“Many state legislatures are voting and passing education bills without much input from educators. How do we get state legislatures to listen and not just ignore the voices of teachers affected by these laws?”

-Trevor McGarrah, Computer Science Teacher, Arkansas

A question for the ages. A question which transported me to another age as Dylan’s words echoed. 

Come senators, congressmen

Please heed the call

Don’t stand in the doorway

Don’t block up the hall

-Bob Dylan, The Times They Are A-Changin’

 And though it was a different call in a different age, the request resonates: Come. 

Into our schools, into our rooms. Come. Sit. Stay. Learn.

For a week. Every year. 

I have long thought that legislators need to job shadow educators. I am not talking about press opportunities. I am talking about pack a lunch box (Well, no, bring your lunch money. You’re eating school lunch) and spend a week at a public school with high free-and-reduced lunch rates. Look kids and teachers in the eyes. Don’t “stand in the doorway” for a moment. Don’t “block up the hall” with a touring delegation for face time. Make time. Sit. Stay. Learn. See the struggles. See the successes. See. 

Model for the people–FOR THE KIDS–what making informed decisions looks like. 

Sorry, I could do no more than dream this up, Trevor.

~sy