Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of Phi Delta Kappa International's Educators Rising

Floor Speech

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Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the 10th anniversary of Educators Rising, a nationwide movement dedicated to eliminating the teacher shortage in America by recruiting, preparing, and inspiring the next generation of educators.

Educators Rising is a community-based, Career and Technical Student Organization that supports middle and high school students in rural, urban, and suburban communities with a passion for teaching in their communities.

With over 60 percent of K-12 educators in the United States teaching within 20 miles of the high school they attended, creating pathways for local talent to enter the teaching profession plays a critical role in addressing our Nation's shortage of teachers.

As part of their Grow Your Own initiative, Educators Rising helps create diverse teaching workforces that reflect communities where students live. Teachers who share similar backgrounds and experiences with their students foster stronger student-teacher relationships, improved academic outcomes including higher test scores, rates of high school graduation and college enrollment, more inclusive school climates, fewer suspensions, and lower rates of chronic absenteeism.

Educators Rising has a presence in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with over 1,400 school chapters and 38 state-level partnerships, and works with institutions of higher education and State Departments of Education to create seamless transitions into the education field.

Over 70 schools across Virginia have Educators Rising Chapters that are contributing to ending the teacher shortage in America. Since 1994, over 325,000 students have participated in Educators Rising, including nearly 145,600 students since its rebranding in 2015.

Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) International was established in 1906 as a non- profit organization that supports teachers and school leaders by strengthening their interest in the teaching profession throughout their careers. PDK International awards nearly 100 scholarships annually ranging from $500 to $5,000 to students pursuing careers in education through Educators Rising and other PDK International programs.

On behalf of Virginia's 8th Congressional district, I commend Educators Rising's work and express my gratitude for their efforts in recruiting local and diverse talent and building career pathways for educators.

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