We’ve already said we’re fans of Megan Allen, Hillsborough County fifth grade teacher who has spoken up to Congress and other public officials. Now read her advice on finding your inner teacher leader, your courage to speak up publicly to advance teachers’ voices in public education policy decisions. Ms Allen, it turns out, is active as a “teacherpreneur” with the Center for Teaching Quality, which promotes teacher leadership and teachers’ public voice (check it out!).

Of course not every teacher will wish to testify to Congress or meet with their state governor’s staff. But telling the public the vivid stories of our successes in the classroom is essential for building trust in our work. As Megan says, we teachers tend to be very hesitant about this, just as she often is. But her strategies for strengthening her own attitude are ones we all need.