Mr. V Goes to Washington

5.24.10 By José Valenzuela

This blog is certainly long overdue, but I still thought it was important to write about my experience of going to Washington, D.C.

Back in early April, I was asked by Jesse if I would consider speaking with some aides from the Senate HELP (Health, Education, Labor and Pensions) committee about my experiences in BTR. I told him fine and gave him my phone number to pass on to them. I had not expected much. I was surprised to get a phone call a week later from David Johns. He was the Senior Education Advisor for Senator Tom Harkin from Iowa (D). I spoke with him about what it was like to go through BTR, why I chose to become an urban public school teacher, and ultimately how my first year was going. We had a great conversation, but it became awkward when he asked me if I would like to come in and speak. I asked, “Well, where is the meeting?” He replied, “Capitol Hill.” “Ohhh,” I said.

I truly had that “ohhh” feeling even after I had agreed to fly to DC to testify in front of the Senate. When I looked at the witness list, all I saw were the names of CEOs, administrators, deans, and professors. When I saw another teacher was testifying as well (yes!), my excitement was tempered by the fact that she had been teaching nearly as long as I had been alive AND she was named National Teacher of the Year in Science. I was literally the least experienced person in attendance. Still, I had a motivation to go: my kids. I knew that it would be hypocritical to teach my students (especially in Civics) to engage in their political world, and yet not take advantage of engaging in our government at the highest legislative level. It would be like telling my students I don’t vote (for the record, I do vote). My students’ enthusiasm for my testifying was infectious. I wanted to make them proud. I wanted to show them that anyone can have a political voice, especially teachers.

The trip itself was a whirlwind: shaking hands, timed opening remarks, meeting many faces and names, listening to some of the leaders in education and education reform, having lunch at the Capitol, and then getting home in time to celebrate my father’s birthday. Oh yeah, and taxes were due that day. I certainly gained some new insight into how our nation’s capitol works, and I also discovered some newfound respect for those who travel for business on weekdays (it’s not easy!).

BTR has given me some tremendous opportunities, and I have never shied away from stepping to the front. I am reminded on many occasions of why I chose to teach. I will remember April 15, 2010 for a long time. But I know that I will have to continue to come to work every day to hone my craft and become a better teacher. With all of the changes coming down the pipeline, I can only do my best to control my surroundings. I’m just proud that on that day that I could represent the many residents that went through the program and continue to work in education today.