Educators in the state of Oregon must know that I take great pride in the work I do at the district, state, and local levels, especially within my primary role as teacher. It must be noted that my passion in providing students and colleagues the best, and nothing but the best, remains at the forefront of my agenda.
So when I was nominated and appointed to serve on the Governor’s Council on Educator Advancement, I knew without a doubt, my chance to be present and purposefully engaged in changing the system and profession, for the better, landed on my shoulders. The task of ensuring that I advocate and pursue what is good for all stakeholders (especially our historically underserved and underrepresented communities), as one voice of many at the table, is daunting and overwhelming, but so rewarding. I am honored to be part of this Council, as a practicing practitioner, and I am extremely fortunate knowing that my perspective and voice is respected, understood and heard. With that said, I would like to take a moment to review the charge of the Council and the work that has been created over the past year.
So it was signed in 2016, Executive Order No. 16-08, by the Governor of Oregon and shortly after the 17-member council was formed and Governor Kate Brown appointed each member. It was the Council’s tasks to develop, collaborate, and design recommendations, so that, the state of Oregon can lead the nation in guaranteeing key outcomes within our education system. Therefore, without hesitation, each Council member started to dream, develop, and create with his or her expertise, knowledge and passion. This time and energy morphed words from Executive Order 16-08, into viable solutions in the form of a report, which highlighted equal access for the state, the importance of quality professional development, the importance of mentorship, induction, recruitment, and retention of educators. The Council’s report was submitted and presented to the Governor emphasizing ten practical recommendations.
The Council continuously works on improving our recommendations, tailoring them to fit Oregon’s demands and needs, so that every school, in every district across the state, has the needed tools, funds, and access to make the needed systemic changes for our students, families, and communities. It has been an extremely humbling experience and a great privilege getting to work with and alongside some of Oregon’s finest leaders, and I look forward to seeing the change our collective works will bring to the state. I encourage, any of my colleagues to reach out to me, personally if they have any questions or comments they would like me to be aware of or know.
Respectfully,
Marty Perez, World Language Department, Franklin High School