Today I had the honor of meeting with my Lansing legislators. Mike McCready is the state representative from the district where my school is located in Bloomfield Hills. Jim Townsend is the state rep from where I live in Royal Oak. Marty Knollenberg is the state senator for the district that encompasses both where I live and work.
All three legislators were very interested in my role as Michigan Teacher of the Year. Above all, they were so appreciative of the fact that I came to them to introduce myself and explain the nature of my year as MTOY.
The biggest takeaway I had from this experience was that our legislators not only need to hear from us, they want to hear from us. They need to make informed decisions, and we - as both classroom teachers and constituents - are the ones who may best inform them.
Meet your local legislators, let them know what you like about their work and share your concerns. Everyone's busy, but don't put it off. Contact them today.
Jim Townsend (D)
Marty Knollenberg (R)
Mike McCready (R)