Senior Policy Analyst
National Education Association
Blake West, Ed.D., is a Senior Policy Analyst at the National Education Association's (NEA) Center for Professional Excellence. An educator for over 40 years, Blake taught mathematics and computer science and provided professional development to help teachers integrate 21st-century skills into teaching. He led the creation of a new-teacher induction program in his school and district, later serving as an instructional coach for new staff. Dr. West has publications in the areas of computer science, teaching with technology, music, development of leaders in schools, school transformation, facilitating mentoring of student teachers, and positive collaboration between educator preparation programs and P12 schools. From 2006-2012, he was President of the Kansas National Education Association where he led the development of their Teacher Leadership Academy. He also served as chair of the Kansas Learning First Alliance. Since 1987, Blake has taught courses in various educator preparation programs as an adjunct and has volunteered since 1998 with NCATE/CAEP in roles including CAEP Design Team, Accreditation Council, Board of Directors, and currently as Site Reviewer.
Blake left his Kansas classroom in the summer of 2015 to join NEA’s staff, where his work focuses on strengthening teacher preparation, supporting NEA’s Aspiring Educators program, and creating transformative cultures in schools, including workshops to implement restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and Outward Mindset. His most recent publications and presentations focus on guidance for the implementation of teacher residencies and Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
Developing an Advocacy Voice to Transform Preparation for Great Teaching and Learning
Friday, February 16, 2024
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST