Since this event happened during our blog’s annual month-long hiatus, and since the topic is particularly germane to we’re all about on this site, it gave me a great excuse to review my own beliefs about teacher advocacy. Besides that, being on a panel usually means that you don’t get to answer all the questions, even the ones you really want to answer. So here they are, the questions I was prepared to answer, and the answers I was prepared to give:
What exactly is Teacher Advocacy?
Teacher advocacy is simply speaking up in support of teaching and learning and promoting those policies that improve the teaching and learning conditions in our country.
Why do teachers need to be advocates?
Of all the stakeholders in our education system, teachers are uniquely positioned to know which policies work and which ones don’t. While teachers may not have all the answers, they do get to see what all the answers look like as they play out in classrooms. When teachers see what works and what doesn’t work in schools, they owe it to their students to speak up.
How has Teacher Advocacy changed over the years?
Until fairly recently, the principle means by which teachers could advocate for their profession was through their union. And while that channel still exists, and is still unmatched in terms of political leverage and resources, it does have a serious limitation. Unions, by their very nature, are democratic organizations. Policy direction is decided by a floor vote during annual assemblies. The consequence of this process is that those members who disagree with the final vote essentially have no voice. I have witnessed, for example, a two hour debate at an NEA convention on whether the Association should support charter schools. The answer was no, but it was far from unanimous, and the thousands of teachers who voted to support charter schools were basically ignored.
Things have changed. With the rise of social media, anyone can broadcast their opinion. It just as easy to open up this website as it is to go to nea.org. On the other hand, information consumers have also become diversified. We don’t all read the same newspapers and watch the same newscasts like we used to. People tend to seek information that confirms what they already believe.
What are the barriers to Teacher Advocacy?
Time, poise and training. Teaching well takes a tremendous amount of time. So does advocacy. Trying to do both comes at a cost, and if you aren’t extremely good at time management, something important is bound to be compromised.
Advocacy takes poise. You have to believe in what you have to say and have the confidence to speak up at the right time. Not every teacher can do that. I hear a lot of very informed, passionate talk in the staff room, most of which never goes anywhere.
Advocacy also takes training. The skill set teachers use in their classrooms is not the same skill set needed to speak up for the profession. A lot of passionate teachers simply don’t know how to articulate their passion clearly and concisely. All it takes, though, is a little training.
What are the most important principles of effective Teacher Advocacy?
Understanding, respect and articulation. Advocacy starts with understanding the issues, and understanding them from both sides. Usually (but not always!) that leads to a softer, more nuanced position. When you’re ready to state your position, it needs to be done respectfully. No one likes a shrill, harsh voice. Finally, effective articulation is extremely important. Teachers who don’t speak or write clearly and competently not only make themselves look foolish, but they bring shame on the whole profession.
With that in mind, then, welcome to year four of Stories from School! We are a community of Teacher Advocates. We’re passionate about education and try to present our views clearly and respectfully, from a place of understanding. (We also love reading and responding to comments!)
