High-quality educator preparation and ongoing, effective professional learning and supports for educators are critical variables to excellent teaching, improved student learning and educator retention. In 2017, the Oregon Legislature created Regional Educator Networks to:
Enhance a culture of leadership and collaborative responsibility that elevates and advances the teaching profession among professionals employed by early learning services, schools serving students in kindergarten through grade 12, education service districts, educator preparation providers, nonprofit organizations, professional associations and community-based organizations.
Enhance access for educators to high-quality professional learning that supports culturally responsive practices; is guided by the needs of educators served by the educator network; maximizes collaborative leadership among teachers and administrators; and reflects professional learning standards.
Strengthen and enhance existing evidence-based practices that improve student achievement and that reflect changing students’ needs and demographics.
Improve the recruitment, preparation, induction and support of educators at each stage of the educators’ careers.
Enhance leadership and career advancement opportunities for teachers and increase the perspectives of teachers in identifying priorities for funding educator professional learning and educator supports.
