A group of National Board-certified teachers from Wisconsin meet with U.S. Representative Ron Kind during a national conference. Pictured are (left to right) Connie Wolf of Menomonee Falls; Ron Jetty, WEAC's Teaching & Learning consultant; Cathy Anderson of Eau Claire; Lynn Grimm of Menomonee Falls; Lynda Sullivan of Wisconsin Rapids; U.S. Representative Ron Kind; Bonnie Scholz of Milwaukee; and Deb Dosmegon of Milwaukee.

Seven Wisconsin teachers who have achieved certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) attended a national conference in Washington, D.C., in July. The three-day conference gave participants the opportunity to spend one day speaking with congressional representatives and two days attending sessions and workshops.

WEAC's NBPTS core team members Catherine Anderson, Matt Friedl, Lynda Sullivan, and Connie Wolf, and teachers Deb Dosemagen, Lynn Grimm, and Bonnie Scholz joined WEAC's Teaching and Learning consultant, Ron Jetty, in presenting to congressional representatives about continuing federal funding for the National Board program.

"Speaking on behalf of all students in Wisconsin regardless of their community or school setting, we delivered a strong positive message of increased student achievement, evidence-based teacher performance, documented leadership roles in the community and the expanded efforts to recruit and mentor candidates," said Matt Friedl. "We concluded our presentation by distributing our own Wisconsin-created packet that contained personal reflections, candidate support materials and a map that highlighted the number of National Board certified teachers in each of the congressional districts."

Wisconsin was one of only 12 states to report a 100% success rate in meeting with every one of their congressional representatives or a legislative aide. U.S. Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold, and Representative Ron Kind were available for personal meetings and photo opportunities.

The program's sessions covered a variety of education topics including improving student achievement, expanding classroom practices and instruction, making data-driven decisions, influencing education policy and reform, engaging in critical partners, and recruiting and supporting candidates for National Board certification.

WEAC's NBPTS core team members help Wisconsin's WEAC members who are seeking National Board certification.