Teaching can be a lonely profession. It’s easy to feel like it’s out-of-touch folks in high places who are making the decisions that affect our daily lives in the classroom. But those decision-makers are just people. Not only that—they’re public servants. And we have access to them. It’s not the easiest thing to get in front of them, but I can tell you now from experience that it’s far from impossible. So come along on my magical mystery tour of how this educator, mom, and writer ended up testifying in front of her State Board of Education. (And then stay tuned for tips on how you can engage in this kind of activism!)
How I got into all this
Step 1: I detect shenanigans
After moving from Baltimore City, Maryland, to suburban Central Texas a few months ago, I decided to be proactive and start following different advocacy groups who share my values. That’s how I found out that my new home state has developed a K-5 reading curriculum infused with Bible stories. I have grave concerns about attempts to undermine the separation of church and state in public school classrooms (see the Ten Commandments in Louisiana and required Bible instruction in Oklahoma), so this is a red flag for me. The same post includes an invitation to attend a training webinar with the Baptist Joint Committee and Texas Impact, and I signed up. I soon received a follow-up email with links to preview the materials and read the group’s full report on it.
Step 2: I attend the training webinar
The webinar opens by making the case against this new curriculum: an overemphasis on Christianity; crossing the line of teaching religion vs. teaching about religion; lack of a clear secular purpose; age-inappropriate content. I especially appreciate hearing from biblical scholars. Between that and the pre-reading, I’m convinced. We move on to ways to participate, including submitting public comments, writing to our local SBOE member, and pledging to testify in person. I find I am interested in the last two.
Step 3: I write to my State Board of Education member
He does not respond. I am undeterred.
Step 4: I attend another webinar
I am now on the mailing list for these advocacy groups, and I get an invitation for a webinar specifically for preparing to testify. Again, I sign up. This session provides us with talking points and a recommended format for our 1-to-2-minute testimony (introduce yourself, why you’re testifying, why it’s important, and the ask—in my case, voting against adopting the curriculum). We are also invited to fill out a “Pledge to Testify” Google Form. This is not the official form, but it lets the groups know we’re planning on it so they can flag us when registration opens.
Step 5: I register to testify
I get an email from Texas Freedom Network, but I’ve already bookmarked the page on the State Board of Education website so I can register as soon as it opens (you speak in the order you register, so it’s preferable to do that early). Apparently, you can still sign up the day of, but my Type A heart can’t handle that kind of last-minute tomfoolery. The registration form is confusing, so I’m glad I have guidance from TFN on what exactly to click.
Step 6: I prepare my testimony
Using my email to my SBOE member as a jumping-off point, I craft my testimony, weaving in my credentials as well as my personal experience. I’m a writer and editor by trade, so I know it’s important to get more eyes on it. I send it to two of my favorite writers and then incorporate their feedback (namely, it’s too long). In the days leading up to the board meeting, I receive lots of helpful directions from TFN, e.g., where to park, what to wear (business casual), and what to bring (15 copies of my testimony to hand out to the board). I practice my testimony using a timer, so I can get my pacing just right, get all my important points across within the time limits, and also make eye contact.
Step 7: I testify before the board
TFN says we need to be really flexible, so I mark myself out of office for the whole day. They estimate that testimony will be between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and recommend we arrive by 8 a.m. I walk in at 8 o’clock, and they’ve already started! I am easily able to locate TFN in their navy-blue shirts and get some more direction, and I make my way into the SBOE room. It all feels very official! They call testifiers in groups of four, and my name is called within 10 minutes of sitting down. I hand over my copies and begin my testimony at the microphone. My practice pays off, and I’m pleased with my delivery.
Step 8: The board has questions!
Am I prepared? No. I had been assured that questions were not likely. But here we are. They call me back up, and even though my testimony was about my concerns with the biblical content, they are interested in my expertise based on my credentials, and I’m hit with questions about best practices in reading instruction. I take a deep breath and I’m in the middle of answering when …
Step 9: Bureaucracy!
One of the members presses her America’s Got Talent buzzer and requests a “point of information” (I have no idea what this is and there are at least half a dozen more that follow in quick succession). She is asking for clarification on a rule that states that a board member can only speak for 10 minutes (we’re apparently at 13). The chair confirms the rule, but another member (bless her!) says she’s benefitting from the questions and answers. The chair invites her to make a motion to grant the original member another 10 minutes. They vote and the motion passes. Mind you, I am standing at the mic the entire time. I finally get to finish answering, but I should point out that at this point I want to throw up a little bit.
Step 10: I decompress, network, and plan my next steps
As soon as I step out, I’m approached by a gentleman from Grandparents for Public Schools, thanking me for my testimony. A young person in a bow tie tells me, “What you did matters.” I head to the overflow room to watch the rest of the testimony on video but get approached and interviewed by media first! I’m ready to leave when we’re invited to stay for a press conference and stand behind the speakers with signs. I meet some new friends and am able to thank the webinar coordinators in person and meet a Texas House Representative. I leave feeling energized and ready for what’s next (they vote in November and if it passes, I’ll be switching my activism to my local school board).
How you can get into this!
Want to testify before your State Board of Education? You can go directly to your SBOE website and find out when their meetings are. Look for their guidelines for public testimony/comments. Each state is going to be a little bit different. Some sign-ups are ahead of time and others are day of. Some states allow virtual testimony and others, like Texas, do not. You can certainly do this on your own, but in my experience, working in tandem with an advocacy group that holds your hand is the way to go, especially if it’s your first time.
For me, testifying before the SBOE was a powerful and gratifying experience. However, it’s not possible for everyone! It’s hard for teachers to take the day off, and not everyone lives within driving distance of the capitol. Here are other ways to participate:
- Research advocacy groups and get on their email distribution lists so you can get action alerts!
- Find out who the SBOE member who represents you is and write to them.
- Write your testimony but submit it to an advocacy organization and ask that a volunteer read it on your behalf.