Federal Policy
We believe that federal policy is more equitable and effective when teachers are at the table right from the start.
Together with our National Teacher Policy Cabinet made up of teachers from across the country, the National Policy & Advocacy Network of teachers, and Teach Plus Policy Fellows from 12 states, we ensure that teachers propose ideas for federal policy, inform legislation and regulations as they are written, and advocate for student- and teacher-centered policy to ensure educational equity nationwide.
Teach Plus teacher leaders shape and advocate for the Teach Plus Federal Policy Agenda by engaging the Department of Education, members of Congress, and partner organizations. They also shape the national conversation informing federal policy by authoring op-eds and policy briefs on key issues.
To date, Teach Plus teacher leaders have had direct involvement in the following federal advocacy:
- Helped to shape the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and participated in the negotiated rulemaking process for ESSA
- Participated in teacher roundtables with the U.S. Department of Education providing feedback and strategic advice on school reopening
- Helped to shape language of legislation being authored by members of Congress
- Supported the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, specifically supporting the Maintenance of Equity provision
- Advocated for passage of President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, specifically with educator workforce investments and priorities
- Partnered with Teach Plus to inform and support the passage of provisions in the American Families Plan. Teach Plus co-authored and led two letters to Congressional leadership, signed by over 80 organizations
- Conduct regular meetings with members of Congress and legislative staff
The National Teacher Policy Cabinet
The Teach Plus National Teacher Policy Cabinet is a federal policy fellowship for current classroom teachers to develop their policy skills and partner with the federal government on issues to promote student achievement and teacher leadership development.
Since its inception, teacher leaders have played a vital role in advancing Teach Plus’s federal policy to catalyze change in education. They have built relationships with dozens of congressional offices, collaborated with the Department of Education, led formal Congressional briefings, and made tangible changes for students, families, and educators nationwide.
