I began my experience in August with training and continue to participate in all types of activities, impacting change in education. The most exciting event to date, going to Washington DC this week, has made me a bit reflective of a great year.
- August - 2 day training where I collaborated with educators from all over NYS (including my own Principal, Lisa Meade, who was selected as the Principal of the Year for the entire state in 2015). Our training was a confidence builder and strategy session on how and where to make an impact.
- August - Our group met with the new Commissioner of Education for New York State, Mary Ellen Elia. What an inspiring afternoon where she shared her hopes and plans in her new role and SOUGHT OUR FEEDBACK on key issues. This event fired our group up with hope and certainly inspired our mission, to make an impact for students, educators and families across New York State.
- October - I traveled to #EdCampLI to participate in the participant-driven professional development. A small group of us fellows led a session on NYS testing to seek feedback and share CORRECT INFORMATION (with sample test questions). It was a very powerful exchange, listening to the concerns of both parents and educators and bringing that information back to NYSED.
- I wrote several blogs over the months on various educational topics, feeling more committed to elevating my voice and imparting accurate facts/information about our field.
- My Principal (also a fellow) and I, supported by other local educational experts, held a parent night for our families to share ACCURATE information about the NYS assessment process in our school (which differs from building to building, district to district). Parents present were supportive and appreciative of the environment during those 6 mornings in our school.
- Our Spring convening in March was very exciting! NYEducator Voice-America Achieves facilitated a rigorous schedule of meeting with legislators at the Capitol in Albany. I was part of a small group that had meetings with 6 legislators scheduled where we were able to share opinions supported by data and our experiences for their consideration when voting on key topics. One of which I am most proud was a meeting with Senator George Latimer. When we left his office, I understood his commitment to eliminating the GEA to help fund schools. I was ecstatic to learn that FINALLY, the Gap Elimination Act (initiated by Governor Patterson and continued under Governor Cuomo) has BEEN ELIMINATED. I work in a rural school with 47% poverty. This legislation had contributed to some serious staff and program cuts over the years in our district. Thank you, Senator Latimer, and all of your colleagues who voted to end this policy and work to increase aid to schools across the state.
- During that same spring convening, we were fortunate to meet with the Deputy Secretary for Education in New York State, Dr. Jere Hochman. Not only did he speak to us, but he joined my group at our table and we had a very CANDID exchange with him on some key issues. It was empowering to be at the table with someone who plays a key decision-making role in educational policy in our state.
- At our spring event, I was also asked to step into the hallway for a few minutes and speak off the cuff ON CAMERA about one current issue in NYS: testing. I never dreamed that my video clip would not only be posted on the New York State Education website, but also their Facebook page. As a result of speaking out, I was the recipient of hundreds of harsh/hateful comments and emails from anti-testing people. I began to respond to each disgruntled (and many misinformed) person, but the numbers made it impossible to keep up. Instead of being upset or angry (as some of my friends and colleagues expected me to be), I was inspired and more committed to CONTINUING to elevate my voice with FACTS, DATA and MY OWN 27 years of teaching experience.
- Shortly after the amazing spring session, I was requested to meet with the Editorial Board of the Times Union to discuss NYS testing, standards, APPR and much more. I was the only teacher invited to this exchange, included with representatives from High Achieves, a parent group and an area business council. I commend the Times Union for including us in their information gathering.
- As a result of the meeting at the TU, I was requested to write an article reiterating some of our conversation that was published in the TU almost immediately.
I consider my 2015-16 year a huge success as a New York Educator Voice Fellow with America Achieves and will continue my role. I was grateful and excited about all that I have done this year. But, I was surprised to learn that I am not done yet!
VERY RECENTLY, I was invited to go to the White House!!! This Wednesday, May 4, 2016, I will be participating in White House Education Policy Hearings where I will have the opportunity to learn more about and make an impact on national education policy. WOW!!!!!!!! I think that I am still in shock! I am beyond excited and humbled to accept this invitation. I feel very fortunate that I work in an incredible school district that has been extremely supportive of my efforts to make a positive impact in education at the state, and now, the national level.
Look for a reflection blog on that experience next week!!!
If you are interested in elevating your voice, or know of an educator whom you would nominate to do so, please check out America Achieves and learn more. A big shout out to Sheri Rodman and Markus Markle of America Achieves/New York Educator Voice for all that they did this year to make it INCREDIBLE!!
