TEACH Campaign

I took part in a conference call with US Sec. of Education Arne Duncan this afternoon as he was looking for ideas on getting more people into the teaching profession. The Dept. of Education just launched the TEACH Campaign and the TEACH.gov website with the goal of trying to inspire and engage people to become teachers.

There is going to be a "huge teacher shortage," as Sec. Duncan said, and we will need over one million new teachers over the next 4-5 years. Getting committed, talented people to help transform education in the country is the goal of the TEACH Campaign, and not just motivating teachers to get into the classroom, but also to get them to stay in the classroom.

The website is a great resource for both current teachers and people thinking of entering the teaching profession. It has job openings, information on teaching, success stories from teachers, and traditional and alternative paths to becoming a teacher.

I will be in New York City this weekend working with the Pearson Foundation and the Mobile Video Institute to create "Why I Teach" videos. Together with the other state Teachers of the Year, we will each create a video as a way to get our excitement and passion about teaching out to the public. Please check out the 2009 state Teachers of the Year's videos here.

Cheers!

And the 2011 Vermont Teacher of the Year is...

Congratulations to Jennifer Lawson, who was announced today as the 2011 Vermont Teacher of the Year! Jennifer is a middle school language arts and social studies teacher at Vergennes Union Middle and High School. I got the chance to meet Jennifer in the spring and was blown away by how passionate and dedicated she is. I had the honor of being at the State Board of Education meeting this morning where the announcement was made, and the entire school was invigorated with one of their own winning this prestigious honor. Her students love learning from her, her fellow teachers love working with her, and the community loves having her around.

Congratulations Jennifer...you are an amazing person and teacher, and Vermont's educators are proud to have you representing us at the state and national level!