I spent Tuesday physically away from my students but I felt incredibly close to them as I advocated for education with my Senators’ and Congressman’s offices all day. With the new legislative year in full-speed ahead, what better time to remind electeds the importance of a well-rounded education for all students.

Joining the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) for the legislative advocacy day made it easy. The day before, I learned about telling my story, how to speak with my elected officials and what to expect on the Hill. On Tuesday, all my meetings were scheduled and I joined fellow Virginians as we visited Senate and House offices.

And let me say, what a phenomenal experience. The halls of Senate and House buildings truly tell a remarkable story and I could feel the breadth of America’s history simply walking down the corridors. I knew this time was precious, though, and our Virginia cohort worked hard to speak to many issues important to teachers and our students:

• Ensuring equity in education for all students and expanding students’ rights under the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education for all students.
• Continuing to successfully implement the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) by actually funding the law as authorized – with special attention to Title II (professional development, teacher induction and teacher prep) and Title IV (the importance of a well-rounded education in development the Whole Child).
• Fighting for supplementing funds at schools with minority and low-income students under Title I.

Want to learn more about becoming an educator advocate? Check out ASCD’s legislative resources so you can contact Congress to the best of your ability as well!