[APO brothers are ushering at this panel, but it is also an opportunity for leadership hours! They will be discussing ways to close the achievement gap in local Lansing schools and ways that both educators and volunteers can make this happen.] Featuring well-renowned advocates for education in Michigan, this discussion panel will have a broad focus on the state of education with an emphasis on their own unique insights and ways in which citizens can help close the achievement gap. There will be time for open questions from attendees, as well as a time for mingling and networking at the end. Free snacks will be provided by Teach For America. Panelists include: - Donna Kaplowitz - Assistant Professor at MSU, former member of East Lansing School Board - Lothar Konietzko - Social Studies Teacher & Department Chair at Everett High School - Marcus Sumrall - Regional Recruitment Manager at City Year - Nate Walker - K-12 Organizer & Policy Analyst at AFT Michigan - Jeff Williams - CEO of Public Sector Consultants