Guest Blogger: Rehema Ellis, NBC News’ Chief Education Correspondent

At NBC News, we make it our job to cover the myriad of issues and challenges that people face every day. Our goal is to arm our viewers with all the information they need to make decisions about their lives. We cover topics that range from the micro to macro, affecting individuals, families, communities and nations. At the core of these issues is one constant that affects people and systems across America. It involves challenges that come with no quick fixes or one-size-fits-all remedies, has its roots in almost everything upon which this country is built, and has a critical impact on our future.

Education.

As a news organization we share a civic responsibility to report on the issues of education, but also to help facilitate a public dialogue around it; to bring the challenges out from the shadows and into the national spotlight; to bring the best ideas and innovations from across the country to the forefront; and to engage key stakeholders such as leaders in government and business, as well as teachers, parents and students.

This is why we launched "Education Nation" in the fall of 2010, and why we are continuing this effort with a series of education-focused events including the Aspen Ideas Festival. This event is known for creating and fostering an environment where openness and creativity are welcome, and solutions and innovations are sought from every participant. This is the perfect place to discuss topics surrounding education in America and we're looking forward to welcoming some of the nation's biggest thinkers to join us. From arts in education, to the debate around whether college is for everyone-- from a discussion about teaching character to young people and radical disruption in the education space-- we're looking forward to hosting these conversations and soaking up all the learning that Aspen has to offer.

For more on "Education Nation" and how you can get involved, visit us at EducationNation.com.