Legislative advocacy: ‘It set the tone’

Christie Besack cringes when she hears people dismiss politicians and advocating in the political arena.

“It’s important to make our voices heard and to form collegial relationships with legislators in Harrisburg,’’ said Besack, an AP psychology and honors global relations teacher in the Central Bucks School District, Bucks County.

Besack, who has been teaching 12 years, does just that as a PSEA Advocate for Children and Education, or ACE. In that role, she advocates and helps organize advocacy on behalf of public education to lawmakers in Harrisburg.

Her inspiration comes from those who have gone before her, particularly the 20,000 teachers who filled the steps of the state Capitol 50 years ago.

“The legacy of the ’68 rally was that teachers realized they had to be advocates for their profession and for public education,’’ Besack said. “That was essentially the starting point for building local capacity to reach out to legislators. It set the tone.’’

But she adds it is a two-way street.

“I don’t have a cynical view of politicians. I think they go into office wanting to make change for the better,’’ Besack said. “You just might not agree with what they think is better. So, you keep talking about public education and you keep talking about the daily challenges for teachers and students. And you do it in a bipartisan way.’’

She tells the story of a colleague who teaches an American government class.

“He asked the kids, ‘who likes politicians?’ No hands went up. He asked, ‘who wants to become a politician?’ No hands went up. He told them, ‘no one likes politicians, but no one wants to become a politician to try to change things.’’’

Besack said one doesn’t have to be a “political junkie’’ to try to work within the political arena.

“I’m not naturally a political person, but when it comes to fighting for what is right for my students, well that is why I became a teacher. Teachers don’t have to be political; just tell your story.’’