Gov. McDonnell issues executive order creating Governor’s Teacher Cabinet

Gov. Bob McDonnell today issued Executive Order No. 63, establishing the Governor’s Teacher Cabinet. The Cabinet, comprised of teachers from across the Commonwealth, will advise the Governor and Secretary of Education on policies related to the status of teaching in Virginia. The Cabinet will focus on strategies for enhancing teacher quality, leadership and professionalism for 21^st Century learning.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Gov. McDonnell said, “Last year, I assembled a teacher workgroup led by retired teacher and House Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) and Secretary of Education Laura Fornash to aid in the development of my ALL STUDENTS agenda. The teacher workgroup provided meaningful and substantive advice over the course of the past year. Today I am pleased to announce the creation of the Governor’s Teacher Cabinet to continue to advise my administration. The Teacher’s Cabinet will recommend short term action and long term strategy to improve teaching and continue to recognize this distinguished profession. I encourage teachers to submit nominations and parents and local leaders to nominate a deserving teacher in your community.”

Secretary of Education Laura Fornash remarked, “Today’s announcement demonstrates Governor McDonnell’s unwavering dedication to partner with Virginia’s teachers. The Teacher Cabinet will look for ways to celebrate and reward our teachers who serve as exemplars for their colleagues. I look forward to working with the Teacher Cabinet to identify strategies to enhance teacher quality, leadership and professionalism with the ultimate goal of creating meaningful learning experiences for ALL students.”

Retired Teacher, ALL STUDENTS Co-Chair and House Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights), said “Teachers are in a great position to offer advice and input that will improve our educational system. I am confident that their invaluable advice will help ensure every child in our schools can receive a top-quality education.”

A copy of Executive Order No. 63 is available, here: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/PolicyOffice/ExecutiveOrders/viewEO.cfm?eo=63

Responsibilities of the Governor’s Teacher Cabinet:

1.      Identify additional resources, learning tools and professional development opportunities that the Department of Education could make available to local school divisions;

2.      Recommend strategies for greater parent and community engagement;

3.      Recommend strategies to improve the K-12 education, higher education and workforce collaboration;

4.      Identify any needed improvements to administrative responsibilities; and

5.      Recommend strategies to close the achievement gap and assist disadvantaged students.

How to Apply:

Full-time teachers from across the Commonwealth are encouraged to apply to serve on the Cabinet by visiting the Commonwealth’s Online Application System (OASYS). The application can be accessed at this link:https://solutions.virginia.gov/OASYS/. Each applicant must submit two letters of recommendation, one from an administrator, and one from a student or parent. The letters may be attached as one document on the application or submitted by the nominator at this link: https://solutions.virginia.gov/OASYS/Nomination.aspx. When using the online form, please select ‘Designated’ under the Secretariat Heading and then ‘Governor’s Teacher Cabinet’ under Boards and Commissions. Applications are due by May 15^th.