COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Department of Education

March 11, 2016

TO:  Division Superintendents

FROM:  Steven R. Staples, Superintendent of Public Instruction

SUBJECT: Recommendations for 2016 Commonwealth Talent Pool

The Department of Education has established a talent pool that consists of a cadre of distinguished teachers and administrators in Virginia’s public schools.  Candidates from the pool may be considered for membership on task forces and serve on state committees.

Please submit recommendations for the Talent Pool for at least two elementary (grades K-5) classroom teachers and one elementary administrator (principal or assistant principal) from your school division who exhibit strong potential for professional leadership and who make a positive impact on students, colleagues, community, and the profession.  The two classroom teachers recommended should be in their early to mid‑careers and have between 5 and 18 years of experience.  (It is not necessary to submit names of regional teachers of the year since the Department maintains a database of those individuals.)  Principals recommended should be in their first 10 years of employment as administrators and should not have more than 20 total years of experience in education.  Candidates must be individuals who are recognized by peers and supervisors for their achievements.

Please submit your confidential typed recommendations on the attached form to be received by Friday, April 8, 2016.  All questions must be answered.  Also, please include with this form a one-page letter that specifies how the candidate meets the criteria mentioned in this memorandum.  Complete information should be sent to Dr. Joan B. Johnson, director of teacher education, Division of Teacher Education and Licensure, Virginia Department of Education,
P. O. Box 2120, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120.

I look forward to your participation in this initiative.  If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Johnson via e-mail at Joan.Johnson@doe.virginia.gov or (804) 371-2475.

SRS/alh

Attachment:

1. Virginia Department of Education 2016 Commonwealth Talent Pool Recommendation Form for Elementary (K-5) Teacher and Administrator (Word)