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Sue Sava
President and CEO - Public Education and Business Coalition
Professional Background
Sue Sava has dedicated more than 27 years of her career to the field of education, passionately advocating for teaching excellence and student success. In July 2019, she was appointed as the President & CEO of the Public Education & Business Coalition (PEBC), a prominent organization that bridges gaps between education and the business community to enhance educational quality across Colorado. Previously, Sue made significant strides within PEBC beginning in 2015, where she initially served as the Executive Director of the Stanley Teacher Prep program. Her leadership capabilities soon propelled her into the roles of Vice President and then Chief Policy Officer at PEBC, where she focused on constructive policy changes to uplift the state's educational framework.
Throughout her impressive career, Sue has cultivated deep partnerships with numerous organizations including the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), Teach.org, and the Rose Community Foundation through initiatives like the TEACH Colorado campaign. These collaborations reflect her commitment to unifying efforts among various stakeholders to improve teacher preparation and professional development within the educational landscape.
Sue is also an active participant in numerous committees and coalitions that shape education policy in Colorado. Her engagements include the Teacher Informed Solutions for Performance Evaluation Convening, which collaborates with the Children’s Campaign, Teach Plus, and the Rose Community Foundation, indicating her hands-on approach to addressing educational evaluations and performances. In addition, she represents PEBC on the Colorado Education Preparation Innovation Coalition, working closely with the Keystone Policy Center to innovate teacher preparation initiatives. Furthermore, Sue has contributed to state and national discussions under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and collaborated with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Community of Practice, focused on early teacher initiatives.
A key achievement in Sue's career was her pivotal role in merging the Stanley Teacher Prep program with Boettcher Teacher Residency in 2015, resulting in the formation of one of the most effective residency models in Colorado. Her leadership in this significant transition demonstrates her ability to execute a cohesive vision that enhances teacher training and student outcomes. Additionally, Sue has extensive experience in child development education, having instructed various courses while also mentoring and advising numerous residency teachers, showcasing her dedication to nurturing future educators.
With her extensive experience, she actively provides her education expertise at the capitol and is a sought-after consultant for both state and national legislative matters concerning the elevation and recognition of the teaching profession.
Education and Achievements
Sue's academic background provides a strong foundation for her career in education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in History from Princeton University, a prestigious institution known for producing accomplished leaders across various disciplines. In addition to her undergraduate studies, she earned a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado at Denver. This combination of a solid historical perspective and advanced educational methodologies equips Sue with unique insights into curriculum design and instructional strategies, which further enhance her effectiveness as an educational leader.
Sue Sava's pursuits extend beyond just legislative involvement; she actively contributes to numerous advisory boards that aim to impact rural education positively. She is a member of the advisory board for the Colorado Center for Rural Education at the University of Northern Colorado, where her experience aids in tailoring educational resources and innovations for rural teachers and students. Sue also contributes to the advisory board for the Rural Alliance and is involved with Metro State University’s founding advisory board to the School of Education, demonstrating her commitment to fostering education in a variety of contexts. Her role on the BOCES Board for the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning further illustrates her versatility and dedication to diverse educational models and approaches.
Notable Achievements
Sue has been recognized for her contributions to education with many accomplishments throughout her prolific career. As President & CEO of PEBC, she has been at the forefront of vital educational initiatives that aim to improve the quality of teacher preparation throughout Colorado. Her leadership has been vital in not only crafting policies but also in constructing innovative programs that address the demands of modern education. Sue’s strategic vision in merging teacher residency programs stands as a testament to her commitment to educational reform.
Through her work with TEACH Colorado and other initiatives that promote teacher preparation, Sue demonstrates her ability to harness collaboration among various educational stakeholders, an essential element in enacting systemic change within the education sector. Sue's insightful involvement in legislative discussions at both state and national levels marks her as a key contributor in transforming how teachers are trained and valued within society. Her work significantly contributes to the broader educational community's understanding of what effective teacher preparation looks like and how best to implement it.
In summary, Sue Sava’s impressive career in education reflects her unwavering commitment to improving teaching and learning outcomes. With her extensive experience, robust academic credentials, and a deeply collaborative approach to educational reform, Sue continues to inspire and effect positive change in the Colorado education landscape.