Champions of Child Advocacy at National PTA Legislative Conference

ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwire - Mar 13, 2012) - Hundreds of child advocates from across the country gathered last week in Washington, DC to train and advocate on behalf our nation's children, as well as to meet with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and listen about the Department's latest efforts. Last week's activities were all part of National PTA's® Legislative Conference.

Within this news release are photos capturing the highlights of the conference, the option to download the photos, as well as a link to Education Secretary Duncan's remarks during his keynote at the conference.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan
Click here to read Secretary Duncan's keynote address: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2012/national_pta/duncan_keynote/index.html

Congressional Voice for Children Award
Recipient: U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)

Congressional Voice for Children Award
Recipient: U.S. Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA-5)

Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Award
Recipient: Amy Zink (European Congress)

Local/District/Regional PTA Outstanding Advocacy Award
Recipient: Duval County Council of PTAs (Florida)

State PTA Outstanding Advocacy Award
Recipient: California PTA

About the National PTA Legislative Conference
The two-day conference provides 'grasstop' leaders from across the country an in-depth look at the latest National PTA Public Policy Agenda through a series of workshops, skill building trainings, panel discussions and guest speakers. Parent leaders will then visit with congressional leaders to advocate for effective family engagement in education and equity and opportunity in education for all children. The 2012 National PTA Federal Public Policy Agenda can be viewed at www.pta.org/public_policy_agenda.asp.

About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

To view this release in a media-rich format, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2012/national_pta/legcon/