Education
As a former elementary school teacher, I believe that we need to ensure that all children have fair, equal access to a high-quality public education. The future of our economy and the success of our country depend on a renewed commitment to public education. Policymakers need to work in partnership with teachers, parents, academics, administrators and students to build an adequately funded system to educate all our children. Lifelong education, beginning with 3-and 4-year olds and continuing through vocational training, community college, bachelor degrees and beyond, should be affordable and available for all Americans. I believe we should respect our nation's teachers and provide them with decent wages, benefits and the right to unionize.




Rep. Schakowsky with Congressional Artistic Discovery Contest Winners & Participants
More on Education
Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky released the following statement supporting educators protesting the Puerto Rico Department of Education's decision to close hundreds of public schools on the island:
"I stand today with students, parents and teachers in Puerto Rico who are fighting to protect public education. Puerto Ricans are still dealing with the horrific damage created by Hurricanes Maria and Irma – and the Trump Administration's failure to come to their aid. Now they are facing a man-made threat that would pull public dollars out of public education and close hundreds of schools – affecting thousands of students on the island.
Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky released the following statement after Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced plans to undo the Obama-era Title IX guidance on sexual assault on college campuses:
Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky issued the following statement after Betsy DeVos was confirmed in a vote by the US Senate that required an unprecedented tie-breaking vote from Vice President Mike Pence:
“Today, Vice President Pence and a majority of Republican Senators put a sworn enemy of public education in charge of our public education. Betsy DeVos is unfit and unqualified for the role of Secretary of Education. She has no relevant experience, and her inability to respond to basic questions during her confirmation hearing demonstrated that she has no relevant knowledge either.
Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky issued the following statement after Betsy DeVos was confirmed in a vote by the US Senate that required an unprecedented tie-breaking vote from Vice President Mike Pence:
“Today, Vice President Pence and a majority of Republican Senators put a sworn enemy of public education in charge of our public education. Betsy DeVos is unfit and unqualified for the role of Secretary of Education. She has no relevant experience, and her inability to respond to basic questions during her confirmation hearing demonstrated that she has no relevant knowledge either.
CHICAGO – Rep. Jan Schakowsky announced the top four winners in the Illinois 9th Congressional District 2016 Artistic Discovery competition. Each year, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nation-wide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each Congressional district. Each young artist who submitted his or her work for the competition was honored at a ceremony at the Skokie Library on April 25, attended by families, friends and teachers. All of their art was on display for two weeks at the library. This year, thirty-nine students from fifteen area high schools participated in the 9th District Artistic Discovery competition.
Meeting with Tim Waters (United Steelworkers), Ramogi Huma (founder of the National College Players Association) and Kain Colter (former Northwestern's quarterback) last year about Northwestern Football Players push for the right to unionize.
CHICAGO – Rep. Jan Schakowsky issued the following statement in response to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)’s denial of Northwestern University’s football players’ application to form a union:
Presenting the Congressional Award to Apurva Belsare of Mt. Prospect, with his parents.
CHICAGO – The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans. Award winners have to meet goals in Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition or Exploration. Apurva Belsare of Mt. Prospect, Illinois has met and exceeded these goals. Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement on Apurva’s great accomplishment:
Presenting the Congressional Award to Apurva Belsare of Mt. Prospect, with his parents.
CHICAGO – The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans. Award winners have to meet goals in Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition or Exploration. Apurva Belsare of Mt. Prospect, Illinois has met and exceeded these goals. Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement on Apurva’s great accomplishment:
Receives Award for work with Agudath Israel of Illinois
CHICAGO – Recently, Rep. Jan Schakowsky visited the Joan Dachs Bais Yaakov School (a day school for girls K-8). Representatives from Agudath Israel of Illinois, a social service and advocacy organization serving the Midwestern Jewish community, joined her for the visit and honored Rep. Schakowsky for her work on their school lunch program. Rep. Schakowsky issued the following statement on the visit: