A group of teachers from Philadelphia has declared it will put its focus on empowering and helping educators more than addressing political issues. At a summit for 200 educators Saturday, the Teach for America Greater Philadelphia signified their commitment to teachers and students regardless of who is leading and changing the political landscape that will affect America's education system.
One of the chief problems the group intends to address is teacher burnout. Putting the focus on this will help with the improvement of the quality of education in the city even if the sector changes its leaders.
"Teach for America is bipartisan in our politics, but we stay grounded and rooted in expanded opportunity for young people," director Charles Adams said, according to CBS Philadelphia. "Regardless of who is in the seat of power locally and or nationally to make sure that we are agile and responsive to that, so the work that we do in Philadelphia continues."
The statement comes as other Philadelphia educator groups are voicing their opposition against the new Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers through its president Jerry Jordan expressed disappointment over DeVos' confirmation, citing the secretary as "an unqualified, unfit nominee," according to another CBS Philadelphia report.
Philly reports that the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers rounded up its members to call state senators and raise their concerns about DeVos before she was confirmed. One member even set up a GoFundMe to "buy Pat Toomey's vote," but the money will actually go to a leadership camp in the city, which will likely lose funding when Devos and President Donald Trump decide to overhaul the public school system.
DeVos, however, took office on Wednesday, Feb. 8, despite mounting opposition against her confirmation. In one of her first visits to a public school, the government official was met with angry protesters, Parent Herald previously reported.
