When Juandalynn Ray was chosen as the Clinton City Schools Teacher of the Year, and later the Sandhills Region Teacher of the year, she never imagined those accolades to lead her to serve on one of the governor’s committees.

North Carolina governor Roy Cooper has announced his plans to establish a Teacher Advisory Committee, and his intention to place Ray on that committee.

Cooper issued Executive Order No. 16, establishing the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee, which is composed of up to 25 teachers and support personnel appointed by the governor. The committee will advise the governor on a variety of educational issues.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to share my voice with other teachers across the state of North Carolina representing Clinton City Schools,” Ray said when asked about the announcement. “I hope to bring knowledge and diversity to the committee. I am looking forward to serving as an advocate for all educational stakeholders.”

According to a release from the governor’s office, members of the committee will advise the governor on policies and the state budget and will also serve as education ambassadors, representing the governor at designated events, maintaining communication with local boards of education and stakeholders, and sharing opportunities for the governor to support teachers.

Ray, who has been in the educational field for 18 years, was just named the teacher advancement coordinator for Clinton City Schools. In that position, Ray will oversee and work to strengthen the Beginning Teacher Support program, without losing focus on the veteran staff who also need high quality professional development and teacher leadership opportunities.

“True teachers know that we are always in pursuit of being better, demanding excellence,” Ray explained. “As I help teachers advance in the classroom, I will also remember to focus on ways to continue improving my leadership skills.”

Ray says she is excited about the opportunity to work with the committee and governor on ways to support the teachers and to assist them with developing their own leadership skills and abilities in the classroom, district and community.

Additionally, while working with the local district, Ray will lead a teacher advisory group, oversee the continuing accreditation process for AdvancED and help to create instructional alignment. As part of the curriculum and instruction team, she will be highly visible in every school and will also represent the system on a regional and state level.

“Teachers and school support staff will bring critical knowledge, skills, and experience to our ongoing conversations about improving North Carolina’s education system,” Cooper said. “The Teacher Advisory Committee will give insight into how we can show educators the respect they deserve and be instrumental in helping North Carolina become a Top Ten Most Educated State by 2025.”

Juandalynn Ray has been appointed to the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_Ray1.jpgJuandalynn Ray has been appointed to the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee.

By Kristy D. Carter

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