Take Your Legislator to School (TYLTS) is a unique collaboration which pairs Arizona teachers with Arizona local state legislators who spend a full day in a public school classroom.
This partnership facilitates meaningful conversation between policy makers and educators and gives state legislators an intimate look at the day-to-day realities of public schools in Arizona.
​Take Your Legislator to School is an annual collaborative initiative that takes place each Fall. This initiative is spearheaded by the Arizona Educational Foundation and supported by two local Arizona partners: Arizona Education Association and Arizona K12 Center.
Activities may include:
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Meet and Greet with Legislator and school stakeholders
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Student-led school tour
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Observation of a lesson
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Legislator teaches a lesson (history or civics)
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Lunch
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Visits to other classrooms
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Q and A session with chosen students and pre-selected questions
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Conclude the day with positive reflections and next steps
Senator Martín Quezada at Bicentennial South Elementary
Representative Doug Coleman at
Highland Junior High School
TAKE YOUR LEGISLATOR TO SCHOOL (TYLTS) ANNUAL TIMELINE:
SUMMER
​AEF contacts Legislators and forms matches with educators
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AUGUST
Legislators schedule visit with their host teacher
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
Take your Legislator to School events
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To follow updates of legislators’ visits and the TYLTS program, follow AEF on social media and follow #TYLTS #TakeYourLegislatorToSchool.
"On Monday, September 15th, Representative Phil Lovas came to visit the students, staff, and parents of Sunset Hills Elementary School in the Dysart Unified School District in Surprise. I taught a lesson on citizenship while Rep. Lovas observed with a list of specific teaching points and things to watch for, such as how I check for understanding, make learning mandatory, and differentiation strategies for the 5th graders in my exceptional needs classroom. Rep. Lovas then received a school tour led by 8th grade National Junior Honor Society representatives. He also met with school administration and parent leaders to discuss various issues important to all stakeholders. The visit was a successful step toward establishing relationships between education leaders and policy makers."
– Beth Maloney, M. Ed., 2014 Arizona Teacher of the Year® & National Board Certified Teacher
Representative Phil Lovas at Sunset Hills Elementary School
TYLTS | AEF® STAFF CONTACT
Skyler Bean | 602-432-6316 | outreach@azedfoundation.org