Gearity teacher to participate in NBC's 'Education Nation' on Sept. 23

Natalie Wester is a teacher at Gearity Professional Development School.

Natalie Wester, a second-grade teacher at Gearity Professional Development School, will participate in the third-annual NBC News Education Nation Teacher Town Hall with Brian Williams from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23, at the New York Public Library in New York City.

The discussion, dubbed by NBC as the “largest conversation of teachers in the country,” will focus on reinventing America as an “education nation.” The program will be streamed live on EducationNation.com and broadcast live on MSNBC.

“This conversation about education in our country is of paramount importance,” said Doug Heuer, superintendent of the CH-UH school district. “Natalie is the perfect person to represent our district and teachers across the country. She is an extraordinary person, dedicated to her craft. If given the opportunity, she will articulate teachers’ challenges in thoughtful, intelligent, and meaningful ways.”

Wester is Ohio’s 2010 Teacher of the Year. Kim Wheeler, WKYC’s education reporter, nominated her to participate in NBC’s national conversation. Wester will not be seated on stage, but was told by NBC staff that she will be given a front row seat.

“This discussion about how our country prepares students to compete and succeed as adults in the 21st century must be inclusive of teachers,” Wester said. “It’s laudable that NBC will give us an opportunity to contribute in a very public way on a national stage. I’m looking forward to the conversation and sharing my experiences with my colleagues when I return.”

For more information about the Education Nation Teacher Town Hall, visit www.educationnation.com/index.cfm?objectid=9F0D0790-F6AA-11E1-B7FE000C296BA163.