The Chicago strike ends at last, but it has only highlighted the national debate over expectations for what schools can or should accomplish, what teachers can or cannot contribute, and how we meaningfully evaluate that contribution. The commentary has already begun, with raucous voices joining in from all sides.

What we want to say at Teachers Speak Up is simply this: Teachers’ voices need to be a major part of the conversation. It is teachers who are in their schools every day, doing all they can to help kids learn. It is they who can explain the importance not just of test scores, but also of teaching kids how to work together, how to build stamina and persistence in their studies, and how to contribute to their community as productive citizens. It is they who can describe what’s involved with contributing to their school as professionals so the whole school grows stronger and each grade level and subject area contributes to the success of the others. They are the ones who can describe the strategies that make a difference in kids learning in struggling neighborhoods.

But we don’t gain our place in the debate by pleading or complaining at not being invited. We do it by using our voice as smartly and strategically and professionally as possible. We do it even though we’re overloaded with all we need to do for our kids. We learn to do it well even though we haven’t had previous experience. We do it because this country needs to hear from us.

And that’s what we’re aiming to help with on the Teachers Speak Up website.