WASHINGTON – Sept. 16, 2015 – Learning Forward and the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future (NCTAF) are excited to announce that Laurie Calvert will serve the organizations as education policy advisor, effective immediately. The full-time joint position will leverage Calvert’s considerable education and communications expertise in the development of research publications and coordinating policy and advocacy initiatives for both organizations.
Calvert worked most recently as the Teacher Liaison for the U.S. Department of Education, where she spearheaded many of the department’s recent teacher leadership and outreach efforts. She coordinated much of the Teach to Lead initiative, conceptualized and wrote the Teachers Edition newsletter, and advised the department and the secretary on a range of policy matters. She joined the department in the 2010-11 school year as a Washington Teaching Ambassador Fellow. Calvert is also a former middle school and high school teacher who holds national board certification.
“Laurie’s unique experience and skillset will help both of our organizations prioritize the teacher leadership perspective as we work to achieve our specific missions in advancing educator effectiveness,” said Stephanie Hirsh, executive director of Learning Forward.
“We are so delighted to bring Laurie on board in this collaborative manner. Her addition also signifies the strategic alliance between our organizations, and the beginning of some exciting shared work to further support and strengthen the teaching profession,” said Melinda George, NCTAF’s president.
Learning Forward and NCTAF will be working together to advance national and regional policy and advocacy goals that address some of the most pressing issues facing American teachers. This strategic alliance provides an opportunity for both organizations to have greater impact and achieve ambitious goals for educators and students alike.
