The Teaching Commission, a bipartisan, blue-ribbon group of business and civic leaders founded by Louis V. Gerstner Jr., a former IBM chairman and chief executive officer, will close its doors this spring after more than two years of advocating the modernization of the teaching profession.
鈥淢r. Gerstner wanted to create a catalyst organization 鈥� that would get things under way and then get out of the way,鈥� Josh Greenman, the group鈥檚 communications director, said last week.
The commission issued a 2004 report that called on state officials, universities, and schools to change the way they prepare, recruit, and reward teachers鈥攁n agenda that Mr. Gerstner pursued in meetings and appearances around the country. (鈥淏usiness, Civic Leaders Urge Higher Salaries,鈥� Jan. 21, 2004.)
A 2005 survey commissioned by the group showed considerable support among the public and educators for such change. A final report is expected later this month.
The death last fall of R. Gaynor McCown, the group鈥檚 director, did not play a role in the group鈥檚 decision, according to Mr. Greenman.
