)
Topping the list of dignitaries, celebrities and experts is U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. He is scheduled to speak on Friday afternoon, June 11. All speakers will be available to media. Click here to request media credentials. A list of speakers and speaker schedule is below.
- Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education
Speaking: Friday, June 11, 5:30 p.m. (during General Session 2)
Media interviews: 5 p.m. in Press Office (room 204)- Heads initiative known as Race to the Top
- Served as the chief executive officer of the Chicago Public Schools
- Father of two elementary school-age children
- He and his family presently reside in Arlington, Virginia
- Tony and Lauren Dungy
Speaking: Friday, June 11, 9:45 a.m. (during General Session 1)
Media interviews: 10:15 a.m. in Press Office (room 204)- Tony spent 31 years in the NFL (three as a player, 14 as an assistant coach, and 13 as a head coach)
- Won Super Bowl as a player and a coach; retired as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts in 2009
- Author
- Named one of Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World"
- Helped start All Pro Dad, a fatherhood program for Family First (a nonprofit)
- Parents of six children
- Lauren is a former school teacher and president of the Colt's Women's Organization and ambassador for iMOM, another program of Family First
- Tichina Arnold, Actress and mom
Speaking: Saturday, June 12, 4:45 p.m. (during General Meeting 3)
Media Interviews: Upon request- Stars in comedy "Everybody Hates Chris" as Chris' mother, "Rochelle."
- Won her second NAACP Image Award for role as "Rochelle."
- Won first Image Award for role as "Pam Jones" on hit TV series "Martin."
- Dedicated hours to supporting charitable organizations that help youth prosper and thrive.
- National PTA Advisory Board Member
- Vicki Phillips, director of Education, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Speaking: Sunday, June 13, 10:30 a.m.(during General Meeting 4)
Media Interviews: Upon request- Oversees work to improve early learning in Washington state; to ensure U.S. high school students graduate ready for success in college, career, and life; and to improve access to college
- Former superintendent of Portland Public Schools
- Former secretary of education and chief state school officer for the state of Pennsylvania and served as superintendent of the Lancaster, Pa., school district
- Worked with the U.S. Office of Education in Washington, D.C.
- Former middle and high school teacher
- Sarah Brown Wessling, 2010 National Teacher of the Year
Speaking: Sunday, June 13, 11:15 a.m. (during General Meeting 4)
Media Interviews: Upon request- Named Teacher of the Year by U.S. President Barack Obama 10th- through 12th-grade English teacher at High School in Johnston, Iowa
- Holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in English Education and English Literature respectively, and is nationally board certified in English Language Arts Instruction
- Mark Levin, CAE, CSP, speaker and consultant
Speaking time: Friday, June 11, 4:30 p.m. (during General Meeting 2)
Media Interviews: Upon request- Over 30 years of experience working with association and society leaders, including Boy Scouts of America; Highway Users Federation; National Education Association; National Safety Council; and the American Medical Association.
- Served two years on the National PTA Membership Committee.
About National PTA
PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
To view this release in a media-rich format, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2010/pta_00603/index.html
Contact Information:
Contacts:
James Martinez
Office: (312) 670-6782 Ext. 325
Cell: (773) 339-4533