Who will drive TN's education system?

As most reading this know, the state of Tennessee has recently elected a new governor, Bill Haslam.  While I try to stay out of making formal political statements (and I'll keep to that here), I've been doing a lot of talking and thinking about what is ahead for Tennessee's education system.  From the TEA, local Chambers, local philanthropists, college faculty members, and non-profit leaders in education, there seems to be a question on every one's mind:

Who will be the next Education Commissioner?

I'm not going to speculate on who will be selected, mainly because the person doesn't matter as much as what's in the person's mind.  Here's what I'm hoping a new Education Commissioner:

- Vision: S/he knows where the education system should be in the future.  A vision that in some way incorporates of raising the quality (high standards) of education in Tennessee for all children would be great!
- Leadership: Follow the vision.  Empower others around you to do the work they need to do to help that vision to be realized.  Be willing to know when you don't know the answer and surround yourself with competent practitioners who can help you get to a good, collaborative solution.
- Collaboration: Tennessee's education can't improve without the help of multiple parties, from education advocates to businesses to teachers to non-profits.  Great leaders are great collaborators in that they are willing to work with others to accomplish their vision.
- Not entrenched with the "way things have worked in the past": The last thing we need is someone who wants to relive the past.  Tennessee is moving in a new direction with education, and it'd be great to have someone who can come in with a fresh set of eyes.  DISCLAIMER: For those who like to read into things, this isn't me saying that I don't think someone who has experience in education for 10+ years is disqualified.  It would just be nice to have someone who is willing to think creatively and try something new. 

I'm not as worried about a "big name."  I'm not as worried about "credentials." Get someone in there who can do the job and will surround themselves with competent people who won't let the children of Tennessee down.

I'm not speculating on who will likely be chosen, or what names are floating around.  You all can do that on your own :-)

IN THE NEWS:

- When teachers unions and school districts work together: What can TN learn from FL?
- Kingsport gets national recognition for career-technical education collaborative initiative.
- Blogger breaks down the recent "Teacher Prep Program Report Card."
- Knox County Schools continues to find a place for the STEM school.
- United Way of Tennessee tries to give teachers, parents, and students a voice in education reform.
- Nashville, TN is chosen as a model city for school-community-charter partnerships.  A former United Way "Teacher Effectiveness Project" employee is working with this project.  Props to Carol Swann!
- Niswonger Foundation in Northeast Tennessee gets recognized for trying to build a more "college and career ready" culture in their area.
- Sullivan County experiments with performance pay this year. 
- Report on thinking of teachers as TALENT. 
- The Junior League gives out annual teacher mini-grants.  Community groups doing things like this really matters to teachers!
- Blount Education Initiative will close its doors.  Thanks to Bonny for all her advocacy!
- Jobs lost in the recession in Tennessee were lower-skilled jobs.  Education matters to the economy. 
- Bredesen pushes to make college transfers easier. 
- What teachers are first to be laid off when there are budget troubles?
- Why do some school systems keep getting better, regardless of some factors? Some of it is because of collaboration.