We HONOR veteran teachers when we

• Recognize that veteran teachers are a unique group of educators with highly specialized skills and talents developed over10 or more years of teaching

• Recognize that veteran teachers have specific and sophisticated professional development needs different from early or mid-career teachers  

• Acknowledge the specific ways veteran teachers shape, protect, and advance educational goals 

We ADVOCATE for veteran teachers by

• Bringing together public figures, researchers, and policy makers to study and share how veteran teachers influence students, other teachers, institutions, and pedagogy

• Promote an awareness of veteran teachers as allies in advancing meaningful educational practices and policies

• Implement professional development programs that are specifically designed for veteran teachers

• Create and support leadership positions for veteran teachers within their organizations and across the state

We CELEBRATE veteran teachers when we

• Publicly recognize teaching milestones, awards, achievements, and persistence 

• Generate awareness of the many incredible activities and programs veteran teachers are doing daily throughout the state

• Help institutions, policy makers, and schools develop a culture of appreciation for veteran teachers who remain in the classroom ten (10) years or longer