Announcing Teachers Network Leadership Institute (TNLI)—
Ensuring the Teacher's Voice in Policymaking

New York, September 22, 2004--Teachers Network, a non-profit education organization, is changing the name of one of its major initiatives to Teachers Network Leadership Institute (TNLI). Formerly known as the Teachers Network Policy Institute, TNLI has recruited hundreds of exemplary public school teachers from across the nation to serve as MetLife Fellows. This select group of elementary, middle, and high school teachers represents ten TNLI affiliates nationwide -- Chicago, IL; Fairfax County, VA; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; New York City, NY; Santa Barbara County, CA; San Francisco, CA; Santa Clara County, CA; the State of Delaware; and the State of Wisconsin. Major funding for TNLI is provided by MetLife Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Additional support is provided by the New York Community Trust.

"The Teachers Network Leadership Institute's primary focus will still be to ensure the teacher’s voice in education policymaking; however, we believe that the name Leadership Institute more accurately reflects the multifaceted leadership roles that our MetLife Fellows play in their schools and communities," said Ellen Meyers, director of the Teachers Network Leadership Institute.

TNLI was established in 1996 to connect education policy with actual classroom practice to improve student achievement. Fellows read relevant literature, participate in online dialogues, and meet regularly with policymakers. As a major part of their work, TNLI MetLife Fellows, all teachers with full-time classroom responsibilities, also conduct action research studies in their classrooms and schools--addressing the direct link between policymaking and its effect on student achievement. To get the word out, fellows join influential task forces, give presentations to school districts and school boards, and participate in major conferences. Throughout the country, TNLI MetLife Fellows also serve as vital members of local, state, and national education task forces and advisory councils.

Since its inception, TNLI has been the pioneer in offering the teacher’s voice into the national discourse on education reform. TNLI works in partnership with the Education Commission of the States (ECS), New York University Steinhardt School of Education, the Center for Teacher Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education, and the Southeast Center for Teacher Quality. Recent books published by or about TNLI include Ensuring Teacher Quality and Taking Action with Teacher Research. More information on these publications and the work of TNLI is available on the TNLI area of Teachers Network’s award-winning web site at: www.teachersnetwork.org/tnli.

About Teachers Network
Teachers Network is a non-profit organization--by teachers, for teachers--with a 25-year track record of success, dedicated to improving student learning in public schools nationally and internationally. Teachers Network is unique in its focus on professional development as the key to improving student achievement. Using the power of an award-winning web site, videos, and print resources, Teachers Network leverages the creativity and expertise of a national and international community of outstanding educators. Through leadership, Teachers Network empowers teachers to transform public schools into creative learning communities. For more information about Teachers Network, see www.teachersnetwork.org.