After the Senate confirmed Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education, a wave of shock and indignation rippled through teachers, activists, and parents alike. It was a rare moment in U.S. history where the nomination of an education secretary was met with such intense opposition. As a former educator, researcher, and the proud mom of two little ones, I was appalled by DeVos’s selection. My initial disbelief swiftly morphed into a fiery outrage. Watching her stumble through her Senate hearing, I realized just how unqualified she was for such an important role. Her long-standing disdain for public education is no secret, and her track record in Michigan proves that her approach—redirecting taxpayer funds from public schools to private (often religious) institutions—has been a failure.
But here’s the reality: DeVos is now in charge. So what can parents who are understandably anxious about her leadership do to take a stand for public education? First and foremost, we cannot give in to despair or accept a future of subpar education for our children. There’s simply too much at stake, especially for the most vulnerable students, including those with disabilities and those in underfunded schools. The confirmation of Betsy DeVos is not the end; it’s merely the beginning of our fight to defend public education.
“Getting involved may seem daunting,” education advocate Lila Johnson shared with me. “But it’s more manageable than you think—especially at the state level. Legislators genuinely appreciate hearing from parents. Unlike lobbyists, we speak candidly about the real issues in our schools.”
Here are some actionable steps for parents eager to protect our public schools:
- Educate Yourself on the Issues.
Stay updated by following education bloggers and activists on social media. They can shed light on pressing education topics. Attend local school board meetings to get the scoop on the challenges facing your district. - Get Active in Your Community.
Volunteer at your child’s school and engage with teachers to learn about their needs. Join or establish a parent-teacher organization. If your school lacks one, rally your community to create it. Consider running for the school board yourself or connect with groups like She Should Run, which empowers women to seek office. Don’t underestimate the power of conversation—discuss the importance of public education with friends and family, and even write letters to your local paper about school successes and challenges. Mentor or tutor students in need, and partner with local grassroots movements advocating for necessary reforms. - Engage at the State and National Levels.
Regularly reach out to your representatives via email, phone, or written letters to express your views on education policies. Attend town hall meetings and invite your representatives to public forums. Stay informed about the education budget in your area, and advocate against harmful cuts. Connect local organizations with statewide advocacy groups like the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools and Network for Public Education.
Betsy DeVos’s confirmation is undoubtedly a setback for public education, but together—parents, educators, activists, and concerned citizens—we can amplify our voices and work to protect the integrity of our schools.
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In summary, while the confirmation of Betsy DeVos has raised alarm bells, it also offers a rallying cry for parents everywhere to take action. By staying informed, getting involved locally, and advocating at state and national levels, we can collectively ensure that our public education system remains strong and equitable for all children.