WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a longtime advocate of family engagement in education, was presented Thursday with the Parent Teacher Association’s 2013 Congressional Voice of Children Award for outstanding leadership and advocacy on the education of our children.
“Parents and teachers must work together to ensure that children are receiving the education and guidance they need to succeed,” Senator Coons said. “We owe it to our kids to give them the best possible chance of success in life, and that starts with an open line of communication about children’s development in the classroom and at home. I’ve seen the impact the PTA has had on improving education in our schools and applaud them for their continued work to foster strong ties between schools and families. I’m humbled to be honored by the Parent Teacher Association today, and will continue to work to find ways to improve the lives of children in Delaware and around the nation.”
“The National PTA is pleased to present this award to an incredibly committed advocate for children and youth today,” National PTA President Betsy Landers said. “Senator Coons has been key in supporting and advancing legislation that will keep our children healthy and safe and our families engaged. We applaud him for using his voice to be an instrument of change that will positively impact our children, families and schools.”
Senator Coons championed a number of education bills since his election in 2010. The senator has been an advocate for increased investments in quality early childhood education and STEM education, as well as comprehensive reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. One of the first bills the senator cosponsored was the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, which extended investments for STEM education. Last year, the senator introduced the American Dream Accounts Act of 2012 to encourage partnerships that support low-income students in saving and preparing for a college education. The senator was also a leader in building momentum around the Family Engagement Act of 2011.
The Senator was recognized Thursday during the National PTA Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., where hundreds of parent leaders from across the country gather for an in-depth look at the latest National PTA Federal Public Policy Agenda, hone their advocacy skills and visit with Congressional leaders to advocate on behalf our nation’s children.
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