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Teacher Leadership: You CAN Make a Difference!

Sharon Nelson,
Teacher in Residence, U.S. Dept. of Education, Washington D.C.

As teachers, we are frequently silent about issues that affect teaching and learning. Decisions about education issues are made by policymakers on a regular basis, and too often without the input of those who have the most important insights - the teacher. Join me for a frank discussion about how to make your teacher voice heard! Some issues including, how we can effect positive change, and examples of teachers using their voices, will be shared. I will also share information about my work as the Teacher in Residence at the United States Department of Education in Washington, DC, and how you can join the dialogue with policymakers. Sharon Nelson is Teacher in Resi-dence at the U.S. Department of Ed-ucation. Secretary of Education Richard Riley appointed her to this position in July 2000. Secretary Riley brought Nelson to the department to enhance communication between the nation's practicing teachers and the department's top policymakers. Along with Terry Dozier, Senior Advisor on Teaching, Sharon Nelson works to gather information from teachers and classrooms across the nation and to bring their critical perceptions and insights directly to the secretary and senior staff in Washington. Ms. Nelson's responsibilities also include ensuring that classroom teachers have knowledge of the department's re-sources, technologies, and most effective teaching practices and programs. She directs the National Teacher Forum, which brings together 120 of the nation's top teachers yearly to discuss teacher leadership. In an effort to develop teacher leadership and the teacher voice in decision making, Ms. Nelson speaks with and listens to teachers and other education leaders from across the United States. Ms. Nelson has been a high school science teacher for the past 23 years, spending the last 17 years in Waunakee, Wisconsin. Her teaching assignments included chemistry, biology, and biotechnology. A past president of the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers, Ms. Nelson has been actively involved in the standards movement in the state of Wisconsin. Nelson was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching in 1993 by President Clinton.

Focus: All educators

Location: Mendota 8 Alliant Energy Center