Educators for Excellence (E4E) joined parents, students, and advocacy groups to rally at the U.S. Capitol in opposition to President Donald Trump’s plans to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and nominate Linda McMahon to carry out that effort as Education Secretary. During a press conference opened by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and closed by former Secretary of Education under President Obama, Arne Duncan, advocates underscored the vital role of federal education policies in supporting millions of students nationwide.
“As educators, we have dedicated our lives to ensuring every child has a fair shot at success,” said Joseph Tadros, a high school mathematics team supervisor in Brooklyn, NY, and an Educators for Excellence teacher-leader who spoke during the press event. “Slashing education funding, stripping protections for vulnerable students, and dismantling the Department of Education isn’t leadership—it’s sabotage. Teachers won’t stand by as passive observers as our students’ futures are put at risk.”
The event also highlighted the devastating impact that eliminating the Department of Education would have on public schools across the country. Over 26 million low-income students rely on Title I funding, 7.4 million students with disabilities depend on services provided by IDEA, and 5 million English Language Learners count on Title III funding to access equitable education.
Furthermore, Educators for Excellence unveiled preliminary findings from their annual Voices from the Classroom survey, revealing a stark disconnect between what educators want and the Trump administration’s education agenda. The survey data shows that teachers overwhelmingly reject efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and other policies advanced by the administration.
“We are here today not just to reject harmful policies, but to demand something better,” said Dr. Jennifer López, a high school social studies teacher in Los Angeles and an E4E teacher-leader who also spoke during the event. “Teachers don’t need politics in the classroom—we need fully funded schools, safe and inclusive learning environments, evidence-based instruction, and a commitment to telling the truth in our classrooms.”
Evan Stone, Co-Founder and CEO of Educators for Excellence, emphasized the broader implications of the administration’s education policies and the urgent need for change.
“These policies would be a disaster for millions of students, said Evan Stone. “The data is crystal clear—educators overwhelmingly reject the administration’s vision, and Congress needs to listen before it’s too late. We need to reimagine public education, not dismantle it.”
As part of their advocacy efforts, E4E is sharing these survey findings with members of the Senate HELP Committee and their staff, reinforcing the urgent need for investment in public education. Educators are calling on Congress, state leaders, and the next Education Secretary to put students first by investing in the future of public education, rather than dismantling it.