Published: May 30, 2007

Why We Need Teachers at the Policy Table

I sincerely believe that every stakeholder in education policy has good intentions. I also believe every stakeholder has a perspective through which he or she views education policy. We call it a vision when it's ours and an agenda when it's someone else's.

That's okay with me. But education should be a public trust to promote the welfare of all citizens and our society. Unfortunately, far too many powerful people are becoming less interested in investing in that public trust than they are in making withdrawals in the form of economic or political capital. Bringing the voices of accomplished teachers to the education policy table could help restore the balance we need in our public schools portfolio.

What makes teachers' voices critical to current school policy discussions?