We don’t know how large voter turnout is so far, but it’s clearly impressive. As Mayor Bloomberg said this morning, “Anybody that thinks that democracy is not working in America just has to look today.”
Will the civic engagement be sustained?
One way for parents to stay engaged, of course, would be to get active in their child’s public school. The teachers union is holding its annual conference Saturday on how to do that. About 3,000 parents are expected to show up, and although formal registration has closed, a person at the union just told me that if parents still want to sign up, they can, by calling 212-598-9025.
At the conference, parents will find workshops on subjects including how to understand new standardized tests and how to deal with gang violence. Maybe parents could also discuss which PTA’s held bake sales and which didn’t.
Another incentive to show up: Philissa, who has attended the conference for the last three years (representing Insidechools.org — she’s not a parent yet!), says that last year Hillary Clinton made an unannounced appearance. More details after the jump.
Teachers Union Sponsors 11th Annual Citywide Conference Enhancing Parental Participation in NYC Public Schools WHO: United Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten joined by 3,000 parents, dozens of public school teachers and coordinators of the Dial-A-Teacher homework help program. WHAT: Will discuss strategies to motivate parents to get involved in their children’s schools and conduct workshops on how to cope with various education-related issues and concerns such as gang violence at schools, middle school literacy, easing family tensions at home, protecting children from Internet predators, understanding new student assessment tests and best ways to help children with homework. WHEN: Saturday, November 8, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: New York Hilton Hotel, 1335 Avenue of the Americas between 53rd and 54th Streets, in Manhattan.