| PACE Supports Creating a Pathway for "Innovation" Teachers |
| posted by: Tim | April 23, 2014, 05:37 PM |
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Monika Troutman, a teacher in Jefferson County, commented, “One size does not fit all and the people making decisions for students should be the professionals closest to the students. It is imperative that teachers be given more flexibility.” Many teachers feel the pressure of top-down mandates that often make the educational process more like a box-checking routine than a professional practice of diagnosing student needs and instructing them accordingly. Similar to the “innovation” process in Colorado for schools or districts, creating an application process for individual classrooms would provide teachers with a pathway to explain how they would meet educational goals in exchange for a waiver from overly prescriptive mandates like specified curriculums, pacing guides, minimum or maximum seat time requirements, or other mandates that shackle their ability to provide a tailored educational experience that meets the unique needs of their students. “Teachers are professionals and should be provided the flexibility to maximize their abilities,” said PACE Executive Director Dr. Kris Enright. “Providing a pathway for teachers to innovate and break free from top-down mandates is a great way to empower professional educators.” As a member-driven organization, PACE urges policymakers to respond to this call for teacher empowerment. Teachers deserve more control of their own classrooms and students deserve an educational experience that meets their needs. Click here to view the 2014 PACE Membership Survey.
The Professional Association of Colorado Educators (PACE) is the state’s largest non-union professional educator’s organization, advancing the profession by offering a modern approach to teacher representation and educational advocacy, as well as promoting professionalism, collaboration and excellence without a partisan agenda. PACE members are forward-thinking professionals who are committed to student-centered reform. PACE welcomes professionals from all educational entities. Membership is $15 per month, which includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional development resources, as well as a host of other benefits. Visit Coloradoteachers.org for further information.
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