IDOE Launches Educator Outreach Program

Indiana Department of Education Release:

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett announced the launch of The Educator Learning Link (TELL) Ambassadors program today. This grassroots outreach effort will provide Hoosier educators with unfiltered access to critical information regarding IDOE policies and initiatives.

“It is vitally important for Indiana’s educators to have access to the most up-to-date and accurate information when formulating opinions on education reform proposals. The landmark proposals which comprise our ‘Putting Students First’ legislative agenda will determine the trajectory of Indiana education for generations to come, and I am hopeful stakeholders from every corner of Indiana will participate in the debate during the coming weeks,” said Dr. Bennett. “In particular, I encourage teachers and school leaders across the state to take part in this valuable grassroots leadership opportunity throughout the 2011 legislative session and beyond.”

The program seeks to enlist one ambassador from every school building in the state. Each ambassador will share detailed policy documents with other teachers in their school buildings. TELL ambassadors will also be encouraged to share their colleagues’ questions and concerns directly with designated IDOE representatives. Ambassadors will not be asked to express support or advocate for specific IDOE policies. The department simply seeks open-minded individuals hoping to supply colleagues with up-to-date information which will assist educators as they review policy proposals and form opinions.

The TELL Ambassadors program comes on the heels of increased educator outreach efforts by IDOE and the state superintendent. Since the spring of 2010, Dr. Bennett has been sharing email updates and IDOE news with teachers on a regular basis. Furthermore, in addition to numerous school visits and educator meetings, Dr. Bennett and senior IDOE staff members conducted a series of nine regional meetings with educators in August and again at the end of 2010 to share information on Indiana’s Growth Model, teacher evaluations and school accountability. IDOE has also provided educators with access to the Learning Connection, an interactive online learning community that encourages collaboration and professional development.

Starting today, IDOE will begin contacting teachers recommended by other educators, principals and superintendents to encourage participation in the TELL Ambassadors program. Educators interested in participating or recommending a colleague may do so by sending an email to Tosha Salyers, IDOE’s Director of Educator Outreach, at tsalyers@doe.in.gov.