2010 Summer Advocacy Institute

Wanted: NBCTs to influence Education Policy!

NBPTS is offering an exciting new advanced advocacy training opportunity for NBCTs who wish to implement cutting edge techniques to influence education policy as it impacts the teaching profession.  At a time when the Administration and Congress are focusing on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the stakes have never been higher.  Yet, the vast majority of education funding and policy decisions are made at the state, district and school level. Simultaneously, the political and economic landscape has changed dramatically at the state level, requiring more cuts to education each year. 

Too often decisions that impact what goes on everyday in classrooms across the country are made without direct input from teachers who must live with the results. No group of teachers is better position to provide meaningful input to policymakers at the national, state and local level than NBCTs. 

Part I:  Advocacy Training

First, the Summer Advocacy Institute is a multidimensional advocacy training program that is designed to give participants an advanced and intensive exposure to advocacy skills.  It is comprised of six 60 minute webinar courses, each on a different aspect of advocacy skills. 

Part II: Meetings on the Homefront

Throughout the month of August, NBCTs will schedule meetings with Members of Congress, state legislators, school boards, district superintendents and local educational leaders.  These meetings will take place in the District/State offices of the legislators, where the real work takes place.  The goals of the meetings will be to

• raise awareness about National Board Certification and its impact on effective teaching.
• provide expertise and perspectives of accomplished teachers on pending education reform proposals at the federal, state and local level.
• increase policymaker support for the National Board.

The Webinar Schedule:

The webinars will take place on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 pm EDT, beginning on June 15th  and running through July 28th.

(6/15) How to be an effective advocate for National Board Certification

There are basic strategies to effectively communicating with legislators and other stakeholders.  A panel of expert policy communicators will share secrets to getting your message across, targeting the specific makeup of the audience.

Jolynn Tarwater NBCT-in-residence NBPTS	Andy Lord Lobbyist Georgia Capitol Solutions, Inc

The recording and materials for this webinar are now available.

(6/22) U.S. Congress – Impacting Federal Education Policy; ESEA Reauthorization

Congress is grappling with the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), reacting to the Administration’s Blueprint for Reform. While few believe that reauthorization will happen this year, the work done between now and when the 110th Congress adjourns in late fall will shape the legislation next year.  Congress needs to hear from NBCTs now on how to enact a bill that will benefit students and learning, while not hamstringing teachers.

Matt Friedl	Ellen Holmes	Robin Juliano

Matt Friedl, NBCT, Hill Day Wisconsin State Team Leader

Ellen Holmes, NBCT, Hill Day Maine State Team Leader

Robin Juliano, Education Policy Advisor, Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

The recording and materials for this webinar are now available.

  

(6/29) State Legislators – How to Raise Awareness Where it Counts Most

Ninety percent of funding for education comes from the states, and state support for National Board program is critical to its survival.  In these very challenging economic times, all states are cutting back education spending and this trend will continue for at least several more years.  NBCTs are essential to solidifying support for National Board programs to ensure that they not only survive  but thrive once state economies stabilize.

Michelle Felis, NM State Team Leader

Rick Glazier, NC General Assembly

Peggy Brookins, NBCT, NBPTS Board of Directors

Ruth Ann Sweazy, NBCT, NBPTS Board of Directors

The recording and materials for this webinar are now available.

(7/13) Go Local – Crafting the Message for School Boards and District Personnel

The business model of the National Board is shifting to focus on “Going Local.”  NBCTs can play a critical role in institutionalizing National Board programs in school districts.  Meeting with school board members and other local education stakeholders to educate them on how effective NBCTs are in improving teaching and learning.

Joan Wodiska, Falls Church School Board, VA

Jaymie Reeber Kosa, NBCT, President, Roosevelt District, NJ School Board, former member of the NBPTS Board of Directors

The recording and materials for this webinar are now available.

(7/20) Make the Most of Every Meeting – Scheduling and other Logistical Details

This session will focus on specific strategies to make the most of each meeting.  Topics will include how to schedule and prepare for the meetings, and how to hone your message.  The panelists will be NBPTS staff from Government Relations, Outreach & Mobilization and Communications.

The recording and materials for this webinar are now available.

(7/27) Follow-up Strategies to Keep the Momentum Going

A successful meeting with an education stakeholder should signal the beginning of an ongoing partnership to improve education.  This session will focus on how to build a strong foundation from the initial meeting.  Specific follow-up activities will be discussed that can maintain a strong and positive relationship with important education policymakers.

• Interviews with Gubernatorial Candidates
• Bring a Legislator to School/NCSL
• Write a Newsletter or Blog
• Coordinate a Town Meeting
• Engaging the Media 

Materials for this webinar will be available soon.