Two East Texas A&M University undergraduate early childhood education majors, Jayla Carter and Amanda Blythe, traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) U.S. Forum National Legislative Seminar, accompanied by Dr. Shannon Manley and Dr. Nicole Pearce from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

The seminar is an event designed to help educators better understand current legislation impacting the profession and develop effective advocacy skills.

Participants in the experience are members of the DKG Collegiate Community and Charles Butt Foundation Scholars. DKG is a professional organization for Women Educators. As part of the scholarship program, these students can actively engage in professional organizations, participate in ongoing professional development and deepen their understanding of advocacy for education-related issues.

During the seminar, students attended sessions focused on the role of advocacy in education and how to communicate effectively and professionally with elected officials. Featured speakers included representatives from the League of Women Voters, Mark Lieberman of Education Week, and a staff member from the House Education Committee, providing students with multiple perspectives on education policy and journalism. The seminar was an impactful experience for the students.

“This DKG US Forum trip meant a lot to me because it showed me how important it is for future educators to stay involved, use their voice, and take advantage of opportunities to learn outside the classroom”, said Blythe. “I'm very grateful I was able to represent ETAMU and be part of such a meaningful experience.”

Students also had the opportunity to apply their learning through direct engagement with policymakers. With coordination from our Texas A&M System representative, the group met with Alaura Ervin, education policy director for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), to discuss key education issues. The visit also included a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol, led by a legislative aide from Congressman Keith Self's office, where students visited the Speaker's Balcony and the House Chamber.

In addition to policy-focused experiences, students explored several historic and educational landmarks, including Arlington National Cemetery, the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, and the U.S. Botanic Garden.

This experience helped deepen students' understanding of the Elementary Social Studies Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) they will one day teach in their own classrooms.

“I'm very thankful for the opportunity to attend the DKG NLS Forum,” said Carter. “It gave me the chance to connect with DKG members not only from Texas but from around the world. I enjoyed hearing the keynote speakers discuss educators' rights and the importance of voting in education. I also enjoyed exploring places like the Botanic Garden, the MLK Jr. Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. It was truly a meaningful and memorable experience.”

Firsthand experience in education policy and advocacy can help build a strong foundation for students. East Texas A&M continues to provide students with opportunities such as this to build upon students' knowledge outside of the classroom.