Commissioner's Teacher Advisory Council Announced

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

The Council consists of teachers recommended by NYSUT as well as teachers recommended by the New York State Charter Schools Association, nonpublic school teachers, the three most recent New York State Teachers of the Year, National Board Certified Teachers, and several appointments by Commissioner King. 

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

"The teachers on the Council will give direct feedback from the frontlines of reform – the classroom.   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."

"NYSUT 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 New York’s public education system," said NYSUT 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.   A list of Council members can be found here:
http://usny.nysed.gov/docs/commissioners-advisory-council-teachers.pdf.