ECS National Forum on Education Policy, Atlanta GA

When John Merrow is the facilitator of the discussion between teachers and state policy makers, you know you are at the big show. I was so happy to be invited to participate, not just attend, but really participate at the Education Commission of the States national forum in Atlanta this week. John Merrow is the education corespondent for PBS's NewsHour and a reporter with National Public Radio.  He facilitated a forum with legislators and Governors that schooled teachers in the fine art of communicating with policy makers.

It was an intense conference full of 90 second elevator discussions, many explanations about what parent education is, and policy speak...lots and lots of policy speak. So great to connect and share many laughs with my cohort of state teachers of the year. We are a mighty bunch indeed.

It was an honor to be in the audience to hear the Honorable Sandra Day O'Connor speak about the importance of civics learning in the classroom.  She is passionate that children leave school ready to engage in their communities and our nation as participating citizens in our democracy. She is a warm and generous person.  She was more than happy to meet the teachers that were there and she made us all feel proud of our profession.

I was so happy to see that one of the keynotes addressed the need to build bridges with the professionals who work with our nations youngest learners. There was even a breakout session following the keynote to learn more. OK, so there were only four of us in the room with the presenter but IT WAS A START! I was proud to share Minnesota's story of ECFE with policy makers from Hawaii and North Carolina. We had a rich discussion and I left feeling proud of our state and it's long standing commitment to small children AND their parents. Minnesota was the envy of the group.

Here's a sneak preview of my next post.  I am waiting on a picture and for the whole thing to settle in before I post.

The conference carried on all the way to the airport. This is Senator Gen Olson of Minnesota.  I had a few quick conversations with her during the conference but we got the majority of our work together done at the airport over frozen yogurt. The Senator was happy to meet Matt and ask him about the new Social Studies standards in Minnesota.  She told us some great stories of her teaching days most notably her first home-ec class with all boys. Not one single discipline issue, imagine that! It was a fantastic trip!