I try to practice what I preach.

“When you testify in Annapolis, don’t read your written remarks. Know your subject well enough that you don’t use that piece of paper as a crutch. You’re better off stumbling a bit but always keeping eye contact.”

That’s my mantra for advocates during the 90-day session and for my law school students during the fall semester.

Today, I was put to the test.

Senator Bill Ferguson and I will be introducing a series of education reform bills next January. We’ve begun meeting with interested groups and individuals to get their input.

Bill is a Teach For America alumnus. He knows the subject matter.

I’m there for strategic advice or as “the muscle,” as one of my friends describes it.

Bill could not attend today’s meeting. So I had to describe the four bills, with John Stierhoff, our lobbyist, there to fill in the blanks or correct any major errors.

I’ve heard Bill describe what we’re trying to do with mandatory pre-kindegarten, a scholarship for people who commit to four years in the classroom, and time off from work for parents to meet with their kids’ teachers.

I looked at our summary sheet a few times but provided a decent outline of what the bills would do.

I’d give myself a B+.