In Defense of Teachers and Public Education

Teaching is a calling that runs in my family. My mother and my aunt were public school teachers, as were two of my siblings and my daughter. I am a proud product of public schools, and for me, education has served as a great equalizer. I often refer to myself as a “sociological wonder,” and the truth is that high-quality public education and resources like the federal TRIO The programs helped me challenge myself to succeed in college and beyond. I’ve tried to pay it forward by investing in programs that have invested in me, serving as co-chair of the TRIO Caucus in Congress, and advocating for initiatives to improve our education system.

The Department of Education represents a federal commitment to support students and empower them to reach their highest potential. The Department of Education serves 50 million students across the country by providing targeted support to low-income schools through Title I funding. The Department helps to cover educational services for students with disabilities by ensuring that every child receives a free public education with appropriate accommodations. It also enforces civil rights laws to protect students from discrimination based on disability, race, or national origin.

The Department of Education covers approximately 9 percent of K-12 school funding, with states and local governments covering most of our K-12 school funding. Importantly, he manages our student loan program, which enables millions of students to afford college. It also funds important post-secondary supports such as TRIO. TRIO programs provide students with targeted resources, including tutoring, academic assistance, financial counseling and mentoring programs. These services reach low-income students, first-generation students, and our veterans, and improve educational attainment and academic preparedness. The Department of Education’s influence is felt in so-called red and blue states across the country.

That’s why, amid constant attacks on public education and the Department of Education itself, I’m doubling down on my support for this vital institution.

Over the years, many politicians have tried to undermine public education by using the policy of scapegoating schools. Building on these attacks, President-elect Trump has proposed cutting federal funds to any school that teaches so-called. “critical race theory.” That charge, a catchphrase for slandering curricula that teach complicated truths about US history, has been used against teaching materials and books that partisans don’t like. There were already 4,300 banned books in 23 states. Last year, Florida public schools even allowed black students to be enrolled slavery Imagine the ramifications of these attacks at the national level, where federal funds could be held hostage to promote fear-based self-censorship. Such a policy would create uncertainty for teachers, schools and families, leaving critical funding vulnerable to partisan agendas.

At the federal level, President-elect Trump not only seeks to dictate what is taught in classrooms, but also who teaches it. His proposed certification system would certify teachers based on their commitment to “patriotic values.” But what does that mean? Educators who dedicate their lives to educating America’s future generations are patriots at heart. Such a subjective definition of patriotism can lead to a purge of experienced teachers amid a shortage of teachers in the country. Together, these policies represent government overreach, advancing a political agenda while undermining trust in public education.

While President-elect Trump has called for the abolition of the Department of Education, his proposals would paradoxically give the federal government broad powers to combat ideological threats. As a Wisconsin native, I understand how political rhetoric can turn into modern-day McCarthyism. Fear and hysteria cannot drive education policy.

I am willing to work with anyone serious about improving our education system. my legislation Act of school social workers on improving the academic performance of studentswill make mental health professionals more accessible to students, addressing the youth mental health crisis. We also need to address issues like chronic absenteeism and learning loss caused by the pandemic, close achievement gaps, and address inequities in state and local funding. Raising teacher pay and providing recruitment incentives are critical. Equally important is the reduction of the cost of four-year higher education and the elimination of the shortage of qualified professions. These are some of the most pressing issues facing our education system and workforce. Instead of dismantling the system, we should invest in public education and reform it where needed.

Without the Department of Education, who would fund special education? Who will administer Title I funding? How can state and local governments fill these gaps? Who will protect the civil rights of students with disabilities? President-elect Trump’s education agenda does not provide answers.

Public education represents America’s investment in our children—the future of our country. Access to a good education allows Americans to be informed citizens, active members of the community, and strong competitors in the job market. It’s a fundamental promise: Any child—regardless of their zip code—can receive a free public education in America. We should never take it for granted.