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After representing CER at the National Charter School Conference this week, one thing was evident — sometimes you can learn a lot from the sidelines. This year’s conference was located here in D.C., which meant it was a great opportunity to spread information and publications about what CER stands for and the impact the organization is having throughout the country. Even without stepping foot in a break-out session or listening to the impressive line-up of speakers, the conference was still a snap-shot into the charter movement and the realm of education policy as a whole.

One of the main things I have learned this summer working for CER is the importance of forging relationships and building ties within the industry you operate. This was only reinforced by my observations at the conference. After 20 years, CER and their leaders has successfully navigated the channels of policymakers, school administrators, teachers, parents, and the plethora of other players in the policy world. After seeing the name CER on the tote bags being handed out, numerous people struck up conversation to tell me about the legislation CER helped them pass years ago or ask how the organization and staff were doing. Some offered encouragement to keep up the good work, while some told us how much they enjoyed keeping up with Media Bullpen articles and following Newswire.

It is all too easy to get caught up in the differences between those involved in education policy, but seeing teachers, administrators, government officials, state legislators, and members of non-profits come together this week for the National Charter School Conference serves as a good lesson — our mission is the same. Every child deserves a high quality education, no matter their background. The charter movement is diverse and complex, yet I am proud to work for an organization that understands these complexities and works to connect with every involved player to work toward a common goal.

Annie Bennett is a rising senior at Vanderbilt University majoring in Public Policy. She is originally from Kansas City, and we’re excited she’s working with the Center for Education Reform as an intern this summer.