The Idaho legislature is convening its 2020 session, with many important issues of interest to professional educators and those who support public schools sure to be front and center. The voices of Idaho citizens, especially teachers and other educators, will be vital to ensuring that the interests of students and the education profession are supported.
Stay tuned to the IEA Hotline and our social media platforms as the session unfolds for information and insight on legislation that can help (or hinder) the strength of public education in Idaho. Below is a template showing the format an email to a legislator should follow. Calling a legislator’s office is an appropriate and viable option as well. Remember that specific, personal experiences resonate best without elected officials. To find contact information for legislators in your district or the House and Education committees, visit legislature.idaho.gov/whosmylegislator/
Ima Teacher
#1 School Book Lane
My Hometown, ID 8000
Representative (or Senator) John Smith
Idaho State Legislature
State Capitol Building
P.O. BOX 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0081
Dear Representative (or Senator) John Smith,
I am writing to you today concerning… (specific bill number, proposed legislation, or issue.) I am a professional educator in the ______________________school district and I can provide you with expertise and insight based on working directly with students for the past __________ years.
I encourage you to… (vote yes or no, do additional research, hold a public hearing, etc.) regarding this legislation/issue. (Explain your reasoning and/or provide specific examples of why action would be helpful/harmful to students and educators.)
Please consider the input of other professional educators and me as you determine your position. We have the best interests of our students in mind and know first-hand what they need from our education policies.
Again, I urge you to…
Sincerely,
Ima Teacher
