National Education Association President Princess Moss says supporting students starts with making sure public schools and the educators inside them have the resources they need.
During a conversation with the Black Information Network at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, Moss discussed school funding, educator pay and her vision for public education.
Moss, who began her term as NEA president on September 1, spent 21 years as an elementary school music teacher in rural Virginia. The daughter of two school bus drivers, she said her upbringing shaped her belief in public education and its ability to create opportunities for students.
Moss raised concerns about private school voucher programs and proposals to reduce the federal government's role in education, arguing that public dollars should remain in public schools and that federal oversight plays an important role in protecting students' civil rights and access to educational resources.
She also highlighted the financial pressures facing educators. About 94% of teachers report spending their own money on classroom supplies, according to recent data cited by NEA. Educator pay has also failed to keep pace with inflation over the past decade.
Addressing student achievement, Moss cautioned against defining students by standardized test scores alone. She advocated for a "whole child" approach that includes well-resourced schools, additional support services and stronger partnerships between families and educators.
Moss said improving student outcomes also requires addressing disparities in school resources and making sure educators have the support they need to remain in the profession.
As she begins her tenure leading the nearly 3-million-member NEA, Moss said she wants families, educators and communities to remain engaged in conversations about the future of public education.
Listen to the full conversation below!
For more of our interviews from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference, check out Our Voices!
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