Among the items being looked at by JFAC will be the Core Teacher Program, which provides professional development that leverages the expertise of teachers and mentors participants to enable them to bring best practices of professional development back to their local districts.
An IEA member who serves in the Core Teacher Program brought to our attention that JFAC is considering cutting funding to this very program that has tangible benefits for both teachers and students. This program centers professional development around literacy strategies, critical thinking and scaffolding student learning. It is designed to create grass roots momentum that empowers local teachers in local schools to help Idaho children succeed in the classroom. The Core Teacher Program coaches are all former teachers who provide tools, knowledge, mentoring and support to Idaho teachers.
Have you accessed one of the Core Teacher coaches? If so, please e-mail JFAC members this weekend and let them know the importance of the tools and knowledge generated from the program. The most valuable input you can offer committee members will be personal stories.
