The last month has been challenging for many school psychologists, educators, and citizens in our state and nation. At the federal level, Betsy DeVos was confirmed as the new Secretary of Education, an appointment that many in the education community actively fought against. Here in Washington, there has been little positive movement toward finding a solution for education funding in the early days of the new session. In addition to our personal and professional lives, this charged political climate can be a lot to take in.  On a positive note, thousands showed up at the Capitol on MLK day to be a strong voice for education in our state, and members of your GPR committee were there to represent you!  We continue to review bills, write public comments, and soon will be meeting with the new Superintendent of Public Instruction and other key stakeholders at OSPI.

As citizens, we are responsible for monitoring our government, and as people in a democracy, we have an obligation to speak out when that government is not fulfilling its duty. We know that it is hard to find the time to participate and stay emotionally engaged. While your GPR committee is asking you to persevere and to stay involved, we will be there, supporting you every step of the way.  Now more than ever, our students need strong advocates, and we believe you are all capable of being that.

Your GPR committee will be working hard in the coming weeks and months to identify actions you can easily take at the state and national level to be part of a collective voice regarding education as well as our profession.  Check the website, read those emails, and please follow through on these calls to action that will be coming. Stand with us as we work to advocate for what our students need and deserve, and be the advocates they need us to be!