I was able to help them identify as learners and find the educational environments that met their unique needs. A proud Newarker, Mother to three young adults and three wonderful grandchildren. I graduated from the University of San Diego’s Joan B. Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science then moving on to earn a Master’s Degree  in Business Administration. I fight for ed justice because I am sick and tired of just being sick and tired of watching my community, the Black community not being able to shine like diamonds as children and then further be oppressed as adults. Kelley Williams-Bolar is a graduate of the University of Akron has two daughters Jayda 21 and Kayla 24. Dr. Jose Padin from the Cuchillas neighborhood of the town of Corozal, in this school I began my courtship with my current husband. Market data provided by Factset. He served as assistant secretary for communications and outreach in the U.S. Department of Education during the Obama administration’s first term. "But at the same time, I’m a single mom with three little boys. She has spent more than 20 years volunteering and organizing in various schools and community organizations in Newark. We believe, in order to effect change and strengthen families, we must provide them with the resources and opportunities to develop their talents and share best practices. Marisol has formed and used her voice as an educational advocate for students, parents and our communities, while creating space and providing resources for staff, students, and parents to elevate theirs. She was granted clemency by then Governor John Kasich whom gave her a second chance, and currently, Ms. Bolar’s mother is recognized as a national advocate for education equality and pursues legislative social change that will serve the underrepresented. "They are opposed to things that would benefit children. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. A WhatsApp group has already been created for … She is also a Boston Public School alumni who immigrated from Puerto Rico at the age of 4. Posted Jan. 22, 2020 in Better Conversation. So I started organizing here in Massachusetts and founded Massachusetts Parents United, the largest parent advocacy group in the commonwealth. DEMOCRATS KEEPING CHARTER SCHOOLS DOWN IN EXCHANGE FOR TEACHER'S UNION CASH, TOP ACTIVIST SAYS, "This is not about left or right. “As I sat at the end of that IEP table, I was surrounded by educators that had already given up on my kid," she explained. An avid reader, lover of documentaries and lives a pescatarian lifestyle. Parents that did not have an education beyond elementary school, resources, or support to make confident decisions for their child’s education. For the past several years, Tim’s work in support of parents and families across the country has helped them to create a powerful voice to change the education policy conversation and informed the “experts” about the realities faced by communities at the grassroots level – powerful parent advocates from across the country pushing back on the status quo. Kelley’s actions were inspired to expand the educational and social opportunities for her children that the existing school could probably not provide. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. She began to watch YouTube videos of autism therapies to self-learn different form therapies to support her children’s needs to develop her own parent expertise. Parents have no voice.'". It wasn’t until I earned my Master’s degree and served as a teacher that I was able to help my own children become exceptional students. These laws are overwhelmingly popular and have resulted in fewer contested divorces, fewer allegations of domestic violence, and better lives for Kentucky’s children. Bernita understands that successful community partnerships are authentic and must be built on fidelity. Chief Operating Officer at Parent Impact, an organization created by parents for parents dedicated to empowering, advocating, and connecting families to resources that support their family’s needs for greater outcomes in urban communities. With more than 50 million students out of school because of the coronavirus pandemic, a new poll finds that 67% of parents support continued closures until officials are certain that reopening will not pose a health risk. The National Parents Union is an independent, grassroots coalition. She has worked at Boston Public Schools, DCF, and Boston Center for Youth and Families. She has engaged in the real work of addressing and ending the school to prison pipeline by building and leading career readiness and career technical education in juvenile court and community schools. Rodrigues worked for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), while Marquez grew up in a union household and worked for Green Dot Public Schools -- a public charter organization. Fox News Flash top headlines for Jan. 10 are here. [email protected], Vivett Dukes is a mom, wife, classroom teacher, writer, educational consultant and public speaker who uses her experience, her acumen, and her platform to eradicate the school-to-prison pipeline and other forms of systemic educational and societal inequities that disproportionately affect Black and Brown communities. Our mission is to support parents who have lived experience and are authentic voices, advocates and organizers who are engaging, educating and empowering families, neighborhood by neighborhood across the United States. She is the founder of The Village, an outreach and recruitment team that ensures that future outcomes for children are prioritized within the community, philanthropic and education environments. The National Parents Union was founded in 2012. And having twin boys with different levels of unique challenges adds even more difficulties. | Photograph by Steve Kenny. Education project manager Lennie Jarratt invites Keri Rodrigues and Alma Marquez, co-founders of the National Parents Union (NPU), onto this edition of the School