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Washington adopts professional learning bill

professional learning

Legislators pass bill to help deliver high-quality professional learning to educators

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee recently signed into law HB 1345 [1], a bill that adopts a definition and standards for educator professional learning. HB 1345, championed by Representatives Kristine Lytton (D-40), Chad Magendanz (R-5), and Steve Bergquist (D-11), passed the House and Senate this session with strong bipartisan support.

“High-quality professional learning, developed in alignment with this new law, will allow our educators to be supported and prepared as they tackle new subjects like computer science and teach to more rigorous math and science standards,” stated Highline Schools Superintendent and Washington STEM Board Member Susan Enfield. “Thank you to Governor Inslee and Representatives Lytton, Magendanz, and Bergquist for recognizing the needs for high-quality training, which are particularly strong in STEM subjects that power student opportunity and the state’s economy.”

“Providing a quality public education for our kids is dependent on quality teachers,” said Rep. Kristine Lytton, Chair of the House Finance Committee. “By talking with teachers from around the state and consulting research, we know it is critical we invest in high-quality learning opportunities that are personalized, data-driven, and sustained. That’s the best way to help educators learn new content and master effective teaching practices.”

“Teachers have limited time for professional learning, which means the professional learning we do engage in must be effective and impactful,” said Washington’s 2016 Teacher of the Year Nathan Gibbs-Bowling, a high school teacher at Lincoln High School in Tacoma. “This bill ensures the time teachers spend in professional learning won’t involve just sitting in front of a power point learning but will be tailored to teacher needs and ultimately student needs.” Gibbs-Bowling is also one of four finalists from across the country for the National Teacher of the Year.