From: Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh [UT]
To: Rep. McKell, M.,
Subject: Friday Press Conference: Utah teachers to release bold new vision for public education
Date: 2014-01-28T20:17:54Z
Body:

Dear Friend of Utah Public Education:

This Friday at the Utah State Capitol, the independently commissioned Educational Excellence Task Force, comprised of 13 outstanding Utah public school educators, will release its recommendations for Utah education policy. Below is a Media Alert with the details. I invite you to attend.

Our hope is that the recommendations from these teachers will serve as a springboard for dialogue and action among legislators and the education community to strengthen the teaching profession and support high student outcomes.

Sincerely,

Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh
President, Utah Education Association

MEDIA ALERT

 

Teachers to present an innovative new vision for Utah public education

Independent task force members ask lawmakers to consider their education policy recommendations

 

Where:           Utah State Capitol, Senate Building, Copper Room

 

When:            Friday, January 31, 1:15 p.m.

 

What:             An independent teacher task force will present a report detailing specific teacher-developed education policy recommendations to the Utah Education Association and state policymakers for consideration.

 

Who:              Thirteen outstanding Utah educators participated in the teacher task force and will present their recommendations to UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh and Utah education policymakers.

 

Contact:        Mike Kelley, Utah Education Association, (801) 699-1452, mike.kelley@utea.org

 

Background:

·         In May 2012, the Utah Education Association organized an independent Educational Excellence Task Force to study and prioritize critical education issues and create a vision of teaching excellence designed and led by Utah educators.

·         After 18 months of study, research and consideration, the task force is presenting a report detailing key priorities that require long-term commitment and dedicated resources to strengthen the teaching profession and support high student outcomes.

·         The task force was comprised of 13 Utah educators who excel in the field of education and are leaders in the profession. Task force members represent a breadth and depth of experience in many areas – elementary and secondary education; diverse curriculum areas; classroom teachers, instructional coaches, administrators and specialists; Title I and non-Title I schools; etc.

·         The charge of the task force was to:

o   Analyze relevant research to identify priorities for UEA and public education in Utah.

o   Create a vision of teaching excellence that is led by teachers.

o   Develop a comprehensive set of policy recommendations regarding teaching quality and effectiveness.

o   Create a report that will engage policymakers, the public and teacher association leadership in the important dialogue of change.

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