Christopher D. Sessums :: Blog :: Connecting Teachers to Policy Makers in 10 Steps

Policy issues are abundant in education.
Do you know who makes policies? How are they enacted?
Perhaps more importantly, do you know how you can make a difference?

A discussion at work prompted the following post regarding the structures needed to connect teachers to policy makers. This list is by no means exhaustive, nor is it meant to be pithy. It simply offers a starting point for further discussion and revision. If you have examples of teachers effecting policy changes, please pass them along.

1.
Start with a vision and a clear purpose. Define as specifically as possible what you want to change. Prepare the elevator speech. Write the headlines. Write the story.

2.
Identify who is able able to enact change. Start at the top. Congress people, local representatives, union officials. Know the game: Learn the players.

3.
Have concrete ideas ready. Blue prints, maps, data, white papers, examples of success in other states. Know the research-- what works, how it works, and realistic returns-on-investments.

4.
Engage the players. Build relationships. Know the laws.

5.
Do not underestimate your power. Learn your voice-- use your voice. Remember, you're public.

6.
Be network savvy. Tap into policy networks, social communities. Remember the power of shared voices.

7.
Be a leader or find someone who can. Be ready to listen, plan, organize, evaluate, report out. Be skeptical. Find the holes in your argument and learn how to fix them.

8.
Develop a public education plan. Write editorials, newsletters, websites. Meet the press regularly. Provide them useful resources.

9.
Find time. Make time. Be positive. There will be no (r)evolution without you.

10.
Remember the 7 Ps Proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance.

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