What We Do

JCEA creates programs, activities and services to achieve our mission. These efforts make Jeffco schools good places to work, and they help our school district recruit and retain teachers of the highest quality - the ones students deserve.

All JCEA programs, activities and services are developed and implemented by member volunteers with the assistance of three full-time professional staff, two full-time associate staff and a full-time president who is released from the classroom during the term of office. The president's term of office is limited to two, two-year terms.

Traditionally, JCEA members have been active participants in civic, social, political and religious organizations in our community. In recent years, we have become even more aware of the need to build bridges with our community. For example, in 1990 JCEA initiated the Linking for Learning project, which continues to this day. The Linking for Learning goal remains: To create for the total community, 'inviting' schools in which students want to learn, school employees want to work, and all citizens feel valued, respected and welcomed.

User-friendly materials are available to help and encourage teachers and their school communities to work together to achieve that goal. Another example is our Business Pledge program. Endorsed by the West Chamber Serving Jefferson County, this unique venture encourages Jeffco businesses to support their local schools by providing parents with flexible schedules that allow them to be involved in schools and by sending a message to their student employees that school and learning are top priorities.

In 2005 JCEA was awarded a grant from the National Education Association NEA) to promote its Welcoming Environment (W.E.) program, developed in cooperation with the JPS Community and Parental Involvement Coordinating Committee. This exciting program has been incorporated into the school district's strategic plan. Information and assessment materials are available on our "parenting" page.

JCEA is also actively involved in issues related to teaching and learning. Our Priority Schools initiative is working to improve student learning. Through another NEA grant, JCEA is targeting efforts in the Jefferson Articulation Area. In addition, JCEA sponsors at least two Sustaining Success: Closing the Achievement Gap conferences annually. These conferences include provocative speakers to challenge our thinking and provide teachers with meaningful instructional support.