Call to Action: Participants will identify at least two specific steps they can personally take to more effectively connect with educators in their areas. Participants will deeply consider the teacher as direct link to student success. Participants will bring back to their Chapters, workplaces, etc experience learned from our chapter in establishing the Educator-At-Large position, with the aim of greater educator involvement across our organization.

Abstract: With an already strong SchoolsNEXT program and knowing that teachers are a direct link to student success, A4LE’s Oregon/ SW Washington chapter wanted to do more to connect with educators! In recognition of the importance of collaboration and in a direct effort to more effectively and meaningfully connect with teachers in our area, our chapter has taken the bold move to create an Educator-At-Large position on the Board. In doing so the Board is engaging in a purposeful self-examination of their practices, activities, and outreach through an expressly educator-focused lens. After hearing from Chapter President, Robert Allen, and Educator-At-Large, Dr. Jennifer Mayo about this innovative position, participants will engage in a facilitated, interactive discussion identifying priorities for meaningful educator engagement and outreach.

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain understanding of the educator perspective in A4LE.
2. Collaborate with AEC colleagues to better connect with and be more informed about end users by considering how an Educator-At-Large board member can support participation in A4LE programs such as SchoolsNEXT Design Competition.
3. Participate in a generative process leading to identification of priorities for educator involvement.
4. > Identify and commit to at least two specific steps to more effectively connect with educators in their areas.