The following are suggestions that will help NBCTs talk to policymakers during and after the Summit. They will be used to guide the drafting of specific recommendations and the Summit’s follow-up activities.

1. Know your audience. Learn your legislators, council members, and school board members. Know their responsibilities and history on the issues.



2. Define your message. Policymaker time is valuable and limited. Know the point you want to make and make it clearly and directly. Be specific.



3. Connect issues to students. Anything else appears to be self-centered. If your message is about you, it will not be well received.



4. Be aware of all sides of the issue. Know and acknowledge what others are saying, and then offer a more compelling, research-based argument.



5. Be positive. Have real success stories ready to share as to why your issue is valuable and necessary for student improvement. Do not whine!



6. Know the cost. Each policy conversation will evoke a question about money. Be prepared to explain how the cost is an investment and the right thing to do.



7. Talk to other teachers. The importance of an issue is measured by genuine contacts from a number of sources. Make sure your colleagues get involved.



8. Don't use education jargon. Do not assume policymakers know the language you take for granted. Explain what the abbreviated title of a program means.



9. Contact legislators and other policymakers before you need them. Do not wait until you have a crisis to discuss issues. Get to know them, communicate routinely, and make them feel part of your work.



10. Tell legislators and other policymakers the good news. If you want to be taken seriously, share examples of how students have benefited from their partnership with teachers. If your only contacts are negative--don't make contact.