By: Jessica Stewart

"He is the best speaker I've ever heard."

That's Meg Stewart, Oakland teacher at Bret Harte Middle School. She got the chance to hear Colorado Senator Mike Johnston, a clear leader in the education community, speak earlier this year. We agree with Meg, so we asked Mike to join us in January for a GO Public Schools fundraiser.

Here are my Top Five Reasons to join us for this event on January 5th:

5. It's a great chance to see your fellow education advocates and meet some great new friends and make connections.

4. The event benefits Great Oakland Public School's work in 2012, which will be a truly crucial year Oakland education.

3. Mike Johnston is an impressive leader in the education movement. Check out one of his past speeches here on YouTube.

2. For the next few weeks, the early-bird tickets to the fundraiser are cheaper than they will be once we all go on winter vacation.

1. It's sure to be a thought-provoking discussion and a fun, interesting crowd.

Get your ticket today for the event on January 5th.

You may be familiar with Mike's work in Colorado and his leadership nationally as one of President Obama's top three education policy advisors to President Obama during the 2008 campaign and as a co-founder of New Leaders for New Schools. He also opened and led Mapleton Expeditionary School of Arts, a public district high school in Colorado. In May 2008, MESA became the first public high school in Colorado to get all 100 percent of its seniors admitted to four-year colleges.

We'll be kicking off at 6:30 PM on Thursday, January 5th at Lighthouse Community School at 444 Hegenberger and we hope you'll be there with us. Buy your ticket here and then join the Facebook event to get the conversation started.

I'll see you in January!

P.S. That night (January 5th) is my birthday, and I can't think of any better way to spend it than with others who care just as deeply about having a great school for every kid in Oakland! I hope you'll join us.