U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos met yesterday with teachers from Educators for Excellence (E4E) to get their input on how the Department can help to elevate, support and honor teachers and the teaching profession.

The focus of the discussion was on professional development, retention and teacher recognition. The Secretary heard from several teachers who talked about the importance of access to meaningful professional development that can improve teacher performance and student outcomes, the need to be fairly compensated for their work and expertise and the desire to be recognized as professionals who can provide valuable input at the school, local, state and federal levels.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have met with this outstanding group of teacher leaders,” said Secretary DeVos. “For too long, in too many schools, teachers have been given a binary choice—stay in the classroom or become an administrator. Teachers need access to additional pathways for growth, improvement and recognition. I look forward to continuing this important conversation as we work to find ways to elevate and improve the teaching profession and ensure teachers are valued as the professionals they are.”

Yesterday’s teacher roundtable was one of several the Secretary has hosted over the last few months with teachers from across the country.