Trading Spaces

Sure, your lawmakers went to school years ago, but do they remember? During the weeks devoted to testing, or the months when the school budget can’t cover the cost of paper, it seems the statehouse is oh-so far from the classroom.

Getting community leaders into schools, so that they can see what really happens, was the goal of dozens of Indiana teachers, who hosted “Legislators as Teachers” in November. Based on NEA-Alaska’s model, the Indiana State Teachers Association program didn’t just invite legislators to stop by and smile, but actually required them to lead lessons, eat in the cafeteria, and keep students on task.

“I want our legislators to know that we are doing a great job,” says Liz Chang, of Evansville’s West Terrace Elementary, a school that participated in the program. “It is hard work, but we could do better with more funding.”

After spending a day in an elementary school, Indiana State Rep. Dennis Avery, above left, said, "Teachers today have to be a lot more flexible."

Photo: Courtesy of ISTA