MESA, Ariz. –- Feb. 3, 2026 –- A screening of the documentary film, “Multiple Choice,” followed by an education summit at Mesa Community College (MCC) is scheduled from 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Feb. 28 in the MCC Theatre Building (TH29) on the Dobson and Southern Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave, Mesa. 

Sponsored by the MCC Educators Rising Club consisting of future teachers, the student-driven event is free and open to educators, students and community partners. A panel discussion and breakout sessions addressing the issues and potential solutions will follow the screening. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. Details and instructions are available on the event listing at mesacc.edu/events. 

“This event reflects the club’s commitment to creating meaningful spaces for dialogue, reflection and action around public education—highlighting what is working in our community while engaging honestly with areas where growth, advocacy, and collective problem-solving are needed,” said Tawn Hauptli, Ed.D, MCC K-12 Education faculty and Educators Rising Club advisor.

“More than a film screening, this gathering is an opportunity to be in community with individuals from across the education spectrum–future and current educators and community partners,” she added. “It’s an opportunity to come together to advocate for our public schools and for those who work in and are served by them.” 

The 75-minute film by Ted Dintersmith focuses on an economically challenged community in Virginia and follows a school superintendent who is redefining career-based learning—not as a last-chance option for some students, but as a foundational approach for all learners. The film illustrates how career-connected learning can serve both the career-bound and the college-bound, offering an inspiring vision of young people finding purposeful paths amid political turmoil and technological change. 

Multiple Choice also addresses the mismatch between what employers currently seek in qualified hires and what school systems throughout the world are producing. According to the film, there are 8.1 million unfilled jobs in the country and yet 52% of college graduates are underemployed. The film goes on to say this will become much worse with AI. Among the solutions the film presents is the opportunity to provide different pathways for students based on their capabilities and interests.

The event agenda:

8-9 a.m.--Registration and check-in. Continental breakfast will be served.

9-10:15 a.m.–Film screening

10:30-11 a.m.--Panel discussion: Inclusion, Access and Belonging in Our Schools
Education Rising Club member Jazmin Romero, an education major navigating the teacher pipeline while living with spinal muscular atrophy, will discuss how physical access, institutional design and educator mindset shape belonging in schools and in the profession.
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.--Lunch break
A limited number of lunch selections are available to the first 150 participants who register by Feb. 15.

12:30-1:30 p.m.--Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) and Special Education (repeated at 1:45 p.m.)

Tiffani Joseph, 2026 Arizona Teacher of the Year, will clarify what SEL is and what its core goals are for students with disabilities. She will share key research findings, including clear data points/percentages and connect them to what teachers see in real classrooms. 

12:30-1:30 p.m.--Teaching in 2026 and Beyond (repeated at 1:45 p.m.)
Angelica Abbey of Frye Elementary School in Chandler, will explore what it means to enter the teaching profession at a time when classrooms and student needs are rapidly evolving.

12:30-1:30 p.m.--Who is School For? Why This Matters for Teachers (repeated at 1:45 p.m.)

Tyler Hill, from University High School in the Tucson Unified School District, will explore with participants how student identity, equity and multiple pathways manifest in classroom language, expectations and routines.

12:30-1:30 p.m.--Reflecting Without Spiraling: How to Gather and Use Feedback for Self-growth (repeated at 1:45 p.m.)

Teresa Anthofer from Marana High School, will lead participants in an exploration of how to maximize professional growth by combining observations, direct feedback and self-reflection to enhance their instruction. 

12:30-1:30 p.m.--Panel Session: From Classroom to Career: Building a P–20 Talent Pipeline

Marlo Loria, Mesa Public Schools Career and Technical Education and Innovative Partnerships Director,  and Dawn Giles, Mesa Public Schools Workforce Development Specialist, will lead discussion on how strong K–12, higher education and workforce partnerships create meaningful, career-connected pathways for students.

1:45-2:45 p.m.--Panel Session: Policy to Practice: Equity, Language, and Power in K–12
This panel explores how state and federal education policies shape equity in ways that are often unseen by the public but deeply experienced in K–12 classrooms.

2:50-3:30 p.m.--Closing Circle & Networking: From Reflection to Action
Focusing on connection and action.

Hauptli encourages colleagues and community members who care deeply about public education to attend. “We hope the event will serve as a catalyst for action—mobilizing advocacy for public education, strengthening the teacher pipeline and deepening community–school partnerships.” 

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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.