On May 4, 2013, Barnard College hosted a conference titled, Reclaiming the Conversation on Education at which a series of outspoken educators (and one outspoken student!) addressed the concerns that policies, funding, and testing are undermining effective teaching and learning in schools. Groups and events like this are developing with greater and greater frequency, now. While not every teacher will agree with every position espoused at that conference, it’s a hopeful sign that increasing numbers of teachers are realizing that their voices need to be heard and their expertise made a significant part of the decision-making about education in this country.

So watch some of the talks. And then step up to tell your own story — of the great things that happen in your classroom (don’t worry about bragging – everyone else in the world does it, and it’s needed), the obstacles you have to deal with, the support and the policies you wish you had — and perhaps you’re even in a great school that is doing engaging and creative things for kids, and could be a model for others.