Thread by @TheSlowbe

This thread shares what I learned from the #NCTMontheHill Capitol Hill visit as part of @NCTM’s advocacy work… #mtbos #iteachmath

@DavidBarnes360 @robertqberry @TrenaWilkerson @kdykema @bkobett @drjeffshih @dh11235 @MrDaveEbert @LindaD_BPSMath @KAWooleater

1) Advocacy is rewarding. Every teacher wants to make a difference with our students, colleagues, schools, and districts. Advocating for our field to our government leaders has that same rewarding feel for me.

2) Advocacy is teaching. Behind the politics there are ambitious aides eager to make a difference but who usually know little about education. Like most people they rely on their own school experiences. We need to teach them about the issues that matter to teachers and students.

3) Congressional offices are busy with all kinds of people advocating for their own issues, so we need to advocate for ours also.

4) Advocacy is story-telling. Not unlike “concepts before procedures”, it is more effective to give the “why” before the “how”. Personal stories are more memorable and convincing when specific policy matters are being debated for legislation.

5) Advocacy is fun. The passion that most teachers have, and the reason why we went into teaching, is because we care deeply about education and can speak passionately about these issues. Walking through the halls of Congress to have these conversations is fun!

6) Advocacy is about “Making a Friend”. The saying in DC is that you can’t make a friend when you need a friend. Cramming does not work well on tests, and does not work in Advocacy either.

Reach out to me, @DavidBarnes360, @robertqberry, or other @NCTM board members to hear more about our Capitol Hill visits, and let us know if you want to get involved with NCTM's Advocacy work also…