Snyder appoints dean of U-M's School of Education to council on educator effectiveness

The council was created by Public Act 102 of 2011 to provide tools that improve teacher effectiveness. The council consists of three appointees by the governor, one from the speaker of the House, one from the Senate majority leader and one from the state superintendent of public instruction. The council must issue its report by April 30.

“The future of Michigan depends on the positive growth of our students in the classroom,” Snyder said in a statement. “With the help of these talented individuals, I am confident we will create a method that gives teachers and administrators the tools to help guide students to success.”

Ball, a former elementary classroom teacher, has served as dean of U-M's School of Education since 2005 where she also is a professor. According to her bio on the university's website, she is considered an expert on the professional training of teachers.

In addition to Ball, of Dexter, Snyder appointed Mark Reckase and Nicholas Sheltrown. Reckase, of Okemos, is a professor at Michigan State University. Sheltrown, of Alto, is director of measurement, research and accountability at National Heritage Academics in Grand Rapids.

The Senate majority leader appointee to the council is David Vensel, principal of Jefferson High School in Monroe. The House speaker appointee is Jennifer Hammond, principal of Grand Blanc High School. The superintendent of public instruction's designee is Joseph Martineau, executive director of the Bureau of Assessment & Accountability in the Michigan Department of Education.

The new law also calls for creation of an advisory committee to provide input on the council’s recommendations. Snyder plans to name advisory committee members at a later date.