Educators advocate for their students every day, and the new Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) has ushered in unprecedented opportunities to expand that advocacy beyond school and classroom walls. The federal education law returns significant decision-making authority to states and districts. This means educators' voices and expertise are crucial in shaping how ESSA is implemented at the local level.
ASCD educator advocates receive regular education policy updates and participate in opportunities to deepen their policy knowledge and build their advocacy skills. Recent activities have included invitation-only Q&A sessions with guest experts on funding, special education, and other key topics; ESSA webinars with ASCD's Government Relations team; and exclusive access to customizable policy resources to inform colleagues, parents, and others on important education issues.
Anyone can be an educator advocate, regardless of role or experience level, and advocates can determine their own level of involvement. As educator advocate Ben Shuldiner explains, "For those of us in the field—with students, with teachers, with schools—our voice is so important because we know what's happening day to day."