superintendent of public instruction by two distinct

We'll remember Sandy Garrett's 20-year tenure as superintendent of public instruction by two distinct achievements. Her push for more access to early childhood education in Oklahoma and the number of nationally certified educators teaching here. Ms. Garrett, the elected superintendent since 1990, announced this week she will not seek a sixth term in office. She is the only Oklahoma woman ever elected to statewide public office for five consecutive terms. The development of pre-kindergarten programs throughout the state in the past few years has put Oklahoma on the national education map. Our programs, now available in most school districts, are recognized as the national model by the national institute for early education research. Ms. Garrett has chaired the Council of Chief State School Officers' Early Childhood Task Force. Her push for teachers to obtain national certification also is impressive. Only four states have more nationally certified teachers. Although she will leave office, we don't expect Ms. Garrett to abandon her quest for quality common education for all Oklahomans. The passion she brought to the job won't go away when the state paycheck ends.


For further details visit as: http://www.normantranscript.com/opinion/local_story_238011555