We all know that outstanding school leaders make for outstanding schools but legislators don’t always realize the many ways principals create the environment necessary for student success. The most powerful way to convey this message to policymakers is to let them see for themselves!
This October, as we celebrate National Principals Month, we encourage members to invite state legislators to visit your school and shadow you for a day! Shadowing provides a wonderful opportunity for elected officials to experience firsthand the role and responsibilities of exemplary principals and see how the policy they create directly impacts schools and students. Getting lawmakers in school buildings for an up close and personal look at what you do each and every day can have an enormous impact on securing their support for the policies we know will benefit students and educators.
If you are interested in inviting a legislator to your school for a shadowing visit, please contact Jennie Lamon, Assistant Director of Government Relations. NJPSA will coordinate the entire process – from identifying who to invite, how to schedule the day, and any press or promotion. Members who have had a legislative shadow in the past always report that it was a positive experience that fostered a meaningful partnership with their legislator.