Roberto J. Rodríguez took the stage on Friday at the Membership Recognition Lunch encouraging the students in the audience to give themselves a round of applause.

As the son of public school educators, Rodríguez said he learned at an early age of the power and potential of education to change lives, of the importance of education as a service to your community, and of opening the doors of opportunity for those whose voices are seldom heard. It wasn’t until high school that he had “those windows and mirrors that every student deserves in their education.” The work of Educators Rising to elevate and inspire a new generation of diverse and talented teachers “is deeply personal for me,” he said, “It’s why I do the work I do. “

Rodríguez serves as the assistant secretary for planning, evaluation, and policy development at the U.S. Department of Education. His career in public service includes senior government roles in the White House, as deputy assistant for education to President Barack Obama, and in the U.S. Senate, as chief counsel to the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

Most of us of, he said, can remember at least one teacher who had a significant and lasting impact on our lives. He encouraged the audience to reflect on that teacher. “Our teachers have the power and potential to shape us and bring out our best qualities. Every notable figure today, from President Biden all the way to Beyonce” can recall a great teacher who motivated and inspired them, pushed their learning, and encouraged them to reach higher and achieve their dreams.

Addressing the aspiring educators in the audience, Rodríguez noted: “You’ll be our future bilingual educators who will help our students discover the ability to speak another language, not as a hindrance but as a superpower.” There are future special educators “who will work with every student to reach their full potential through inclusive and individualized supports.” Paraprofessionals and education support professionals will be a pillar of support. “Each and every day will bring a new opportunity is essential for realize that change serve your community,” he said.

Students had a chance to submit questions for Rodríguez through the conference app. One student asked him to address the negativity future teachers face: Education is about hope, he said, and when people are working against it, we should follow the advice of former first lady Michelle Obama: “When they go low, we go high.”

How can we best support other educators when it feels like teachers are unappreciated and under attack? Rodríguez suggested two avenues to show support. First, honor and celebrate educators whenever we can. Then, he said, make policy changes to make sure teachers are well-paid, have mentors, have opportunities to contribute and shape policy change.

What actions can break down barriers for teachers of color to enter the profession? Build in opportunities for fellowship and collaboration and leadership among teachers of color. These opportunities don’t happen on their own; they must be explicitly created. Also, the pathways into the profession are important. Another way is to grow teachers is to look within diverse communities. “That’s why Ed Rising is so powerful,” he said. “If we can grow more of our teachers from within those communities, we have a greater chance of success in building a more diverse profession.”

Advice for a future teacher who is afraid to speak up? Let your voice be heard, Rodríguez answered to applause. “Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise,” he said. “You speak up and you speak out on behalf of yourself and your community.”