In The News
The New Rules of Engagement for Politics at Work
Arkansas
•Dec. 10, 2024Arkansas Teacher Network
Teach Plus Arkansas is excited to expand our collaborative efforts with teachers who want to be active in educational policy.
What is the Arkansas Teacher Network?
As an Arkansas Network teacher, you will receive training on policy and advocacy, have an opportunity to advocate on behalf of your students, learn about teacher leadership opportunities and awards, and collaborate with other education champions from your region and throughout the Natural State.
Through our Teacher Networks, Teach Plus engages with a community of educators to gather their input on key educational issues in their state and engage them in advocacy efforts to improve the teaching profession and outcomes for students. Network members gain access to Teach Plus training and learning sessions, inform policymakers, and engage in advocacy to increase equitable opportunities for students.
Qualifications
- Be a current or retired teacher in Arkansas
- Be willing to participate in at least one Teach Plus activity including: taking a poll/survey, giving written/verbal testimony, attending a Teach Plus event and/or writing an op ed
- Be willing to participate in periodic check-ins and trainings
What Do We Do?
Teach Plus trains teachers in understanding education policy as a lever for student success, community organizing, writing op-eds and speaking to the media, providing public testimony, and more. Teach Plus works to create and connect teachers to opportunities to lead in real ways at the policy making level.
How Does It Work?
Teach Plus recruits and selects Arkansas Teaching Policy Fellows from across the state to participate in the cohort experience. These educators become part of a larger movement of teacher leadership and help mobilize their peers around top issues impacting the teaching profession in Arkansas. Teach Plus works with key stakeholders and policymakers to join the conversation.
Opportunities as a Network Teacher
- Attend high quality in-person/virtual training on understanding educational policy, teacher leadership, etc.
- Talk with education decision makers, including state legislators
- Stay up to date on Teach Plus Arkansas’ research, recommendations, and advocacy work
- Learn about teacher leadership opportunities and awards
- Attend Teach Plus events
- Learn about and stay updated on educational bills during the Legislative Session
Nationally and locally, Teach Plus Policy Fellows have:
- Met with Arkansas state house representatives to learn about the legislative process and provide support of bilingual and dual immersion legislation
- Conducted focus groups with Arkansas teachers to develop recommendations for educator diversity.
- Developed and presented policy recommendations to districts in support of improving recruitment and retention of diverse educators
- Presented to Arkansas Education Secretary Johnny Key and State Board of Education on Teacher Diversity report.
- Partnered with a large district to advocate for professional development on early reading strategies for pre-K teachers
- Been published or featured in media such as the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Chalkbeat, KNWA Fox 24, and Public News Service.
Join the Network
Collaborate with other champion educators from your region and throughout the state.
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