Learn the best ways to network with education policy makers and influence the policies that affect your teaching and learning. Find out how to set your goals, research your targets, communicate and build rapport, and follow up and stay in touch.

It is important to show concrete large data set of successful outcomes of your idea, before you talk to education policy makers. There are a lot of talkers who don't understand ground realities, and try to advocate something which is not practically implementable.

What are the best ways to network with education policy makers?

As a teacher, you may want to influence the education policies that affect your work and your students' learning. But how can you connect with the policy makers who have the power to shape and implement those policies? Networking with education policy makers is not easy, but it is possible if you follow some strategies and tips. In this article, you will learn what are the best ways to network with education policy makers and why it is important for your professional development.

1 Identify your goals

Before you start networking with education policy makers, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you want to inform them about a specific issue or challenge in your classroom or school? Do you want to advocate for a certain policy change or reform? Do you want to learn from their expertise and insights? Or do you want to build a long-term relationship that can benefit your career and your students? Having a specific and realistic goal will help you focus your efforts and communicate your message effectively.

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Nikhil Karkare
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It is important to show concrete large data set of successful outcomes of your idea, before you talk to education policy makers. There are a lot of talkers who don't understand ground realities, and try to advocate something which is not practically implementable.

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Joseph Xavier sj

Coordinator, Preparation for St. Joseph's University, Trichy
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Policymakers can be of many types. In education, the most important policymakers who affect education are the government. When a policy is advertised, I talk to like minded people and come together to discuss about the implications and how it will benefit or affect the existing system. If we feel it is needed, then we write to the policymaker and give our suggestions and needed modifications, if needed. If the policy is going to affect the present system radically, then we as a team make the public aware of the implications and how it will affect the whole system and encourage the public to write to the policy makers their opinions. If necessary, we also organise public meetings to sensitize the people of the consequences.

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Tannu Priya

Let's talk about HR Process & Practices|| Corporate Trainer (Future)|| I help students to learn & grow personally & professionally|| 37 lakh+ Views|| 22k+ LinkedIn Family ||
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Engaging education policymakers involves attending relevant events, utilizing social media platforms, and joining professional associations where these policymakers are active. Offer insightful solutions aligned with their goals during meetings or informal gatherings. Collaborating on projects, sharing evidence-based information, and staying informed about current policies are crucial. Focus on building trust through consistent, thoughtful communication and seek feedback while maintaining genuine, long-term relationships. Effective networking demands patience and persistence, emphasizing the value you can contribute to education policies and initiatives.

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2 Research your targets

Once you have your goal, you need to identify who are the policy makers that can help you achieve it. Depending on your topic and level of interest, you may want to network with local, state, or national policy makers, or a combination of them. You may also want to consider different types of policy makers, such as legislators, administrators, researchers, or consultants. To find out who are the relevant policy makers for your goal, you can do some research online, ask your colleagues or mentors, or join professional associations or networks that deal with education policy issues.

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Beatriz Falcão

Public Policy Manager | Government Relations | Technology
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The best way to identify decision-makers involved in public education policies is to start by mapping out committees, working groups, and public participation in events on the topic. In addition, it is important to pay attention to the social networks of parliamentarians, who often express their positions there.

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3 Reach out and follow up

After you have a list of potential policy makers to network with, you need to reach out to them and initiate a conversation. You can use different channels, such as email, phone, social media, or events, depending on what is most appropriate and convenient for you and them. When you contact them, you should introduce yourself briefly, explain your goal and why you are interested in their work, and ask for their availability and willingness to talk to you. You should also be respectful, polite, and professional, and avoid being too pushy or demanding. If you get a positive response, you should follow up with them and confirm the details of your communication, such as the date, time, mode, and agenda. You should also prepare some questions and points to discuss with them, and do some background research on their profile and work.

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4 Build rapport and trust

When you communicate with the policy makers, you should try to build rapport and trust with them. You can do this by showing genuine interest and curiosity in their work, listening actively and attentively to what they say, sharing some relevant and personal stories or experiences, and expressing appreciation and gratitude for their time and attention. You should also be honest and respectful, and avoid being too critical or confrontational. You should also try to find some common ground or shared values with them, and highlight how your goal aligns with their interests or priorities.

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5 Follow up and stay in touch

After you communicate with the policy makers, you should follow up with them and thank them for their time and input. You should also summarize the main points of your conversation, and mention any action items or next steps that you agreed on. You should also ask for their feedback and suggestions on how to improve your communication or collaboration. You should also stay in touch with them and update them on your progress or achievements related to your goal. You should also look for opportunities to reconnect with them, such as inviting them to your events, sending them relevant articles or resources, or congratulating them on their accomplishments. By following up and staying in touch, you can maintain and strengthen your relationship with the policy makers, and increase your chances of achieving your goal and influencing the education policy.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best ways to network with education policy makers?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify your goals

2 Research your targets

3 Reach out and follow up

4 Build rapport and trust

5 Follow up and stay in touch

6 Here’s what else to consider

Teaching

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What are the best ways to network with education policy makers?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify your goals

2 Research your targets

3 Reach out and follow up

4 Build rapport and trust

5 Follow up and stay in touch

6 Here’s what else to consider

Teaching

Rate this article

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