Dear County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and School Principals::

Exceptional Education Leaders

The California Department of Education maintains a file of exceptional educators that consists of distinguished teachers and principals. These education leaders may be considered for membership on advisory boards and task forces. We are requesting recommendations to identify educators who will be of great value to your community and the state and who may ultimately receive prestigious recognition.

We are fortunate to have a rich base of veteran educators in our current talent pool. We are currently seeking representation from grade six through twelve educators who are somewhat new to the profession and demonstrate unique instructional and leadership ability. Such people inspire students, colleagues, and the community and exhibit strong potential for professional leadership.

Do you know grade six through twelve educators who are illustrative of the nation’s best? Of special interest are educators who are outstanding but have not yet received other recognition and who have been in the profession from five to 18 years. These educators provide models for others and have distinguished themselves above and beyond established top-quality professionals in many of our schools. Candidates are typically classroom teachers, as opposed to specialists, and are recognized by peers and supervisors as unique in their leadership and results with students. However, principals and specialists are considered as well.

Please provide CONFIDENTIAL, succinct, and specific information regarding one or more candidates via the survey at https://surveys2.cde.ca.gov/go/exceptleaders2019.asp [Note: this survey is no longer available] by Friday, May 10, 2019. You will need to attach a one-page narrative that addresses how the candidate meets the criteria mentioned in this letter. We ask that you keep this recommendation confidential and do not share it with the individual. We know you are busy. If necessary, please assign the request to an associate.

If you have any questions, please contact Katina Oliphant, Staff Services Analyst, Communications Division, at 916-319-0144 or koliphant@cde.ca.gov.

I highly encourage you to recommend candidates. Your cooperation and assistance are greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond