Speaker Boehner Receives CER EdReformies Award

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for Education Reform (CER) President Jeanne Allen this morning officially presented U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner with the EdReformie award for his achievements in creating opportunities for students and advancing substantive change in U.S. education.

"We are grateful to you for being willing to challenge the status quo and focus on the needs of the least advantaged children," said Jeanne Allen, president of The Center for Education Reform (CER) in a presentation at the U.S. Capitol.

"You do what you have to do," said Boehner as he thanked Allen and the CER team.

Speaker Boehner has been one of the most outspoken supporters of school choice for decades and he's never let political pressure get in the way of ensuring children have access to a better education. While his conviction and political will reinstated the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program, Boehner's commitment to accountability in schools, charter schools and teacher reforms has resulted in the passage of numerous reforms, like the bipartisan No Child Left Behind Act.

Boehner was initially honored by CER at its recent 18th Anniversary Rockin' Reform Gala on October 20. Speaker Boehner via video thanked CER for its work and congratulated fellow award winners, who that night were honored for their individual contributions in a musical tribute unlike any other education event to date.

In the words of former DC City Councilman Kevin Chavous, "This was the best Ed Reform, gathering I have ever attended. Entirely inventive, unique, substantive and fun! Thanks for all you have done and will do for the movement and our children."

While Speaker Boehner received the Classic rock EdReformie, other awardees included Katherine Bradley, Kevin Chavous, John Fisher, Steve Klinsky, John Legend, Eva Moskowitz and Brian Williams of NBC News. This select group of leaders was chosen for their accomplishments in education reform that collectively span almost all the states and has helped spur several million education opportunities for children throughout the U.S.

For more on the CER 18th Anniversary Rockin' reform gala along with pictures and highlights from the event, visit us at http://www.edreform.com/18th/.

CER, since 1993, is the leading voice and advocate for lasting, substantive and structural education reform in the U.S. Additional information about the Center and its activities can be found at http://www.edreform.com.

SOURCE Center for Education Reform