Verde Valley Leadership Focuses on Education

Cottonwood, AZ (November 22, 2010) - Class five of Verde Valley Leadership met on Friday November 19, 2010, to explore education issues in the Verde Valley.

Tim Foist, Superintendent of Mingus Union High School, and Barbara U’Ren, Superintendant of Cottonwood-Oak Creek School, explained their districts’’ goals for education. Tim Foist’s very motivational and inspiring talk about education included a statement not soon forgotten, “the only thing new in education in the last 50 years is backpacks.” He and Barbara provided information for the class to motivate them to action as parents and residents in the community.

Vanessa DiCarlo, an inclusion specialist, discussed the value of including special needs students into the general educational environment. She stressed inclusion programs work, and result in great success for both students and teachers in the Verde Valley.

Other issue day highlights included a presentation by Laura Nagle, an autistic adult, who spoke about her own challenges with autism; and Tom Schumacher, Executive Dean of Yavapai College, who provided an overview of the Verde Valley Campus’ master plan and new programs. Mr. Schumacher also led the group on a tour of the campus.

The participants found this education day to be inspiring and insightful. The class will meet again in December to explore community issues on health.

VVL provides growth opportunities, leadership skills and community issues training, while cultivating diverse, influential networks. For more information, contact www.vvleadership.org.