Every child deserves a well-prepared teacher. That’s not up for debate. No matter how many disagreements arise at school board meetings or in the carpool line, we can all agree on this simple truth. But here’s the problem: we’re facing a growing teacher shortage, declining retention rates, and increasing demands on educators. It’s a national crisis, and here in Pennsylvania, we see the impact firsthand.
If we want schools full of high-quality educators who are ready to inspire and empower our kids, we need to prioritize teacher preparation now. This isn’t just a “nice-to-have” policy issue—it’s a moral imperative. The quality of education for millions of students depends on it.
So, what can you do about it? Plenty.
Advocacy Starts with Action
I’m someone who spends a day on the Hill every year, meeting with lawmakers to advocate for better teacher preparation. And I’ll be honest: before my first visit, I was nervous. I prepped like it was my final exam. But when I walked into that office, I quickly realized something surprising — lawmakers and their aides genuinely want to hear from us. They were curious about what I had to say, and more than once, I heard, “We love meeting with people who care about education.”
If I can do it, you can too.
Advocacy isn’t just for seasoned activists. It’s for parents, teachers, and anyone who cares about the future of education. Reaching out to your representatives can make a real difference.
Why Teacher Preparation Matters
Teacher preparation programs are the backbone of our education system. They equip future educators with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to meet the diverse needs of students. But these programs are struggling. Funding is scarce, policies are outdated, and too many aspiring teachers face insurmountable financial barriers.
Without targeted investments and reforms, we’re looking at a bleak future: fewer qualified teachers, more overcrowded classrooms, and students who miss out on the high-quality education they deserve.
Ok, But How?
Let’s start with the basics. Find out who represents you. If you live in Bucks County, for example, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick is your guy (at least for now). He’s running against Bob Harvie this fall, so now’s the perfect time to reach out to both candidates.
Here’s a simple blueprint:
Call or email your representative. Be concise and have a clear ask. For instance:
“I’m one of your constituents, and I’m concerned about maintaining a pipeline of high-quality teachers in our schools. I urge you to co-sponsor legislation like the TEACH Improvement Act and the Professional Student Degree Act, which will help aspiring educators access affordable loans and grants.”
Follow up. Pay attention to how your representative votes or what positions they take. If they support education, thank them. If not, remind them why it matters.
Reach out to your Senators. In Pennsylvania, that means Senator John Fetterman and Senator David McCormick. I’ve met Senator McCormick, and he’s been open to discussions about improving teacher preparation programs. Senator Fetterman was also very supportive – particularly about how great teachers can help with early identification and resources when students struggle with mental health challenges.
Not Sure What to Say? Here Are Some Ideas
Advocacy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are three actionable ways to support teacher preparation that are supported by the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE):
1. Invest in Innovative Preparation Programs
Programs like teacher residencies and apprenticeships work. They address teacher shortages while maintaining high standards for preparation. We need more funding for initiatives like these, tied to measurable outcomes like teacher retention and student success.
2. Make Teacher Preparation Affordable
The financial barriers to becoming a teacher are staggering. Legislation like the TEACH Improvement Act can increase grant funding for aspiring educators. Similarly, the Professional Student Degree Act would classify master’s degrees in education as professional degrees, giving future teachers access to better loans.
3. Expand Access to High-Quality Tutoring
The PATHS to Tutor Act is a win-win. It funds partnerships between teacher preparation programs and local schools, providing students with much-needed tutoring while giving future teachers real-world experience.
What Can You Do to Help?
Advocating for teacher preparation isn’t just about fixing today’s problems—it’s about building a sustainable future for education. Teachers are the backbone of our schools, and we need to ensure they’re prepared, supported, and valued.
Here’s the bottom line: your voice matters. Whether it’s sending an email, making a phone call, or attending a town hall, you have the power to influence change. And trust me, lawmakers are listening.
The stakes are high, but the solutions are within reach. By investing in teacher preparation, we can create a more equitable and effective education system—one that empowers teachers, inspires students, and strengthens our communities.
Let’s get to work. Every child deserves a great teacher. It’s time to make that a reality. Oh, and remember to vote this November!
