Dr. Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy
America is undergoing a calculated retreat in federal education policy. From the rise of anti-DEI rhetoric to the elimination of critical educator preparation grants and the erosion of support for education research at the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the pattern is clear: dismantle the very systems designed to ensure equity and opportunity in education.
Despite ongoing disinvestment, educators remain steadfast in their battle—not only for schools but also for students, families, and the conviction that education fuels a just society. We refuse to uphold the status quo; instead, we challenge it. Our aim is to create a future where the teacher workforce mirrors our nation's diversity and every student—irrespective of their zip code—receives education from an effective, culturally responsive educator.
That future is now at risk.
Recently, the federal government terminated more than 100 educator preparation grants, including programs under the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP), Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED), and Teacher and School Leader Incentive (TSL) initiatives. These programs were not only driving innovation—they were closing diversity gaps. They enabled teacher preparation programs and school districts to collaborate in preparing and retaining educators, particularly in hard-to-staff areas like STEM, special education, and early childhood education.
