Article Contributed on: 10/10/2008 4:01:17 PM
Jane Goff is running for the State Board of Education District 7 and answered a questionnaire for YourHub.com. To read all of the candidate questionnaires,
click here.
My name: Jane Goff
My age: 58
My Family:Harry, my husband of 26 years is also a Colorado native and graduate of Denver Public Schools. We thoroughly enjoy our combined family of 8 siblings and spouses, and 8 nieces and nephews.
Education: I'm a proud graduate of Jefferson County Schools and Colo. State University, where I received my degree in Modern Languages and Education. I have done graduate work in school counseling and administration at CU Boulder and Regis University.
What I do: Prior to my vacancy election to the State Board, I had retired after 34 years in Jeffco Schools as a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, international exchange director and teacher association leader. I also worked as a legislative aide for the Colorado House of Representatives.
My favorite local place to hang out: In addition to spending time at home, I enjoy having dinner with friends and family at Luke's Steak House. When possible, we spend time in Steamboat Springs, where my mother and one sister live.
What I like most about living here: Although I was born and raised here, I'm always amazed by the incredible climate and beauty of every single part of the state and the balanced attitude of fellow Coloradans.
My interests and hobbies: Home improvement projects, reading, sewing, photography and videos, enjoying the outdoors, and of course, anything related to education!
My favorite thing to cook: Stuffed green peppers and anything with chocolate.
People who inspire me (and how): Both my husband and my mother continue to inspire me with their energy, resourcefulness, and creative genius. They are excellent examples of why we'll always need the gifts that craftspeople and artisans bring to our lives and in different ways, they have both handled unexpected personal setbacks with courage and optimism. I'm also inspired by everyone who steps up to run for public office and the families and friends who stand beside them.
How I have contributed to the community: I was the first teacher graduate of Leadership Jefferson County, which led to appointments to the design teams for Youth Leadership Jeffco and the West Chamber's Links for Learning program. The Columbine tragedy occurred during my term as President of the Jefferson County Education Association, and several of the resulting community relationships still exist today. I have continued to serve as a local and national resource to school staffs as they deal with the effects of similar experiences. For several years I served as the teacher representative on the Jeffco Council PTA Board of Directors and as VP of Education on the Jefferson Symphony Board of Directors. Currently, I'm also involved with a variety of local, state and national teacher recognition and award programs. I'm a lifelong volunteer for local candidate and issue campaigns and non-profit fundraising drives and neighborhood outreach efforts. Most of all, I had the great fortune to work with thousands of wonderful students and families as a teacher, and I know that several of them have gone on to make invaluable contributions in the years since. To me, that's what it's all about.
The biggest issues facing us now: The quality of education impacts every part of life and every facet of the community. We have an urgent need to accept the fact that our state and nation's future success depends directly on the success of our students and schools. We have slipped in our ability to compete with other countries and to sustain our record of accomplishment in the world. It's time for all of us to start thinking differently about the purpose of education and commit to a plan of action that will carry us into the future with all learners, of any age, energized, prepared and eager to participate and contribute.
Why I am running: I grew up here and I care deeply about our state's history and its future. I believe public education is the foundation of our democracy and the key to realizing dreams. I want all students to enjoy the benefits and the choices I've had, and continue to have, as a result of a quality education. Serving on the State Board is a perfect way to use what I have learned from 34 years of experience as a classroom teacher and teacher leader in curriculum, instruction and professional issues. I've been part of many groundbreaking discussions around education. I know and understand the financial, political and instructional challenges facing Colorado's public schools and I'm known for considering all sides of an issue before making a decision. I don't believe party politics have any place in decisions about children and their learning and I'll bring the tone of leadership necessary for moving Colorado's schools forward and pre paring our students for their own successful future.