By Amanda Menas
Educators across the country are looking for a new beginning for their students and school communities with the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on January 20. They will be sworn in on the steps of the United States Capitol building, which just weeks ago was attacked by insurrectionists.
Hundreds of educators responded to NEA’s call to offer well-wishes to the incoming administration. Among them were many history and social studies teachers who are using this historic moment to help their students learn about democracy.
“If democracy is messy, then we should be educating our students as to how to navigate as a citizen of a democratic republic,” said Melanie D., a retired educator from Arizona. She hopes President Biden will reach out to educators to help grow an informed citizenry. “The number one issue would be the importance of teaching truth and integrity in history. The role of racism and disenfranchisement must be taught with a rigorous curriculum based on equality and respect for all.”
Following four years of anti-public education policies under former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, many educators asked the Biden team to reverse course.
Rochelle W., a retired educator from Oakland, California said specifically, “Please put a halt to federal support for charter schools!” Her school district saw decreased funding for public schools, which she says harmed students in special education classrooms, immigrant students, and more.
With the COVID-19 pandemic still impacting students and educators, many still teaching CONTINUE READING: Educators welcome Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and their support for public schools - Education Votes