The Importance of Advocacy: Math Educators and Elected Officials in Minnesota

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by Kim Le, Region 5 Director

In Minnesota, math educators play a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape. One important aspect of this role is the need to communicate with elected officials. Advocacy is essential because it helps ensure that the needs and concerns of math educators and their students are heard and addressed.

Why Should I Contact Elected Officials?

  1. Influence Policy Decisions: Elected officials have the power to make decisions that affect education funding, curriculum standards, and teaching resources. By reaching out, math educators can influence these decisions to better support quality math education.
  2. Raise Awareness: Many elected officials may not be fully aware of the challenges math educators face, such as lack of resources, curriculum changes, or the need for professional development. By contacting them, educators can raise awareness and advocate for necessary changes.
  3. Build Relationships: Establishing a connection with elected officials can lead to ongoing support. When officials understand the educators’ perspectives, they are more likely to consider their input in future decisions.

How Can I Contact Elected Officials?

  1. Email, Fax, and Letters: Sending a well-crafted email or letter is a direct way to communicate. Educators should clearly state their concerns, provide specific examples, and suggest possible solutions.
  2. Phone Calls: A phone call can be more personal and impactful. Educators can express their thoughts directly and engage in a conversation about the issues at hand.
  3. Meetings: Scheduling face-to-face meetings can be very effective. Educators can bring colleagues, share experiences, and present data that supports their case.
  4. Participate in Advocacy Days: Many organizations host advocacy days where educators can meet with officials. Participating in these events can amplify their voices and provide networking opportunities.

How Often Should I Contact?

It is essential that math educators maintain regular communication with their elected officials. Here are some guidelines:

  1. Regular Updates: Educators should reach out at least once a semester to keep officials informed about ongoing challenges and successes in math education.
  2. During Budget Season: Increased communication is crucial during budget planning periods when funding decisions are made. In MN, Budget sessions are every other year, we are in a budget season now!
  3. When Issues Arise: If specific issues or concerns come up, such as changes in curriculum guidelines or funding cuts, educators should contact their officials immediately to express their positions.

When contacting elected officials, consider addressing the following specific issues:

  1. Funding for Math Education: Advocate for adequate funding to ensure that schools have the resources needed for effective math instruction, including technology, textbooks, and materials.
  2. Curriculum Standards: Discuss the importance of having a robust and relevant math curriculum that meets the needs of diverse learners and aligns with state standards.
  3. Professional Development: Emphasize the need for ongoing professional development opportunities for math educators to stay current with teaching methods and curriculum changes.
  4. Class Size and Teacher Support: Raise concerns about large class sizes that can hinder effective teaching and learning, and advocate for hiring more math teachers or support staff.
  5. Access to Technology: Highlight the necessity of providing equitable access to technology and resources for all students to enhance their math learning experiences.
  6. Support for Underrepresented Students: Address the need for programs and initiatives that support underrepresented groups in math, including girls, students of color, and those from low-income backgrounds.
  7. Assessment Practices: Discuss the impact of standardized testing on math instruction and advocate for assessments that accurately reflect student understanding and skills.
  8. Mental Health and Support Services: Advocate for mental health resources and support services for students, recognizing the impact of stress and anxiety on learning math.

Here are some examples of successful advocacy efforts in other states that you can draw inspiration from:

  1. California’s Math Framework Update: In California, educators and advocacy groups worked together to update the state’s math framework to better serve diverse learners. This effort involved extensive stakeholder engagement, including surveys and community meetings, to gather input from teachers, parents, and students. The updated framework emphasizes equity, access to high-quality math instruction, and the incorporation of culturally relevant pedagogy.
  2. Florida’s Math Education Funding: In Florida, math educators successfully advocated for increased funding for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs in public schools. This effort involved coalition-building among educators, parents, and local businesses, culminating in a series of meetings with state legislators and public awareness campaigns. As a result, the state allocated additional resources to support math education initiatives.
  3. Texas’ Math Teacher Recruitment and Retention: In Texas, a coalition of educators and advocacy organizations focused on addressing the shortage of math teachers, particularly in underserved areas. They launched a campaign that included lobbying for financial incentives for new teachers, mentorship programs, and increased funding for teacher preparation programs. This comprehensive approach led to legislative support for programs that help recruit and retain qualified math teachers.
  4. New York’s Math Equity Initiative: In New York, a group of educators and advocacy organizations pushed for an initiative aimed at improving equity in math education. They conducted research on disparities in math achievement and presented their findings to the state education department. Their advocacy led to the implementation of targeted interventions for schools serving high percentages of low-income students, including additional funding and resources for math instruction.
  5. Illinois’ Math Curriculum Advocacy: In Illinois, math educators collaborated with parents and community organizations to advocate for a more inclusive and relevant math curriculum. They organized community forums to discuss the importance of culturally responsive teaching and the need for curriculum changes. Their efforts resulted in the state board of education adopting new guidelines that prioritize inclusive practices in math education.

These examples demonstrate the power of collective advocacy efforts and the impact that organized, focused initiatives can have on policy changes and educational improvements. Math educators can learn from these successes to strengthen their own advocacy efforts in Minnesota.

You can find your representative and their contact information by following these steps:

  1. Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Website:
  2. Use the “Find Your Legislator” Tool:
    • On the Secretary of State’s website, look for the “Find Your Legislator” tool.
    • Enter your address, including your city and zip code, to search for your specific state representatives and senators.
  3. Check the Minnesota House of Representatives Website:
  4. Visit the Minnesota Senate Website:
    • Go to the Minnesota Senate website.
    • Similar to the House site, you can find your senator by entering your address in the “Find Your Senator” section.
  5. Review Contact Information:
    • Once you have identified your representatives, their profiles will typically include contact information such as phone numbers, email addresses, and office locations.
  6. Follow Social Media and Newsletters:
    • Many elected officials maintain social media profiles and send out newsletters. Following them can provide updates and additional contact options.
  7. Local Government Offices:
    • Contact local government offices, such as city or county offices, for assistance in finding your elected representatives and their contact information.

Sample Letter/Email:

Subject: Advocacy for Math Education in Minnesota

Dear [Representative’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a math educator at [Your School/Organization] in [Your City/Community]. I am reaching out to share my thoughts on the importance of supporting math education in our state and to advocate for initiatives that will enhance learning outcomes for our students.

As an educator, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges our students face in mastering math concepts. Adequate funding, access to quality resources, and professional development opportunities for teachers are crucial for fostering a strong math education program. Specifically, I would like to emphasize the following points:

  1. Funding for Resources: Many schools struggle to provide students with the necessary materials and technology for effective math instruction. Increased funding can help ensure that all students have access to up-to-date resources that support their learning.
  2. Professional Development: Ongoing training and professional development are essential for teachers to stay current with best practices in math instruction. Supporting programs that offer these opportunities will directly benefit our educators and, consequently, our students.
  3. Equity in Education: It is vital to address the disparities in math education, especially for underrepresented groups. Initiatives that promote equity and access can help bridge the achievement gap and provide all students with the opportunity to succeed in math.

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss these issues further and explore potential solutions that can positively impact math education in Minnesota. Please let me know if we can schedule a time to meet or if you would prefer a phone call. Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
 [Your Position/Title]
 [Your School/Organization]
 [Your Phone Number]
 [Your Email Address]

Feel free to customize this template to reflect your personal experiences and specific concerns. Personal stories and examples can enhance the message and make it more impactful.