CWU to host State Superintendent of Public Instruction later this month

Central Washington University has long served as a communications hub for educators across the state, thanks to our history of preparing the teachers of tomorrow.

On Wednesday, September 25, Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal will visit CWU’s Ellensburg campus to address educators, students, higher education faculty and staff, and the general public about his vision for the future of education in Washington.

“It’s an honor to join CWU’s School of Education in their kickoff for the 2024-25 school year,” said Reykdal, who was first elected in 2017 and is currently serving in his second term as state superintendent. “Teaching is one of the most important careers for our society, our democracy, and our future, and spending time with future teachers is always energizing and inspiring. I am looking forward to talking with them about the knowledge and skills that employers are seeking from our high school graduates, and how we must work together to uphold a K-12 system that meets those needs.”

Reykdal will spend about a half hour laying out the path ahead, with time allotted for questions at the end of the talk.

The presentation will be held from 4-5 p.m. in the SURC Theatre. Those interested but unable to attend in person are encouraged to pre-register for the livestream of the event via Zoom.

As a former teacher, school board director, state legislator, and executive for the state’s community and technical college system, Reykdal brings a unique perspective of the K–12 system and how our state supports learners from preschool through postsecondary learning.

CWU School of Education Director Jennifer Dechaine expects the event to draw a diverse crowd, due to the importance of the subject matter.

“We are honored to host such an important educational leader at CWU,” she said. “I look forward to hearing his vision for K-12 education in Washington state. Education impacts us all, and I am confident that anyone would be engaged and learn from Superintendent Reykdal’s presentation.”