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Are you ready to take that BIG step and make contact with
your legislator in 2007-2008?
My name is Debra Howell, NBCT from Granite Falls. My WNN
partner Andrea Peterson, NBCT is a bit busy with her National
Teacher of the Year responsibilities. However, she will be
sending out all our email correspondence. I am back to remind
you about the Washington NBCT Network, dedicated to connecting
NBCTs to their state legislators. This second year continues
to be sponsored by the Center for Strengthening the Teaching
Profession (CSTP). Our past and future newsletters and communication
can be found on the CSTP web site. Our goals continue to be
very simple:
· To empower NBCTs to foster a relationship with their
local policymakers.
· To help policymakers understand the realities of
today's classrooms by building relationships between policymakers
and teachers
· To become the "go-to" person for our legislators
in the area of education.
Please remember…we are NOT a lobbyist organization with
our own political agenda. We simply believe that NBCTs, who
have demonstrated that they are accomplished, are logical
advocates able to provide a unique perspective to policymakers
in the state of Washington. We want your voice to be heard!
I saw many of you over the summer at various National Board
related events around the state. And MANY of you said that
THIS was going to be the year that you would step out of your
comfort zone and begin making those conversations happen with
your legislators. Good for you!!
Remember in October legislators are in their home districts.
This is a good time to send an introductory letter to your
legislators. Home contact info can be found on the legislature's
web site. How about an invite to visit with faculty over coffee?
See the links for ideas:
http://www.cstpwa.org/Navigational/Teacherleadership/NBCT_Network/NBCT
Network.htm
WE NEED YOUR INPUT.
Please submit to us YOUR:
- One Pager (see samples on the CSTP web site)
- Invite Policymakers to your school/classroom. Then send
us photos, updates, and tell us about what sort of connections
were made.
- Invite a Policymaker to have coffee. Discuss what is happening
in your school/district. Forage a relationship so that you
can become a "go-to" person for this legislator
when it comes to educational issues. Tell us about your
visits.
- Send a letter to your legislator. Let us know who you
write to…and what response you hear from them.
- Volunteer to assist on a campaign if you have an interest
in a certain candidate. That gives you a good "in"
for opening the lines of communication.
Please remember to let us know what contacts you are attempting,
send copies of emails, letters, or one-pagers that we can
post as examples for others to use. Photos, commentary, anything
you feel is of value…please send it our way. We want
to SHOWCASE the efforts you are making and give others the
fortitude to also bridge these relationships.
In November and December are in home districts: Now is the
time to invite them out for coffee and/or a visit to your
school. Remember, if you live in a different district than
the one you teach, be sure and invite the legislator that
represents your school district. Check out the links to "Invitation
to Coffee" and "Invitation to School."
This is the time to truly start pushing yourself out of your
comfort zone and make a difference!
Keep in touch!
Debra Howell NBCT
WNN Liaison Coordinator
Send all correspondence to: network@cstp-wa.org
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