How to Speak Up for the Profession When You Feel Like No One Is Listening

Since the beginning of 2025, the field of education may feel like a constantly revolving door of disheartening news. Since Jan. 1, we've learned about drastic cuts to the Department of Education, funding challenges for Head Start preschools, the clawback of crucial COVID grants from public schools and the cancellation of enriching summer professional learning opportunities from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

As classroom teachers, we work hard to foster student learning amidst this negativity and uncertainty. It's understandable to feel challenged and even overwhelmed, questioning whether your voice matters in the face of such widespread issues. However, it's precisely in these moments that our collective voices as teachers become the most vital.

Here are some powerful ways to ensure your perspective is heard and to make a difference, despite the national noise that can feel deafening.

This is my favorite way to feel reinvigorated. There are so many amazing organizations that are devoted to improving student and teacher success.

For example, I am passionate about student leadership programs, so I love being involved with NA4SA (National Association for Student Activities) along with the MASC (Michigan Association of Student Councils). Through those organizations, I stay active on social media group pages or with free professional development, and just seeing their activities keeps me positive.

There are so many people who want to hear directly from educators about the impact of decisions or the reality of the workplace, so go public! I have spoken with many policymakers, and in an age of social media, it is really easy to get connected.

You can send them an email, connect with them via X (Twitter) or Facebook, and even find an opportunity to visit during office hours. Personal stories can be incredibly powerful in illustrating the realities of the profession and the impact of policy decisions.

I guarantee you, any legislator I have connected with, on both sides of the aisle, has thanked me for sharing my story.

Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little – together we can do so much,” and that is most definitely true about teachers in the spring. It’s important to connect with other teachers outside of your own classroom environment. They can be a source of support or even a place to vent your frustrations and confusion.

If you want to get together with people, your local union is a good place to start. Our association hosts get-togethers each semester to allow for socializing among its members. Another good opportunity is at lunch. Even if you have a lot to do, make a point to get together once a week with another colleague and talk. Finally, if you cannot make time in real life, join Facebook groups that allow teachers to connect. There are several state-wide groups that specifically focus on teachers, as well as others that are specific to a grade level or area.

Knowledge is power, and this is even more true when you are feeling powerless. If you find that you are seeing the same negative headlines over and over, broaden your media horizons and check out other sources of information. Listen to different podcasts, check out the global media, even follow new accounts on social media.

This small change will help you to stay informed without being overwhelmed by potentially biased or negative reporting. It can also promote a more balanced understanding of the issues and help you speak knowledgeably.

The challenges facing education in 2025 may feel significant, and the sense that our voices are lost in the noise can be challenging. However, as educators, we possess a superpower: the power of our collective experience and our unwavering commitment to our students.

By actively engaging with organizations, thoughtfully consuming information and channeling our energy into our local communities and, most importantly, our students, we can make a difference. Remember that you are not alone in this profession, and your work with students means everything.

Let's continue to speak up and support each other as we finish out the school year!

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