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Friday, April 24, 2009 U.S. Secretary of Education visits UNI and speaks about education reform CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan spoke today to a crowd of more than 1,000 people, many aspiring teachers, at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa. He discussed the economic stimulus funding for education and priorities in education reform.
His top priorities focus on strong teaching and student learning through student data systems, teacher and administrator evaluation systems, and indentifying underperforming schools.
Among his ideas for reforming education include recruiting and retaining great teachers. He outlined several possibilities for improving the quality of teaching through mentoring programs, teacher compensation and working with teachers who aren't getting the job done.
In reference to UNI's high-quality teacher education program and its 500 students that graduate each year into the profession, he believes that educator preparation programs should reflect the quality of those teachers in each state.
Duncan summarized that "a good teacher is someone who is passionate, deeply committed to success and up to a challenge to ensure that every student achieves."
Duncan closed by saying he regards improving education as the civil rights issue of our generation. "With opportunity, guidance and support, our children can do extraordinary things, no matter where they come from. We have to have the courage to change what is wrong. It should be our job every day to wake up and fight for kids."
Following his speech, he delivered brief remarks at the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, 100th anniversary luncheon held at the GBPAC.
For more information, photos and video of Duncan's speech at UNI, visit http://www.uni.edu/arneduncan/.
UNI has a 133-year history in teacher education and is the leader in pre-K through 12 education and education-related issues in Iowa. UNI's educator programs enroll nearly 2,500 students, 500 of whom graduate each year into the teaching profession.
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