How You Can Improve Education In Schools: 7 Ways To Make A Difference After Betsy DeVos Confirmation

In an unprecedented move Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence had to vote to confirm Education Secretary Betsy DeVos when the Senate found itself a tie: 50 votes for, 50 votes against. When DeVos was nominated in November, the vote was expected to fall along party lines, which would have given DeVos an easy victory. Yet, two Republicans broke with their party to vote against DeVos.

This split with party was no accident: Thousands of Americans across the country mobilized to oppose DeVos, a wealthy Republican donor and proponent of charter schools who has no experience with public schools.

They called, emailed and visited their senators, started social media movements and wore red to show their opposition. These concerned citizens were no doubt disappointed after Tuesday’s vote.

Still, there’s a silver lining for those who were passionately against DeVos’ confirmation: Many education decisions are made by local and state governments. People who are ardently pro-public schools have historically seen this in a negative light, preferring policy to be uniform and set at the federal level. But when the Every Student Succeeds Act begins in the 2017-2018 school year, that power will return to states.

People who felt the urgency of contacting their senators can do the same thing with state legislators and school board administrators. Here are some ways to keep the advocacy going:

1. Vote in your school board elections, for which turnout is often very low. Go to local school board meetings, and make your voice heard.

2. In fact, consider running for a school board seat. That way, you can help make the decisions about your local school yourself.

3. Get informed about your state’s teachers union. What are their goals? How successful have they been in negotiations with the state government? Talk to them, and if they align with your own priorities, consider making a donation.

4. Write, call, visit to your state’s superintendent or education commissioner.

5. Figure out what’s on the ballot in your state regarding education. Write, call, visit your local state legislators, and tell them how they should vote.

6. If you have time and transportation, go to your state legislature’s education hearings.

7. And of course, at the hyper-local level, you can always volunteer at your local school. Teachers will appreciate the help.