Elevating the Profession and Empowering Educators; Legislator in the Classroom
The National Education Association (NEA) has long been a proponent of high-quality education and the advancement of the teaching profession. During the 2022–2023 school year, NEA sponsored the National Board Legislator in the Classroom program. I was fortunate to be selected as one of four National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) from Maryland. The Legislator in the Classroom program focuses on teaching NBCTs, like me, how to engage legislators and invite them into our classrooms so that we can advocate for better working conditions for educators across the country.
I became an NBCT in 2011, and my national board certification was renewed in 2021. NB certification is a complex process that requires teachers to demonstrate their subject knowledge, skills, and ability to educate students effectively. A teacher's teaching practices, material understanding, and ability to analyze student work are rigorously evaluated during certification. Teachers who have earned National Board certification are regarded as skilled professionals who have met stringent teaching practice criteria. While becoming an NBCT is not easy, it is possible and worthwhile. Having this certification has opened doors to many opportunities, like participating in this program.
Beginning in February, the Legislator in the Classroom group started participating in turn-key presentations. The goal was to share the presentations with our local national board networks and get as many NBCTs into the business of being education advocates as possible. I shared those presentations with my Prince George’s National Board Certificated Teacher colleagues during our monthly Professional Learning Facilitator meetings.
There are several reasons for teachers to advocate for better teaching conditions:
Improved Learning Outcomes: Better teaching conditions can positively impact student learning outcomes. When teachers have access to sufficient resources, technology, and support, they can provide a high-quality education that meets the needs of all students.
Teacher Retention: Improving teaching conditions can help retain teachers in the profession. My county is experiencing an unprecedented teacher shortage. We need as much support as possible to keep our teachers working in our school system.
Health and Well-being - Teachers who work in bad conditions are more likely to experience burnout, stress, and physical health issues. The teacher shortage has led to educators being more stressed than usual. We need support that allows teachers to take care of themselves so that they can take care of students.
Social and Economic Advantages: Education is a critical driver of social and economic progress. They can contribute to improving the education system, which can have far-reaching social and economic consequences for their communities.
The National Board Legislator in the Classroom initiative has the potential to improve the reputation of teachers in general as well as NBCTs. By interacting with lawmakers and imparting their knowledge and experience, National Board teachers can bring attention to the importance of teachers' work and how it affects students. Being a part of the program and advocating for teachers can generate support for the teaching profession and help develop policies that support teachers' and students' needs.
