-- Delegate Peace proud to support nomination of Mrs. Connie Plum's Appointment to the Governor's Teacher Cabinet --
Central Virginia - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced the members of his Governor's Teacher Cabinet. Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) applauds the Governor's choice of Connie Plum. Mrs. Plum teaches Advanced Placement US History and US Government at King William High School.
The Governor's Teacher Cabinet includes teachers from every Superintendent Region in the Commonwealth. The Cabinet was created by the Governor's Executive Order Number Sixty Three. It is scheduled to have its first meeting later this month, and will submit an interim report with initial recommendations by November 15, 2013.
Speaking in support of Mrs. Plum's appointment, Delegate Peace stated, "Mrs. Plum is a lifelong educator, with thirty years of service to the educational needs of our students and families. She has experience at all levels, ranging from the implementation of a preschool early childhood autism program to middle school, high school, AP courses, and IB courses. She is well liked by students, staff and parents, serves as a mentor that encourages students to apply themselves fully and achieve at high levels. She leads her students by example, with high expectations for their success."
Peace continued, "Mrs. Plum will be a strong voice for her colleagues as she advises the Governor McDonnell and the Secretary of Education on procedures, policies, and regulations directly affecting the classroom so that we can ensure the best possible learning experiences and opportunities for our students."
The Commonwealth has a top-ranked K-12 education system and world class teachers, but to continue this tradition of excellence we must constantly look for new and innovative ways to elevate our teacher workforce and prepare our children for the 21st Century economy.
The Governor's Teachers Cabinet will play a pivotal role in advising the administration about new strategies and ideas to enhance teacher quality and professionalism, increase parent and community involvement, reduce administrative burden, and close the achievement gap. Virginia teachers know what works and what doesn't; this Cabinet will allow policy makers to hear directly from them. Policy and program recommendations from those directly impacted in the classroom will work to strengthen Virginia's public school system.
