Arizona Education Innovation Tour:

Information Overview & FAQs (below):

Dates:  Wed January 29, 5:00pm -- Fri January 31, 2014, 4:00pm

Please join us for a trip to two of Arizona's leading districts in educational innovation!
Spaces are limited--register today!

The districts we are going to visit are excited to host us, but requested that we break our team up into smaller groups so they can give us better, more personalized attention.  To accomodate the districts this way, we have created two teams. When registering, please choose between Team Tucson and Team Phoenix. All participants will travel to both cities and visit both districts.  

Both teams will visit with the Dysart Unified School District in Phoenix and the Vail School District in Tucson.  

The teams will meet on Thursday night at a central location in Casa Grande, AZ, for a large group dinner.  We will take this opportunity to discuss what we're learning and best practices to bring the innovation back to Wyoming schools.

Whichever city you choose to start in, we ask that you fly in by 5:00pm on Wednesday, January 29th.  We will be holding opening dinners in both cities.  See your chosen Team's Session Description on the Registration page for a detailed list of hotel addresses and phone numbers. 

Tentative Schedule:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is invited?

Superintendents, District Administrators, State Board of Education members, Director’s Teacher Cabinet Members, Lawmakers, UW Faculty, Educational Association (WASA, WSBA, WEA, etc.) Leaders & Officers.

Why Arizona (besides the break from Wyoming winter)?

These districts are worth visiting because they are national leaders in their respective areas of focus.  Here are the areas we will be observing and some links with more detailed information on the districts and what they’re doing:

How will transportation work once I’m in AZ?

You are responsible for travel from the airport to your hotel.  The WDE will coordinate all travel, via charter bus, for the duration of the trip, ending at approximately 4:30pm on Friday, January 31st. You are responsible for all travel arrangements after this time.  

What am I responsible for as far as planning and cost?

There is a registration fee of $99, to cover meals and inter-district transportation. 

You are responsible for arranging your flights to and from Arizona.
      NOTE: If you fly into Tucson, you should plan to fly out of Phoenix.  If you fly into Phoenix, you            should plan to fly out of Tucson.

You are responsible for transportation from the airport to your initial hotel, and from the closing location back to the airport.

You are responsible for the cost and booking of your hotel rooms.  See your chosen Session's Hotel Information Page for a list of hotels that have agreed to give us government rates.

Your registration fee will cover the cost of your meals.  Breakfast will be provided at your hotel; lunch at both districts will be catered; WDE has arranged for a catered dinner on Wednesday and Thursday nights.  A meal Friday night will not be provided.

When registering, I’ve been asked to choose between “Team Phoenix” and “Team Tucson.”  What does this mean?

This denotes where you will begin your Arizona Education Innovation tour.  See the schedule overview in the table above, and the information in each session tab on the Registration Page for more detailed information regarding the implications of your choice and options for lodging.

Why do I have to choose which city to start in?  Is there a difference in what I’ll see?

The districts we are going to visit are excited to host us, but requested that we break our team up into smaller groups so they can give us better, more personalized attention.  All participants will travel to both cities and visit both districts.

Whichever city you choose to start in, we ask that you fly in by 5:00pm on Wednesday, January 29th.  We will be holding opening dinners in both cities, at the locations listed below. 

NOTE: You will not complete the tour in the city you fly in to.  We will not provide transportation back to your initial city.
      ex: If you start in Phoenix on Wednesday evening, on Friday afternoon you will be in          Tucson.  Please plan your travel home accordingly.

Contact Sarah Murphy at sarah.murphy@wyo.gov with any further questions.