Every teacher is a mandatory reporter. This means if he suspects any of his students are being neglected or abused, he is required by law to call social services. This in itself is a form of advocacy, because it requires the teacher to take a stand and fight for the safety, security and happiness of the child in question. If a student is removed from his biological home, his teacher is in a perfect position to provide him with consistent support and security in the classroom.
Teachers who advocate for children are constantly seeking new ways to improve the quality of both their own schools and schools in general. They take their ideas public to raise awareness. Whether it's new math books, a better building, stronger safety measures or adding classrooms, the advocate teacher is passionate and unyielding in his goals. In order to promote these goals, many join school booster groups or political organizations.
Quality education is not cheap, and teachers can act as advocates by fighting for increased educational funding. Whether it's at the community, state or national level, teachers are often the strongest spokespeople for initiatives or laws that increase spending on education.
Teachers who are less politically inclined can advocate for their students by forging strong working relationships with their parents. Doing so can greatly improve a child's classroom experience, home life and scholastic growth. Teachers looking to increase parental involvement might set up meetings, suggest supplemental educational programs or ask parents to be involved in school activities.
Regardless of the form it takes, advocacy is about consistently promoting the greater good. A true advocate teacher is one that spurs his students to grow, protects them from harm, provides encouragement and fights to give them every opportunity possible. Whether this means meeting with their parents, joining organizations that lobby for better educational funds or suggesting new curriculum, every teacher has the opportunity to be an advocate for the children under his care.