University of Phoenix® College of Education, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY) will host the 2015 National Teacher of the Year Conference in Phoenix from Tuesday, Feb. 17 through Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015. The National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) program identifies the best teachers in the country, and empowers them to participate in policy discussions at state and national levels.

During the conference, the nation’s top educators will discuss critical issues facing K-12 education and will shape their platforms for the year, prior to heading to Washington, D.C. to spend time on Capitol Hill and meet the President. They will participate in presentations and discussions about standards and assessment; teacher preparation and training; advocacy and policy; and instructional technology and innovation in the classroom.

The week will culminate with an Education Summit that is open to all Arizona educators on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the University of Phoenix Campus in Tempe. Workshops will be facilitated by previous State Teachers of the Year and Nationally Board Certified Teachers. Topics for the workshops include leadership, technology, social media and national board certification. Attendees will also earn professional development hours.

“The Teachers of the Year have demonstrated their abilities to be dynamic and innovative in their teaching methods, and they represent the tremendous opportunities that exist in the classroom today,” said Pamela Roggeman, Ed.D., academic dean of University of Phoenix College of Education. “University of Phoenix College of Education is honored to host these talented educators, and to help facilitate discussions that can play critical roles in the continued development of our nation’s classroom teachers.”

For more than 60 years, the CCSSO has coordinated the National Teacher of the Year Program, working with the U.S. states, territories, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. The CCSSO spends one year training the State Teachers of the Year in media, policy, and advocacy, providing them with numerous opportunities to build the skills they will need during their year of service and beyond.

"These teachers of the year have been chosen as exceptional professionals in their states, and I know that they represent all great teachers around the country who are engaged in the important work of educating our children,” said Chris Minnich, executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). “CCSSO is proud to run the National Teacher of the Year program, and to elevate the voice of these exemplary individuals.”

“NNSTOY is honored to work with both University of Phoenix and CCSSO to host this week’s annual initial meeting of the 2015 State Teachers of the Year,” said Katherine Bassett, executive director and CEO of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY), and the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year 2000. “NNSTOY is the professional home for State and National Teachers of the Year and Finalists - teachers leading in policy, practice and advocacy. This first meeting of our newest members, the class of 2015, provides critical grounding for their advocacy.”

About University of Phoenix College of Education

University of Phoenix® College of Education has been educating teachers and school administrators for more than 30 years. The College of Education provides associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs for individuals who want to become teachers or current educators and administrators seeking advanced degrees to strengthen their professional knowledge. With education programs available throughout most of the U.S., the College of Education has a distinct grasp of the national education picture and priorities for teacher preparation. Faculty members on average bring more than 17 years of professional experience to the classroom. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu/education.

About The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.

About The National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY)

The National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY) is a non-profit organization serving as a professional home to State Teachers of the Year (STOYs) and State Teacher of the Year Finalists, in what is labeled their years of service following their Year of Recognition serving as their STOY. NNSTOY provides active and meaningful roles for members, in furthering great teaching and strengthening student learning. This is done through three critical vehicles: Policy, Practice, and Advocacy.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.