NEWS RELEASE November 6, 2019 Media Contact: Cheryl L. Meyers, cheryl.L.myers@state.or.us
The Educator Advancement Council is Helping Shape the Future of Oregon Educator Supports
Participate in your local Regional Educator Network where an inclusive process will be used to support educators’ growth and leadership
(Salem, Ore.) – The Educator Advancement Council (EAC), in coordination with the Oregon Department of Education, has formalized $4.5 million in new grant agreements with 10 regions throughout the state to form Regional Educator Networks (REN)/ Sponsoring Organizations to serve all Oregon educators, the first part of a $35 million investment in supporting educators across the state. The RENs will meet with educators, along with a wide variety of stakeholders within their region, identify local needs and strengths, and ultimately leverage and distribute state dollars in a noncompetitive way to best serve students.
Get Involved in Your Local REN
One of the first steps for each REN is the formation of a Coordinating Body comprised of at least 51 percent teachers and specific partners outlined in SB 182. This group will analyze local needs and strengths, guide development of a REN Plan, make decisions about REN use of formula funding, oversee regional implementation, and document outcomes. Each REN is seeking individuals to serve on their Coordinating Body. Please visit the EAC website for REN contact information.
“We are thrilled to be taking this important step,” said Belle Koskela, EAC Chair and Instructional Coach and Secondary Teacher in the David Douglas School District. “We look forward to the RENs recruiting teachers and community members to serve on their local Coordinating Bodies as they begin identifying highest priority areas.”
The EAC’s establishment of RENs represents significant changes in the way the state supports educators. In the past, the state has primarily offered competitive grants to school districts for professional learning and mentoring, which has resulted in sporadic efforts not reaching all educators and geographic areas. This new approach allows the EAC to reach more educators and include more community partners.
The EAC is a public-nonprofit partnership created by the Oregon Legislature in 2017 to provide all Oregon educators and administrators access to high-quality professional learning and supports.
Regional Educator Networks
Region A – NWRESD REN Region B – Clackamas ESD and Multnomah ESD; Educator Advancement Partnership Region C – Lane ESD and Linn Benton Lincoln ESD REN Region D – Willamette ESD and South Coast ESD REN Region E – Douglas ESD REN Region F – Southern Oregon REN Region G – Eastern Oregon REN Region H – High Desert ESD Region I – Columbia REN Region J – Oregon Trail REN
For more information, please visit http://oregon.gov/EAC or email EACinfo@OregonLearning.org
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