Registration for AACTE’s Day on the Hill Now Open
Registration for AACTE’s second virtual Day on the Hill is now open. Day on the Hill is the Association’s premiere advocacy event and provides AACTE members with the opportunity to engage directly with their Members of Congress about the importance of teacher preparation and related legislation. Advocacy training sessions will take place September 21-22, and virtual congressional visits will be held September 23.
The teaching profession is facing many challenges, including declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs, teachers departing the profession after a few years and a lack of diversity in the field, among others. COVID-19 worsened the problems. One survey suggests that 27% of teachers said they were considering leaving their jobs, retiring early, or taking a leave of absence due to the pandemic. And an October 2020 survey of AACTE members revealed that nearly 60% have experienced a decline in undergraduate enrollment due to COVID, 83% have had budget cuts, and half have reduced staffing.
Recognizing these challenges, President Biden has proposed making historic investments in the Department of Education and teacher preparation programs. The House of Representatives appears to be following suit but it is unclear if the Senate will agree with these necessary investments. It is critical that you and your fellow AACTE members weigh in with your Members of Congress to help ensure that these programs receive the highest funding possible and to urge them to support legislation that will improve educator preparation programs.
To register for AACTE’s Day on the Hill, visit www.aacte.org.
Tags: events, Washington Week
