by Jeremy Knajdl, NASBO President

“The Nebraska Way”…Our Way

By Jeremy Knajdl, NASBO President

I recently sat in a session at the State Education Conference with the NCSA Ambassadors; Keith Rohwer, Cinde Wendell, and Kyle McGowan, along with the NCSA Communication Manager, Tyler Dahlgren, presenting on “The Nebraska Way”. After attending the conference and having the weekend to reflect on it, “The Nebraska Way” really embodies what education is all about in Nebraska. It’s about work ethic: rolling up our sleeves and getting to work, day in and day out. It’s about integrity and doing what is in the best interest of children, especially when no one is looking. It’s about doing whatever it takes to help kids succeed, no matter the amount of time it takes. It’s about helping each other out, not for the kudos or recognition or appreciation, but because it is just the right thing to do.

Like many of you, I am a lifelong Nebraskan. I grew up on a small family farm where I learned the value of “The Nebraska Way”. Much like education, the hours were long, there was a lot of hard work involved, the pay wasn’t very good, and you did more with less, but at the end of the day, there was always the satisfaction of a job well done and being able to see what you accomplished. A lot of days don’t turn out as you had hoped, but you get right back up the next day and go do it again knowing that the next day brings new hope and new challenges.

As I looked around the room, the attendance for this session wasn’t stellar by any means. I have attended plenty of sessions at the State Education Conference where there was standing room only. And still, there were the ambassadors and Tyler telling the stories about the great things that are happening in our public schools. They were there telling these stories to whoever was willing to listen, no matter the size of the audience.

Being leaders in the education community, we are aware of the great things going on in our schools. But ask yourself, “Do the people outside the school community really know?” Sure, we all have our local groups of school supporters, but does anyone else, even the casual follower, know about the great things happening in our public schools? That is where local advocacy for your schools plays such an important role. Celebrating your school’s successes, no matter how small they may seem at the time, can make all the difference in letting your community know what is truly happening in your school. This could be something as simple as a Facebook post, a Tweet, a story in your school newspaper, or even a story in your local newspaper. You are out there telling your story.

That brings me to advocating for our schools with our legislative leaders both at the state and national levels. There is currently a lot of misinformation out there about what is and is not going on in our schools. A lot of the information that is out there is about issues that are taking place in other states, not necessarily in Nebraska. Do not let your Senator “assume” that certain events are happening inside of your schools or that certain subject matters are being taught. Let them know about “The Nebraska Way” and how things really work in our schools and what really is (or isn’t) being taught. Don’t allow them to “assume” that an isolated incident or ideology is the way it is in all schools all the time. Communication with your representatives could be a simple email offering your help with any information they may need, an invite to tour your school, or even directing them to the several short videos that tell our success stories. What better way to help combat that misinformation than with your story?

Of course, advocacy could take the form of testifying in front of a legislative committee in support of or opposition to a bill that has been introduced to the legislature. While this is something that may be out of your comfort zone, I know it is out of mine, but it may be the best way to make your voice heard. This past June, I had the privilege of taking part in the NCSA Educators Academy for Legislative Advocacy. Dr. Dulaney did a phenomenal job of condensing what is essentially an eight-week college course down to an intense day and a half of training. During this training, you will learn about the legislative process, a bit of legislative history, and even go through a mock hearing. This opportunity is truly unique to Nebraska, so if you can find the time and take advantage of this opportunity in the future, I would highly recommend it.

We live “The Nebraska Way” each and every day when it comes to caring for our kids and giving them the best education. Our education system in the state of Nebraska is second to none because of all of your efforts. So, go out and let people know about “The Nebraska Way” of doing things, because if we don’t, “The Nebraska Way” could become someone else’s way. Stay safe, stay strong, and take care of yourself and each other. ■

KNAJDL