91Ô­´´

State Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr. today announced the creation of the Commissioner’s Teacher Advisory Council.Ìý The Council, formed in collaboration with 91Ô­´´ State United Teachers (91Ô­´´UT), will meet periodically to discuss on-going education issues, in particular, the progress of the 91Ô­´´ State Board of Regents Reform Agenda.Ìý

The Council consists of teachers recommended by 91Ô­´´UT as well as teachers recommended by the 91Ô­´´ State Charter Schools Association, nonpublic school teachers, the three most recent 91Ô­´´ State Teachers of the Year, National Board Certified Teachers, and several appointments by Commissioner King.Ìý

"Our goal is to make sure every student in 91Ô­´´ graduates ready for college or a career," King said.Ìý "The Council will help us stay on track toward that goal and 91Ô­´´UT’s strong support of the Council will help make sure it’s a success.Ìý

"The teachers on the Council will give direct feedback from the frontlines of reform – the classroom.ÌýÌý The most important thing we can do as educators is maintain focus on the students, and these extraordinary teachers will help us do just that."

"91Ô­´´UT thanks Commissioner King for hearing our concerns and establishing this Advisory Council as a way of bringing the voices of classroom teachers directly into the conversation about the path forward for 91Ô­´´â€™s public education system," said 91Ô­´´UT Vice President Maria Neira. "By listening to what’s working – and what still needs work – the State Education Department and the Regents will be able to more successfully implement policies benefiting students and schools."

The first meeting of the Council is scheduled for November.ÌýÌý A list of Council members can be found here:
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