Reform News podcast. Colleen is the Director of Member Communications for the National Parents Union, a network of highly effective parent organizations and grassroots activists across the country that is united behind a set of common goals and principles to channel the power of parents, as well as a volunteer serving as President of the board for The National Coalition for Public School Options, a national alliance of parents that supports and defends parents’ rights to access the best public school options for their children. I am Soangelis Rivera Perez, I am 28 years old. When I started showing up at the parent committee meetings at their schools, I quickly realized I was one of the very few parents of color present­ despite our student population being extremely diverse. The National Parents Union is a network of parent organizations and grassroots activists across the country committed to improving the quality of life for children and families in the United States. Feel free to reach out to Colleen with any questions you may have regarding membership – [email protected]. Prior to becoming CEO in June 2015 as part of TNTP’s long-term growth strategy, Dan was the Executive Vice President for Performance Management and General Counsel. "Walking out on kids during a strike for example, in schools that have zero percent proficiency is appalling," Marquez continued. Peter Cunningham is the founder of Education Post. We believe, education systems must be transformed to eradicate generational, institutions of oppression. A Parents' Review School had been formed (later to be known as the Parents' Union School), at which the children were taught … The National Parents Union is an independent, grassroots coalition. Her story has also been featured on national news programs and talk shows hosted by Dr. Phil and Tom Joyner. The Parent Union is an active community of caring parents from across the state. National Parents Union is a network of highly-effective parent organizations and grassroots activists across the country that come together to unite behind a set of common goals and principles to channel the power of parents. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. I hold a B.S. Two moms, on different coasts, organizing in our neighborhood without even a tenth of a percent of how much money they have – and we have them scared.". "They will go to bat for their members, but not for kids," she said. That’s why the National Parents Union is so powerful and so important because we need to counterbalance the narrative. I was encouraged to say and do something about my situation, as I was learning, I was not alone. Prior to joining The National Parents Union, he was the Deputy Director for a San Diego based grassroots organization that inspires leadership through community mentorship, resiliency building, advocacy, and system transformation for justice involved individuals and families from historically marginalized communities. Legal Statement. After graduation, I served as a mathematics teacher at Springdale High School and Haas Hall Academy in Bentonville. She’s a community activist, completed collage as a drug and alcohol counselor, ordained pastor, and former task force member for CADRE, Community Asset Development Redefining Education based in Los Angeles, California. This is where I found my energy and voice when it came to supporting families and communities. Nehemiah Frank is a fierce advocate for charter and community schools. Mother of 6, three bio, 3 foster(1 adopted in 2019). bit.ly/3exeiEc As a daughter of immigrant parents and as a single mother, I relied on the support of my Northwest Arkansas community to help me navigate educational systems. Now I assist and introduce parents to be active in the education of their children. She is committed to this work not only for them but also for the many youths whose futures are so important. The National African American Parent Union (NAAPU) was founded in 2007, by Naomi Haywood, a mother of five, with six grandchildren. Opening the doors to educational options and strong foundations in education that will continue for generations to come. Nick Givas is a reporter with Fox News. Yahaira has a Master’s degree in Human Service Organizational Management from Springfield College. Tim lives in Somerville, Massachusetts, enjoys podcasts and is continuing to build his epic music collection. Peter joined the Education Post board in 2018 after stepping down as the organization’s Executive Director. "For far too long, the conversation around education has often excluded the biggest and most important advocates for children, their parents. Keri sits on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s “Influence 100” advisory group to transform the pipeline to education leadership to be more reflective of the composition of the Commonwealth as well as the Superintendent Rubric Refinement Project. As any parent knows, young boys can be a handful. Peter is affiliated with Whiteboard Advisors, a DC-based education policy, research and communications firm. "We’re going to be creating a national parent council and a board of advisers," Rodrigues explained. Yahaira knows the struggles of Autism firsthand—she has twin boys on the Autism Spectrum as well as ADHD. She was granted clemency by then-Governor John Kasich who replied, ” When I first heard about this situation, it seemed to me that the penalty was excessive for the offense. He is a graduate of Harold Washington College and Oklahoma State University. Keri Rodrigues and Alma Marquez said they were so appalled by the low standards of America's public school teachers unions, they formed the National Parents Union (NPU), so families could have a greater say in their children's education. pursues legislative social change that will serve the underrepresented. The superior school I attended was the private school of my city. You can find him on Twitter at, Can’t pay your mortgage during coronavirus? Mason was co-founder of PNEU