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Related Topic: Legislative Staff

Legislative Education Staff Network exists to strengthen the capabilities of legislative education staff to support legislatures and individual legislators in developing P-20 education and workforce development state laws and policies, both fiscal and programmatic, which support student success.

The Legislative Education Staff Network is a coordinated network of professional and knowledgeable legislative staff from across the country who work on education policy. Since 1986, the LESN provides opportunities through meetings and online resources for education policy staff to:

  • Network with other legislative staff and with other local, state and federal education professionals.
  • Obtain professional development and training.
  • Access timely, focused, and comprehensive information, research, and professional development on targeted education policy issues.
  • Collaborate with education policy and finance experts and researchers.
  • Receive technical assistance from other legislative staff on education initiatives.
  • Partner with other education stakeholders to promote high quality education.

LESN Steering Committee

The Legislative Education Staff Network is governed by a steering committee appointed by NCSL and the Education Commission of the States (ECS).

NCSL and ECS Staff

Marilyn Villalobos, LESN Coordinator 
Policy Specialist
National Conference of State Legislatures
303-856-1548
Email

Emily Ronco, LESN Coordinator 
Policy Associate
National Conference of State Legislatures
303-856-1467
Email

Joel Moore, LESN Coordinator
State Relations Strategist 
Education Commission of the States
303-299-3619
jmoore@ecs.org

What Does LESN Do for Me?
  • Sponsors in-person seminars and webinars on important education policy topics, enabling you to better serve your legislature.
  • Publishes Heads Up on Education Issues, a monthly compilation of recommended research and reading on critical public education issues.
  • Conducts several sessions specific to legislative staff at NCSL and ECS meetings.
  • Maintains a listserv to provide instant assistance from colleagues across the country.
  • Maintains a website devoted to keeping you up to date on education policy, including listserv archives, professional development opportunities, publications, online education staff contact list and more.
  • Access to technical support and resources from NCSL and ECS.

Who Belongs to LESN?

All legislative staff who work on education policy. Members include bill drafters, fiscal staff, program evaluators, policy analysts and advisors and includes both partisan and nonpartisan staff. A steering committee governs the network. All members of LESN may participate in all of the network’s activities and vote at the annual business meetings.

How Do I Join LESN?

There is no formal application process. Simply email Marilyn Villalobos or Emily Ronco, NCSL liaisons to the Legislative Staff Network.

How Can I Become Involved?

It’s easy. Fresh faces and new ideas are always welcome. There are many ways to participate:

Working Groups

Volunteer to serve on one of the network’s working groups and help increase outreach or plan professional develop opportunities. Travel is not required as most committee and staff section business is handled by teleconference or e-mail. Interested? Contact Marilyn Villalobos or Emily Ronco, NCSL liaisons to the Legislative Education Staff Network, at (303) 856-1548 or Joel Moore, ECS liaison to the Legislative Education Staff Network, at (303) 299-3619.

Listserv

The LESN is a great opportunity to ask for and share information about education policy in other states. Whether you participate by asking, reading, or answering inquiries, you'll learn about the issues currently of concern to your colleagues.

Meetings

Attend ECS’ National Forum, NCSL’s Legislative Summit or the network’s fall professional development seminar to meet colleagues, refine your skills, and make connections.

Related Resources

Annual NCSL Legislative Staff Awards

Each year NCSL and the professional staff associations recognize individuals, offices and agencies who support and further the work and mission of legislative institutions across the nation.
Legislative Staff
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