Teachers, readers, visitors — Diane Ravitch has formed a new education advocacy group called the Network for Public Education. The group and its members will speak out for more thoughtful policies to improve schools, and against the increasing tide of narrow standardized testing, closing of schools, and the moving of funds away from public schools. The Network aims to connect the many separate efforts on this issues around the country – a step necessary for countering the large flow of money into political and policy campaigns from conservative donors. Check out an announcement about the Network here and here.

Our own effort here at Teachers Speak Up is focused more on teachers vividly telling the story of our work to the public, to build support for public education. These two approaches are complementary. Advocacy can’t be effective without trust and support from a wider public, large numbers of people who understand and appreciate the value of deep and meaningful education for their children. And at the same time, appreciation needs to be turned into action to maintain and improve that education. Many teachers don’t presently feel free or comfortable engaging in direct advocacy right now. But they can certainly tell their story.

Let both kinds of voice be heard.