together with Emeline Petrie Steinthal. "They resent our autonomy so they’ll attack [us]. She is committed to NPU is set to meet in New Orleans on Jan. 16 to officially unionize and will begin appointing parents to leadership positions across the country. Marquez said the main issue with teachers unions is they seek to enrich their members instead of arming students for the challenges of the real world. Her twenty-year mission has led to legislative changes throughout the country including guest speaking engagements reliving her unsettling experience on Capitol Hill and the White House. She is a am a Mom of four adult children and two grandchildren, but she is the Momvocate when it comes to having the best education for ALL kids! The main platform currently being used is Facebook, where she broadcasts 16 live shows per week revolving education, politics, and even Fun active shows like Zumba to get the entire family unit involved! What is wrong with this picture? Thanks to the National Parents Union, I’m Fired Up and Ready to Fight for Better Schools. Stern also warned Rodrigues and Marquez about going up against an opponent with vast financial resources and a lot to lose. The National Parents Union launched in January with affiliates in every state, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. This is crap. in philosophy from Duke University. Parents and families have the power to change the conversation and politics around education reform and innovation. National Parents Union Today at 6:24 PM Join our Director of Policy & Legislation, Christina Laster, for the ... third session of our Winter Advocacy Boot Camp, … We believe, our children should always be at the core of our agenda in every decision. Bibb has served on the Boards of City Year New York and the Boys & Girls Club of Alexandria, VA and is an active board member with the New York City Leadership Academy. Bernita invites individuals who have her shared values and principles to join her in her work, and together they bring about successful outcomes for all involved. In elementary and middle school I studied at S.U. To contact Ms. Bolar, you can user her NPU email at; Wendy Gonzales-Neal is the Executive Director and Founder of My Child My Voice organization based in Houston, Texas. Parent Impact envisions creating opportunities where parents are partners and leaders in their communities. Try this now, 6 things to know when buying your second home, Here's how much savings you should have at 40. ", CALIFORNIA TEACHERS UNION HAS SPENT $4.3 M IN 2019 TO TRY TO STYMIE CHARTER SCHOOLS: REPORT. Mr. Vigil holds a BA from the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) and an MA in International Affairs from the School for International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University. A program designed for AAPI undergraduate aged students looking to increase their experience in public policy and service. Currently, Ms. Williams-Bolar is recognized as a national advocate for education equality and He serves on several non-profit boards, including Oakland-based Great Schools, which provides school quality information to parents through a national online platform, The Montessori School of Englewood, a Chicago public charter school, Manufacturing Renaissance, a career education program that trains public high school students for jobs in manufacturing, Unbounded, an organization supporting teachers in schools that are transitioning to higher standards and Foolproofme.com, which is focused on financial literacy for students. National Parents Union appears to be an umbrella for groups working in their states on privatization of public goods, primarily schools. Kelley Williams-Bolar born July 15, 1970 is a native of Akron, Ohio. My work at the Cisneros Center allowed me to meet hardworking parents. Our family advocates improve the quality of life for children across the United States and define the education conversation. Yahaira is currently the Affirmative Action Officer for the Randolph Democratic Committee and a former Crisis Specialist for the mobile crisis team. The site is well chosen. Kelley’s actions were inspired to expand the educational and social opportunities for her children that the existing school could probably not provide. He is married to artist Jackie Kazarian and they have two adult children who are proud graduates of the Chicago Public Schools. I have since joined forces with the Missouri Charter Public School Association as Bilingual Director of Advocacy to fight for equity in education and parent voice inclusion. Before Learning Heroes, Bibb held leadership positions at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Widmeyer Communications and Scholastic. Jada Bolar, born May 9th, 1998 is a native of Akron, Ohio. Bolar stays connected to the community by working and speaking at churches, nonprofit organizations, and universities emphasizing the importance of having public schools without outdated geographical borders. December 29, 2020 at 10:01 AM. A favorite Bible scripture: And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. When I get mad I organize. All rights reserved. In his formative years he was actively involved in programs to promote positive lifestyles in youth using education, art, culture, theatre and sports. Following her own difficult experience surviving the Massachusetts public school system and receiving her GED from Boston Public Schools, Rodrigues was not surprised when she struggled navigating the education system with her own children. This shell group for corporate profiteers and union busters formally begins operating today at a meeting in New Orleans. To help gain more equality in having a social media presence and being taken seriously as a young adult advocate for education! John 8:32. Born in Antigua, Virgin Island, and lived in the U.S. for most of my life. The National Parents Union is a network of parent organizations and grassroots activists across the country committed to improving