Things you can do to support public education

You probably already know who your senator is (because you shut down the Senate switchboard!), but do you know your school board members? Your state delegate? Find out who they are and put them on your contact list.

Now that you have your school board members on speed dial, find out when they are meeting and what issues they are discussing. Invite a friend/colleague to go with you. (These can be long, so if you like to knit...)
The next step? Run for school board! Here's more state by state information.

Join education activists from across the nation to stay informed and take action on the issues you care about. Sign up here.

The reality: 73% of educators report having students who regularly come to school hungry. You can make a difference. (You can also act on a national level by clicking here)

Give the gift of reading. For only $3 you can put a book and other school resources in the hands of a child in need. Check out First Book and all the great work they do in our schools.

Invite someone from your local school to your church, temple, mosque, or civic group meeting to talk about the importance of public education.

If you work in a school, invite a lawmaker to walk-a-day in your shoes. To see what it's really like.

Create a public school defense team in your neighborhood that will be activated when your local schools or our public education system are under attack.

With a new Secretary of Education dedicated to privatization, vouchers and dismantling public schools, communities need information and strategies to organize. You can also take action NOW on school vouchers here.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) returns decision making for our nation’s education back where it belongs – in the hands of local educators, parents, and communities – but only if we all work together to make sure this new law becomes the game changer it promised to be.

Host a movie night in your home, community center, library and show Education, Inc.

Buy a copy of Reign of Error, by Diane Ravitch and send it to your local lawmaker. (Or to the new secretary of Education)

Tell her why public schools are worth fighting for. If you work in a school, educate her about the challenges of the job. Tell her what issues your students face and what she should do to help now she has been confirmed as Secretary of Education.