Take your students to PTA and school board meetings. Your students learn about education administration in the US, and officials begin to see that you and your students are interested consumers. Find out when federal representatives are home on recess. Make appointments to discuss your students and their needs. Invite officials to visit your classroom.
Local officials can come at any time.
Federal representatives can come when they are home on recess. Invite the press. Have students write thank-you letters after the visit. Continue the relationship by keeping the visitor informed about the progress of your students through future letters. Write letters to officials when you want them to take a stand.