Yesterday, Governor McDonnell announced the establishment of the Governor’s Teacher Cabinet. This Cabinet will advise the Governor and Secretary of Education on policies related to the status of teaching in Virginia.

The Administration is now accepting applications from teachers interested in joining the Cabinet. Applications are due by May 15th.

Additional details, including information on how teachers can apply to serve in the Cabinet, are listed below.

How to Apply:

Full-time teachers from across the Commonwealth are encouraged to apply to serve on the Cabinet by visiting the Commonwealth’s Online Application System (OASYS). The application can be accessed at this link: https://solutions.virginia.gov/OASYS/. Each applicant must submit two letters of recommendation, one from an administrator, and one from a student or parent. The letters may be attached as one document on the application or submitted by the nominator at this link: https://solutions.virginia.gov/OASYS/Nomination.aspx. When using the online form, please select ‘Designated’ under the Secretariat Heading and then ‘Governor’s Teacher Cabinet’ under Boards and Commissions. Applications are due by May 15th.

Responsibilities of the Governor’s Teacher Cabinet:

1. Identify additional resources, learning tools and professional development opportunities that the Department of Education could make available to local school divisions;
2. Recommend strategies for greater parent and community engagement;
3. Recommend strategies to improve the K-12 education, higher education and workforce collaboration;
4. Identify any needed improvements to administrative responsibilities; and
5. Recommend strategies to close the achievement gap and assist disadvantaged students.

For additional information on the Governor’s Teacher Cabinet, please visit http://governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=1796.