Education Minnesota to host debate watch party with Walz colleagues, national union presidents
For more information, contact:
CHRIS WILLIAMS
651-292-4816 (work)
651-247-5539 (cell)
ST. PAUL, Minnesota. Sept. 25, 2024 – The presidents of the NEA and AFT, former colleagues of Gov. Tim Walz, and more than a hundred educators will gather in St. Paul to watch Walz debate JD Vance on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
“Minnesota educators are proud to host the presidents of the AFT and NEA as we come together to cheer on our former colleague in the debate,” said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota. “We’re expecting a big night for our governor because, as he says, you should never underestimate a public school educator.”
The watch party is for members of Education Minnesota only. However, members of the news media are invited to gather the reactions of educators to topics that arise during the vice-presidential debate.
Among those attending:
- Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association
- Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers
- Teachers who worked with Walz when he taught and coached in Mankato
- Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota
Schedule for debate night:
- 7 p.m. News media setup
- 7:30 p.m. Speaking program with national presidents and guests
- 8 – 9:30 p.m. Debate
- 9:30 – 10 p.m. Principals available for reaction interviews
The party will be in the offices of Education Minnesota at 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul.
A workroom with Wi-Fi will be available for the news media covering the event. Journalists interested in booking interviews in advance should contact Chris Williams.
About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.
