The Distinguished Educators Council (DEC) was organized by Chalkboard Project in 2012 as a strategy for ensuring that Oregon is a great place to teach and learn. Our mission is to leverage the expertise and experience of teachers to advance equity and social justice for the students of Oregon by promoting teacher voice across multiple channels to influence policy and activate change.

Serving on the DEC is an opportunity to amplify your voice, engage policy makers, and advocate for all Oregon students. We want to give you and your experiences a seat at the table by investing in your leadership capacity, political and strategic knowledge, and communication skills. The council's current focus is supporting authentic teacher engagement within Regional Education Networks and in the work made possible by the Student Success Act. We believe that improvement efforts will have meaningful impact when teacher and student voice plays an integral role in designing, implementing, and supporting change.

We are looking for highly effective teachers with a demonstrated track record of leadership and advocacy to join our team. Members represent diverse regions and districts from across Oregon, and we share a commitment to equity and centering the needs of students. DEC members participate in monthly meetings, including shorter online meetings and longer in-person work sessions. Meetings typically take place outside the teaching workday. We maximize the use of technology to remove barriers for participation, and we also value in-person opportunities to deepen relationships. DEC members receive an honorarium for their service, and travel costs are covered.

Are you ready to join us? Apply for a seat on the Distinguished Educators Council BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2019. Your application needs to include the following elements:

            •  Respond to four short answer questions (see below)
            •  Upload resume
            •  Include two references
            •  Request one letter of recommendation (more information included at the end of this form)

Questions can be directed to ashley@chalkboardproject.org.

Because this is a Google Form, it may be helpful to draft your answers to the four short answer questions ahead of time; they are included below. We are expecting about 200 words per question.

1. List awards, distinctions, examples of teacher leadership, and/or equity work that speak to your qualifications to be a Distinguished Educators Council member.
2. How have you supported equity in teaching and learning in your classroom and beyond?
3. How do you know you are an effective teacher?
4. Consider the historic investment and opportunity represented by the Educator Advancement Council/Regional Educator Networks and the Student Success Act. What excites you? What priorities do you believe could be most relevant and impactful to the community you serve?