Empowering Voices, Building Futures

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself” (John Dewey). Teachers and other school leaders inspire students to learn wherever their life path may take them.

At the National ESEA Conference, our shared goal is to maximize the benefits of federal programs and funding for student success. We believe that engaging in high-quality professional development contributes to growth in knowledge, leading to an increase in students’ success. We know that effective teachers and school leaders have lifelong impacts on students’ lives.

During my tenure as a state ESEA program administrator at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, I have the opportunity and honor to work with and learn from teachers and school leaders from across the state. I have seen firsthand the value of empowering educators. When teachers and other school leaders apply their training, align learning to standards, and engage families in learning, outcomes for students improve.

I am often reminded of my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Klar, who cultivated a classroom culture built on positive relationships where all students all felt valued and important. She inspired me to be curious and partnered with my parents to help me find my voice. Together, they built my confidence to explore new and different interests throughout my K-12 and secondary education.

The National ESEA Conference is a tool to empower educators from across the country to use their voices to influence their classrooms and communities. In turn, empowering students to find their voice to learn, grow, and build successful futures.

- Shelly Babler, NAESPA President-Elect