NM Teacher Summit: Elevating educators’ voices statewide, at last

I have never felt more listened to, and I have never felt more informed! The New Mexico Teacher Summit has shifted the circle of influence that teachers have in education in New Mexico.

At the teacher summit, I attended sessions held by various presenters and Public Education Department employees. The PED employees handed out business cards and encouraged teachers to contact them directly at any time. Some department heads personally invited teachers to help them develop new initiatives they are taking on. Their transparency amazed me!

I sat in on a session where I learned about budgets and how school and district funds are allocated. I was educated about different federal and state policies. I had the opportunity to network and share resources with teachers from around the state. I sat in on a small, collaborative session with acting Secretary Christopher Ruszkowski, who took the time to talk to teachers. He went seat by seat and encouraged us to voice any thoughts or concerns; he listened to us and addressed our questions directly. He projected amazing energy and positivity as he shared his personal background, perspectives and goals for education in New Mexico.

What was ultimately revealed by the New Mexico Teacher Summit is that there is a great shift taking place within our state. A shift from the past into a future where teachers are directly informed, empowered and listened to. In the past, changes to educational policies have revealed themselves as mountains of muddled messages that were pressed upon us, impacting our teaching, our morale and our precious students. This new, clear, direct communication is fundamental to teacher understanding. The New Mexico Teacher Summit was not a waste of money nor a waste of time. It was about investing in New Mexico teachers by making the time to value our perspectives, listen to our input and develop a relationship with us. This summit gave us an avenue to connect with one another and to share our stories. It was very encouraging and uplifting. We were inspired by guest speakers from around the country who share in our same passions, struggles and heartaches.

The climate of education in New Mexico needs to be more positive. It needs to be that for our teachers, students, parents and our New Mexico community. Teachers are the people who work directly with the children of New Mexico every day. We are impacted by funding and new policies. We are advocates for our students. Our voices must be heard.

The Teacher Summit may be expanded next year to reach thousands more teachers in New Mexico, and I am thrilled! There are many opportunities being offered for our teachers to become involved and have a seat at the table of change. I believe that when we work together we can create nothing but good things for our students.

My hope is that with new leadership in 2018, teacher leader initiatives are kept, and teacher voices continue to be held front and center. I encourage all teachers to become involved and elevate their voice. Now is the time; they are listening.