Boston Teacher Advisory Network

The Boston Teacher Action Network brings together a diverse group of Boston teachers to explore and discuss issues in school reform. Through presentations, conversations, and collaborative projects members look beyond their day-to-day work in classrooms and the immediate challenges of their schools to reflect on the broader context of change in the Boston Public Schools and field of urban education.    

How it works

In a series of structured meetings, three to four per semester, Boston teachers representing all grade levels meet to learn about new initiatives, share information with each other, and generate ideas that can influence policies and systems within the Boston Public Schools. Meeting topics and guest speakers are chosen by a steering committee of teachers working with staff from the Boston Plan for Excellence.

This past year, BTAN members met with the state’s Secretary of Education, the president of the Boston Teachers Union, the superintendent of the Boston Public Schools, and other influential leaders.

To learn more or get involved, contact Dottie Engler.

Why it matters

For a school system to be effective, it must be responsive to the experience of teachers who are engaged in improving schools every day. Teachers, meanwhile, benefit from opportunities to further their understanding of issues in education that can prepare them to act as change agents in their schools and in local and national arenas. BTAN works on both fronts. It brings together a community of teachers who stimulate and support each other, while sharing their best thinking with leaders in the education community.