Welcome to AZ School Works online community!

We are excited to offer this website as a vehicle to capture the reflections, ideas and projects of our elected officials, education professionals, parents, and community members.

This website is for you! Join our team and share with all of us your thoughts and responses to current issues impacting the Arizona public education system.

Each week, some of the topics will include: political or government updates, candidate profiles and introductions, and updates from our Founder and Chairman, Jason Williams.

If you, or someone you know, would like to be a part of this dialogue, please download this application and email it back to supporteducation@azschoolworks.org today.

Kevin Spidel
State Director, AZ School Works

Podcast from the launch event

Webcast from the Launch at the Fair Trade Café & Gallery last night in Phoenix, AZ.

Welcome to AZ School Works

Dear friend,

I know it has been some time since you have heard from me. In fact, many people have asked what I’ve been up to since I ran for Superintendent of Public Instruction? I appreciate everyone reaching out to express their interest and support for me after we came so close to victory. Please be assured that my silence has not been due to inaction.

Today I would like to introduce you to AZ School Works.

After processing the realization that we would have to wait another four years to change the leadership and priorities within our state department of education, I knew we needed to continue our movement to ensure all of Arizona’s children are moving forward. Over the past year and a half I have been meeting with educators, community leaders and elected officials to determine our next courses of action Through my previous campaign, and these various conversations, we have identified a significant need to provide Arizona’s educators, parents, students and concerned citizens with an effective vehicle to advocate for financial reasonability and genuine, results-driven reform within our public education system. Read the rest of this entry »

Elected Officials Must Remember to Listen

As a child of educators, I learned through stories and example: never underestimate the power of listening. The truth in this lesson became most evident as a school board candidate. I asked hundreds of my neighbors their opinions of our schools and education. I was surprised to learn that their great appreciation for this act stemmed from having the chance to share their opinion. Most were never asked these questions. All were seeing a school board member on their doorstep for the first time. I was able to learn about the challenges, both real and perceived, facing our schools and broader community. The practice of listening served as invaluable as a candidate and is valuable now as a school board member.

I believe there is no point in serving in an elected capacity if one does not work toward fulfilling the will of the people. This is why I spend a great deal of my service listening. Recently, our board tabled a vote on the negotiated meet and confer proposal. Teachers and staff were rightly concerned that the vote was tabled. They provided me with additional information about the negotiations and explained how the negotiated plan benefits the entire district. In the public meeting to follow, the teacher and staff perspective was not included in the presentation from the administration. I called them up to the podium and asked several questions so that they could share with the board what they shared with me. It was important for the full board to hear the other half of the negotiating team’s perspective in order to make the best decision for the district. We were able to make a more informed decision when we took the time to listen and see both sides.

If I ever become too comfortable in my position and stop the practice of listening, I am in trouble. I will stop. Go back to the basics and listen, actively and compassionately, or I will get out.

Tiffany Troidl
Chair, School Board Candidate Recruitment Committee
ttroidl@azschoolworks.org