the quality of life for children and families in the United States. As a single mother she Rodrigues added, "We’ve had enough. Called “arguably the most successful — parent organizer in education advocacy today,” her outstanding commitment to social, economic and educational equity for children and families spans decades. I am deeply committed to children, families, and communities. The NEA and its state affiliates took in over $1.6 billion from 2017–2018, according to financial disclosure reports. Wow. He is a founding delegate for the National Parents Union and serves on the Reimagining School Safety and Membership Committees. Previously, as Vice President of Policy, Dan helped build TNTP into “a leading voice on teacher quality” and co-authored TNTP’s acclaimed study on the failures of the nation’s teacher evaluation systems, The Widget Effect, which has helped to catalyze evaluation reforms in more than 30 states since 2009. Member of National Parents Union and a Council member Continuously an advocate for the education of children and their parents. As the daughter of Kelley WIlliams-Bolar, her mother made national headlines in 2011, when she was arrested and served ten days in jail for sending her two daughters outside of their designated school district in Akron. My passion is equipping parents, families, and community leaders to become more fortified in their establishment of foundational, generational, adequate progress, and lasting change. NPU is helping bring together parents who alone and on their own are often the powerless, but by organizing their voices through the National Parents Union can become the powerful. When forced in 2012 to make a change to improve her children’s education opportunities, Colleen became actively involved in the school choice movement in Oklahoma. Talent is equitably distributed. It was through this support that I was able to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the University of Arkansas. By … I worked for nearly 13 years in the San Diego Unified School District as an early childhood education and a special education para educator. National Parents Union is a network of parent organizations and grassroots activists across the country committed to improving the quality of life for children and families in the United States. [email protected]. NPU will give parents the voice they deserve.". Seeing a need for parents to be active in the education of their children, I created the organization Puerto Rico Parent’s Voices, I am the founder and spokesperson of this organization. Since that time, Colleen has grown from an advocate for her children into a national advocate for students in her home state of Oklahoma and across the country. Bernita is the mother of two beautiful children and a grandmother of one. Prior to establishing RootED Northwest Arkansas, I served as the Education Program Manager at the Cisneros Center for New Americans. Her mission has led to opportunities throughout the country, including joining alongside her mother, she began working with National Parents Union as a media producer and even guest speaking at engagements, reliving their unsettling experience on Capitol Hill and the White House. This is when My Child My Voice was created a parent organization established to educate, motivate and to guide and support parents, guardians, immigrant families, refugee families to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to be able to actively participate in the education of their children and have a voice on issues facing their community and serve as a resource to them. By 1892, the Parents' Educational Union had added the word "National" to its title to become the Parents' National Educational Union (PNEU). “I worked in labor, working for the SEIU, and I spent a big chunk of my career in politics," Rodrigues told Fox News. made national headlines in 2011, when she was arrested and served ten days in jail for sending her two daughters outside of their designated school district in Akron. NPO wants to replicate this success in every state in the Union. A two-day leadership training event in Pittsburgh, PA for current elected officials, individuals seeking to run for public office, and community stakeholders. We believe, there should be liberation, justice, and equity in education for all children. Opportunity is not. Bibb brings extensive experience in communications, policy, and advocacy from the public, private and philanthropic sectors to her role as Founder & President of Learning Heroes. in Journalism from Columbia University and a B.A. Wife, daughter, sister, grandmother. By supporting the National Parents Union, you will be helping to unite parents of color, low-income parents, special needs parents, single mothers and fathers, grandparents, formerly incarcerated parents and parents in recovery with traditionally represented parent voices to join a vibrant coalition that disrupts the traditional role of parent voice in policy space. We envision the National Parents Union as being able to take on the unions in the national and regional media, and eventually on the ground in advocacy fights.” It is simply amazing that ed reform completely omits public school students and families when they smear public schools. When I turned 19 years old, I married my husband Carlos A. Rivera, with whom I have two sons, one 8 years old and the other 7 years old. Today Jada’s crusade continues to bring awareness to the issues of inequality and injustices that affect lower socio-economic areas. Rodrigues and Marquez, about teachers unions, '' Rodrigues claimed goods, primarily schools bernita Bradley is former... The 2020 Census from Columbia University Northwest Arkansas, I ’ m going to be in..., `` we ’ ve ever been ; you should use your voice and start your generational success ’. More difficulties alumni who immigrated from Puerto Rico at the White House and the founding publisher and editor-in-chief the... 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