Roxanne De La Rosa is the education solutions reporter for Arizona PBS. Her role is made possible through grant funding from the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund and Report for America, and she’s a Report for America corps member.
De La Rosa worked at KTAR News as an anchor, assignment desk editor and as a digital content producer and editor. She has reported on education and immigration issues and covered local politics.
De La Rosa has a master’s degree in mass communication from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, where she also earned her bachelor’s in journalism.
Her passion for storytelling goes beyond reporting: In her spare time, De La Rosa enjoys sharing personal stories on stage in front of a crowd. She loves spending time with her daughter, reading bedtime stories and looking for the best ice cream spots around town.
Roxanne can be contacted at rdelaro6@asu.edu. Read Roxanne’s latest articles below.
Arizona bill could force school districts to increase teacher pay
A new bill could require Arizona public school districts to spend 60% of their budgets on teacher salaries and “direct instructional expenses.”
Arizona receives $8.4 million to prioritize early childhood education programs
The state of Arizona was selected to receive $8.4 million in federal funding to help strengthen early childhood education programs.
Valley student finds new career in trades through affordable MCCCD program
Addist Bennett never thought he would go to college, especially as an older adult. No one in his family had ever pursued higher education.
Arizona nonprofit helps aged out foster kids pursue higher education
At the age of eight Jason Lewis was placed into the foster care system and would go on to move 28 times by the time he turned 18.
Arizona special education teacher works second full-time job to make ends meet
Teaching special education has been Darla Knight’s passion for more than 25 years at Highland Junior High in Gilbert.
Read on Arizona backs spring break reading initiative to promote literacy
Read on Arizona is encouraging parents to read to their children while they are out of school during spring break.
Arizona ballot initiative could restrict how teachers unions organize
An Arizona House bill proposal could ban school districts from using public money and restrict how educator unions organize.
Arizona bill may let voters decide if public schools can require vaccines
A proposed ballot measure that would bar schools and government agencies from requiring vaccinations and other “medical products or treatments” is set to go before the Arizona Senate.
Arizona PBS partners with Phoenix Public Library to host Be My Neighbor Day 2026
Arizona PBS will host its annual Be My Neighbor Day at South Mountain Community Library in March.
Arizona apprenticeship program tackles early childhood educator shortage
A new state apprenticeship program is providing early childhood educators with training and resources with a goal to retain these workers amid a national shortage that also impacts Arizona.
More than 20 Valley schools close doors as ESA program grows
Beginning in 2025, more than 20 public schools in neighborhoods across the Valley have closed or are in the process of shutting their doors.
How a Valley high school supports teens during adversity
Teen girl who attended Girls Leadership Academy of Arizona received much needed support to make her dream of obtaining a college education a reality.
Valley Leadership program aims to close literacy gap by helping teachers
Education advocacy group Valley Leadership has been putting leaders in classrooms to substitute for teachers once a month to help them complete mandatory training.
Highlighting leaders in education: Kimberly Flack, Arizona PBS
Kimberly Flack is the Senior Director of Education and Community Impact at Arizona PBS. Every month, a leader in education across the state will be featured through a Q&A article.
Advocacy leader says education is polarized, dividing Arizona voters
The majority of Arizona voters want to see public education funded, according to the Center for the Future of Arizona.
Arizona Representative, former teacher says more educators need to be in office
Arizona Representative, Nancy Gutierrez, is a former teacher who feels more educators need to be involved in legislature.
Arizona holds first statewide town hall on education solutions
Journalist Roxanne De La Rosa attended the Arizona Media Association and Clean Election’s first statewide town hall on education in Arizona.
Two Phoenix school districts receive $25,000 for student food pantries
Education leaders are preparing for the slashing of federal funding to SNAP, including support for student food pantries.
ESA voucher program helps Arizona students, families
Private school wasn’t something one Arizona mother could afford, but thanks to the ESA voucher program, it was an option for her children.
Helios makes higher education accessible for transfer students
The Helios Education Foundation offers scholarships to students from low-income and marginalized communities in Arizona. Meet two recent recipients.
How one program is combatting Arizona’s literacy crisis in a unique way
Discover how Reach Out and Read Arizona is tackling the literacy crisis by promoting early reading during pediatric visits.
Valley nonprofit will shell out a record $1.5 million granting teachers’ wishes
In its tenth year, Wishes for Teachers will dole out a record breaking $1.5 million to help students across the state. The wishes are funded by the Fiesta Sports Foundation, which hosts local annual events.
Dream.Org teaches young adults to advocate in their communities
An advocacy training program funded by the NBA Foundation will serve 25 youth from marginalized groups in Maricopa County and provide them with the tools to solve issues within their own communities.
Super Why Reading Camps bring literacy to young learners in Arizona
Children who attended a Super Why Reading Camp receive books and school supplies, all part of a program aimed at building early literacy skills.
Undocumented children are being denied access to Head Start
In an unprecedented move, a new federal directive targets undocumented children and families by denying them access to the early childhood education program known as Head Start.
