WEA members represent WEA at international summit
Last week, WEA members and former Washington state teacher residency residents, Gami Diaz, Highline EA member, and Antonia Woods, Seattle EA member, represented our association in Washington, D.C. at the International Summit on the Teaching Profession.
Since 2011, the International Summit of the Teaching Profession has brought educator unions and government officials together to build a better future — through public education.
The International Summit of the Teacher Profession was an eye-opener for Gami Diaz. "Having real conversations with educators and education ministers from around the world was an amazing experience,” says Diaz. “I learned that although countries have differences, they also have many similarities and struggles, such as the global teacher shortage." The experience broadened Diaz's perspective through a gloabl lens. "One of the many key themes I am taking from this experience is that we are not alone. We must work collectively to support all educational professionals to empower students to change the future.”
Diaz says the focus was elevating and enhancing the teaching profession, educating for global and cultural competence and civic engagement, and leveraging digital technologies to ensure equitable access and enhanced learning for all.
“The International Summit on the Teaching Profession is about driving the intentional collaboration students around the world need to fulfill the full promise of education to open doors to better lives and livelihoods,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Whether it’s building and supporting the next generation of incredible educators, preparing young people to engage globally in an increasingly interconnected world, or seizing the opportunities and managing the risks of digital transformation, our students are counting on governments and organizations alike to come together and invest in their future. Together, we can — and we will — raise the bar in education.”