News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 11, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Jennifer Wallace named executive director of Professional Educator Standards Board

OLYMPIA - Jennifer Wallace will become the first executive director of the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board, created by Gov. Gary Locke in July.

"I pushed for this board because I believe that for Washington to set and uphold the highest standards for education professionals, it must be our distinguished educators themselves at the helm, crafting the changes that need to be made," said Locke. "Jennifer is a bright and innovative thinker whose knowledge and experience will contribute strongly to the work of this important board."

Wallace has served as the K-12 education policy advisor to the governor for the past three years. Her previous experience includes policy center director for the Northeast Regional Educational Laboratory and research associate with the Education Commission of the States.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson said, "Jennifer has a strong and diverse background that is energized by a passion for educator quality. Her broad experience enables her to hit the ground running. We are looking forward to working with her to make educator quality a high priority."

State Board of Education President Linda Carpenter added, "Jennifer is an outstanding choice for this position. Her knowledge and skills will be a tremendous asset as we continue to move our teacher preparation and certification system into a standard-based operation."

The 19-member board, comprised mainly of educators, will help ensure the highest standards for all educators certified by the state, including teachers, principals, administrators and other education specialists. The board will have authority for overseeing new basic skills and subject matter assessments, which will be required of all new teachers prior to state certification. In addition, the board will advise the State Board of Education, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Legislature, and the governor on a full range of issues affecting educator professions.

Wallace will assume her new role with the standards board on October 13. The position carries an annual salary of $85,000.

» Return to this month's News Releases
» View News Release Archive

Access Washington