In an unprecedented turn of events, Betsy DeVos’s nomination as U.S. Secretary of Education sparked fierce resistance from teachers, education advocates, and particularly parents across the nation. This overwhelming backlash was marked by an extraordinary influx of communications—phone calls, letters, emails, and tweets directed at senators.
As a former educator, education researcher, and mother of two, I found the selection of DeVos to be disheartening. My initial disbelief quickly morphed into anger as her lack of understanding regarding fundamental education policies became evident during her Senate confirmation hearing. Her long-standing disdain for public education is underscored by her previous remarks and her controversial history in Michigan, where her approach to funneling public funds into private and religious schools has resulted in significant setbacks for public education. DeVos, a billionaire conservative activist, has also resisted accountability measures for charter schools, which are crucial for our education system.
The confirmation of Betsy DeVos is a pivotal moment, but it is not the conclusion of our efforts to uphold public education. For parents concerned about the implications of her leadership, it is essential to remain engaged and proactive. We cannot afford to be passive in the face of challenges to the welfare of our students, especially those who are most vulnerable, such as children with disabilities or those attending underfunded schools.
“Getting involved can seem daunting,” noted community advocate Sarah Elmore. “However, it’s not as intimidating as you might expect, particularly at the state level. Legislators appreciate hearing directly from parents because they often provide unfiltered insights into school conditions.”
To support public education, here are actionable steps parents can take:
- Educate Yourself on Educational Issues. Follow education advocates and bloggers on social media to stay informed about current educational challenges. Local school board meetings are excellent opportunities to gain insight into issues affecting your district.
- Engage Locally. Volunteer at your child’s school and ask teachers about their needs and concerns, relaying this information to local, state, and national representatives. Consider joining or forming a parent-teacher organization to foster community support for educational initiatives. If you feel inspired, look into running for a position on the school board with resources from organizations like She Should Run and Emerge America, which empower women to seek office. Discuss with family and friends the importance of supporting public education, and consider writing letters to your local newspaper about both challenges and successes facing schools. Opportunities to mentor or tutor students in public schools can also make a significant impact. Connect with grassroots campaigns advocating for educational reform, and consider uniting with other parents to build coalitions that articulate a strong, unified voice against privatization efforts.
- Engage at the State and National Levels. Regularly communicate with your representatives about educational issues, attending town halls or public meetings to express your concerns. Stay informed about the education budget in your community and advocate against proposed cuts that could harm our schools. Connect with state-level advocacy organizations, such as the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools and Network for Public Education, to amplify your impact.
Betsy DeVos’s confirmation represents a considerable hurdle for public education in the U.S. However, if parents, educators, activists, and concerned citizens come together, we can collectively advocate for the preservation and improvement of public education for future generations.
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In summary, the journey to defend public education begins now and requires sustained commitment from all stakeholders involved.
Keyphrase: Defending public education
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