by W. Gary Martin, MTEP 2.0 principal investigator
It is hard not to feel discouraged, given the uncertain times we are facing with respect to our work in mathematics teacher education. However, quitting or backing down from program transformation work just isn’t an option. We must remain committed to our mission of developing well-prepared mathematics teachers who can celebrate and build upon each and every student’s strengths to ensure they are well-prepared for whatever their futures may hold.
Additionally, we can take some positive steps to address this crazy climate around education. For example, our experience working to transform secondary mathematics teacher education programs uniquely positions us to help keep our state and national legislators informed. No matter their political leanings, legislators are hopefully working to represent their constituents, and hearing about how changes are impacting us and our students may carry weight.
Consider sharing heartfelt stories about how canceled grants, lost funding opportunities, and other changes in policy are impacting ...
- Your work in preparing the next generation of mathematics teachers.
- Your students, who may be finding it more difficult (or impossible) to continue their journey to become a mathematics teacher or to further their careers. (Also, encourage your students to contact their legislators!)
- The teachers and schools with whom you work.
Keep it neutral, without attacking the legislators themselves or their political affiliation. Rather, help them put a human face on the disruptions that are occurring.
Moreover, helping legislators understand the impact of these actions on metrics they care about (e.g., workforce development, economic competitiveness) may also be worthwhile. They need to recognize that there are immediate financial repercussions as funding dries up and policies become more restrictive, and long-term impacts as the pool of mathematics teachers continues to shrink. Actions have consequences!
The MTEP 2.0 leadership team wishes everyone a great end to the academic year and an even better summer.
The following website may be useful in locating your legislators: Find and contact elected officials | USAGov.
Advocacy Corner: Each article will feature a few ways you and your programs can advocate for your programs and the profession. With the ever-changing political landscape, it’s important our voices, the voices of the teachers we prepare and the students they impact, are elevated and heard. The ideas presented each month are only suggestions and do not represent an endorsement of one organization, app, or tool over another. Have a favorite way you advocate? Please send additional suggestions for this list to mleadabrand2@unl.edu.