Pilot Episode of New #AskArne Video Series: Sec. Duncan Talks Gun Violence With a Teacher (Me)

As a teacher and a parent, what our nation's education leaders think really matters to me. And with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan about to begin a second term, it matters even more.
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FILE - In this March 2, 2012 file photo, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan speaks during a forum on education at American University in Washington. Five more states have been granted relief from key requirements of the Bush-era No Child Left Behind law, bringing the total to 24 states given waivers, the Education Department said Friday, June 29, 2012. Arkansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Utah and Virginia will be freed from the No Child Left Behind requirement that all students test proficient in math and science by 2014, a goal the nation remains far from achieving. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
FILE - In this March 2, 2012 file photo, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan speaks during a forum on education at American University in Washington. Five more states have been granted relief from key requirements of the Bush-era No Child Left Behind law, bringing the total to 24 states given waivers, the Education Department said Friday, June 29, 2012. Arkansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Utah and Virginia will be freed from the No Child Left Behind requirement that all students test proficient in math and science by 2014, a goal the nation remains far from achieving. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

As a teacher and a parent, what our nation's education leaders think really matters to me. And with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan about to begin a second term, it matters even more.

Today, I'm excited to announce the launch of a new #AskArne video interview series, where the Secretary addresses the hot topics and burning questions in education today. In light of the president's announcement to address gun violence, the first episode, titled "Free from Fear," focuses on gun violence, school safety, and out of school factors influencing student achievement.

For the #AskArne videos, my questions for the Secretary will be derived from feedback the Department receives via social media and through the outreach of EDs Teaching Ambassador Fellows. Submit questions/ideas/material for future episodes on Twitter to #AskArne or on Facebook to Arne Duncan's page.

The Fellows, who work for the Department for a year, play a key role in connecting with educators and other stakeholders around the country, and then connecting voices from the field with top federal policymakers, including Secretary Duncan. As an explanation, this year I am on sabbatical from teaching at The SEED Public Charter School of Washington, D.C. to work full-time at ED as part of this year's team of Teaching Ambassador Fellows.

I hope you find this clip from our first interview informative and interesting, and with your feedback, I'm looking forward to future installments that will address the Department's 2013 agenda and the topics that are on the minds of teachers, parents, students and stakeholders.

A version of this post originally appeared on the U.S. Department of Education's Homeroom blog.

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