Teacher Engagement Project

 By:  Karen Handlos

Kentucky has consistently been a leader, from being the first state to adopt the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) to establishing systems through the state’s Leadership Networks that engage accomplished teachers to help their colleagues understand the standards and to design and implement instruction aligned to the standards. In order for CCSS implementation to be realized in Kentucky schools, teachers must develop instructional tools and assessment strategies to deliver the new types of knowledge and skills represented by these standards.  These efforts must be coordinated to ensure that CCSS implementation is rigorous and teacher-led.

The Fund for Transforming Education in Kentucky (The Fund) Teacher Engagement Project will work with national and local partners to develop and engage teachers as leaders in implementing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS)/Kentucky Core Academic Standards (KCAS) and the new Professional Growth and Effectiveness System (PGES). The Fund will partner with the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) as well as other national and state partners to coordinate all aspects of teacher engagement work across the state. In doing so, The Fund will work to establish teacher networks and forums so innovative teachers can more easily “connect” with other teachers around the state and share promising new ideas for improving student outcomes. 

As part of The Fund’s Teacher Engagement Project, The Fund will work to oversee development of a Teacher Leadership Network—a cohort of deeply knowledgeable teacher leaders on key issues of practice and policy (e.g., the Professional Growth and Effectiveness System (PGES), the Literacy/Mathematics Design Collaborative (LDC/MDC) frameworks, Common Core State Standards implementation)—who will work to serve as leaders by:

·       (1) continuing a Teachers as Leaders Conference (TALK Conference) to engage and place teachers in the lead on sharing best practices and engaging in professional learning (by, for, and about teachers);

·       (2) establishing and supporting a Teacher Leadership Network (TLN), building on advocacy efforts through partnerships to develop a network of teachers to lead teacher voice efforts

The work of The Fund is consistent with Kentucky’s goals in the service of college and career readiness for students.

1. Teachers leading teachers
2. Teachers connecting around content
3. Using technology-enabled as well as face-to-face interaction
4. Connecting new and existing networks
5. Developing corporate support for teacher communities and practice improvement