Professionals With Clear Knowledge of Education Policy Should Run For Office

Because we need them. We need their perspective, experience and input in legislative issues. While looking for money to free up to pay teachers more (other posts about teacher pay here and here) I've pondered the ideas promoting gutting the administration. Now, we don't want to put these people out on the street, but they likely were teachers to start and they likely moved up the ladder to their current position. They have the drive and passion for education that would be an excellent match for a policymaker. We need more educators in legislatures from the city level to the Congressional level. Same thing with teachers that are "veterans" that get passed around until retirement -- send them to the legislature! And after you retire from your 30 years and now your what like 55 maybe? Perfect time to run for office! We need you and most importantly the students of our schools need you (this is also what gets me through my schoolwork, the promise of being able to make significant change and knowing that these kids need me)!

Also, what about all of the bloggers out ther who aren't currently teaching? Journalists? [Come on Julia Steiny! :) ] Clearly we are all sitting here going why are the policy makers such idiots!!! It's because I, WE and YOU aren't there in the legistature.

Does anyone have any stats of how many policymakers are educators?