with Dr. Lisa Parady
October 26, November 9, 16 and 30 (Wednesdays)
Time: 3:45-5:15 p.m.
No cost to attend the series for ACSA members and ASDN member districts educators.
Target Audience: Educators (K-12) interested in getting involved in advocacy, especially principals and new school administrators.
Optional one credit available (Pass/Fail) $145
Do you want to make your voice heard in education policy decisions in Alaska? This four-part webinar series will teach you the basics of advocating in the Alaska Legislature from the perspective of an Alaska educator. You’ll learn how to stay updated on bills and the legislative process, the best ways to build relationships with your legislators, and how to communicate your perspective to policymakers and your community.
Expected learning outcomes
- Understand how to engage with legislators during and outside of legislative session
- Explore how to prepare written and oral testimony for bill hearings
- Learn how to research relevant information on bills and hearings using BASIS
- Investigate how to write effective op-eds to engage communities in advocacy discussions
Session One: Education Advocacy in Alaska
This session provides an introduction to Alaska politics and the legislature. We will discuss caucuses, budget and Permanent Fund basics. We will consider the education funding overview, recent legislative focuses and highlight a few bills that we will use throughout the series.
Session Two: During Legislative Session
Learn how to stay engaged during the legislative session using Basis. Explore ways to advocate during session through written or verbal testimony, and through one-on-one meetings with your legislator.
Session Three: Outside of Legislative Session – Building Relationships
Learn how to contact your representatives and introduce yourself as a resource. Investigate ways to build relationships with your legislators and involve them in your school community.
Session Four: Advocacy as a Public School Employee
This session will discuss advocacy in your community and advocacy with other educators across the state.
Dr. Lisa Skiles Parady became the Executive Director of the Alaska Council of School Administrators in 2014 and has brought her energy and passion for education advocacy to the position. The Mission of ACSA is: Leadership, Unity and Advocacy for Public Education. ACSA was created to serve as the umbrella organization for Alaska’s school administrators forty-five years ago. Dr. Parady joined ACSA after six years in Utqiagvik (formerly known as Barrow) as the Acting Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent of the North Slope Borough School District. She led the district’s curriculum and evaluation processes and dealt with the many issues that confront rural districts – educator recruitment and retention, engaging students with curriculum that matters to them, and the day-to-day challenges of school and district administration. Before moving to Alaska, she served as Chief of Staff in the Wyoming Department of Education, as Director of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, and as Senior Policy Analyst in the Governor’s office responsible for all K-12 education, higher education, health and social service issues, was an adjunct professor and was managing partner in a general law practice. Dr. Parady holds a Juris Doctorate and a Doctorate in Education Leadership and Administration.