Amy Loyd grew up in a family of educators, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to be a teacher. Then she took an opportunity to teach in Alaska. “When I stepped into my classroom, I finally found my place,” she said. “The two most important days of your life are the day you’re born and the day you find your why. I felt my purpose. That was my why.”
Loyd, the assistant secretary for the office of career, technical, and adult education at the U.S. Department of Education, was the keynote speaker at the Educators Rising conference Member Recognition Lunch on Saturday. She oversees national programs related to career and technical education, community colleges, adult education and literacy, and correctional education.
Loyd grew up in rural Oklahoma. Her mother was a special education teacher, and her father taught career and technical education. Her parents imparted the value of education to Loyd. “No one could take away from you what you learned,” she said.
She told the audience of aspiring and current educators about the importance of making connections with colleagues around the country, so they’ll feel supported in their careers on good days and bad days. “We’ll have those days when we fall down,” she said. “During my first year of teaching, I sought out mentors. I connected with my students and families to ensure I was responsive to their needs. There was a lot of falling down and getting back up. It took a couple of years to get on my feet.”
Loyd fielded questions from the audience. An attendee asked her what she wants current and future teachers to know. Loyd answered, “Your voice matters more than you realize.” Policy makers need to hear from teachers, she said, especially if policy isn’t serving teachers. “Bring data and bring your students’ voices to the table.” Aspiring teachers have the most powerful voices, she said. “We can’t make our policy moves without your voice.”
Another audience member asked how students can get involved in education policy while still in school. Loyd encouraged students to “take seats at formal tables.” Volunteer to sit on education committees in your schools or districts, she suggested. Apply to be a student member of your school board. “Raise your hand and take that leap of faith, she said. “You might be the only young person at a table with adults who think they have all the knowledge.” Connect with your state department of education and state government and look for opportunities to serve on education committees. At the federal level, the Education Department holds listening sessions that students can participate in. “Hold us accountable,” she said. “That is what we are here for.”
Loyd was asked what strategies the Education Department plans to roll out to encourage teachers to enter the profession. Loyd mentioned Education Secretary Miguel Cardona’s Raise the Bar initiative’s second pillar, which is about supporting educator recruitment, making sure educators reflect their communities, and supporting their growth once they get into the classroom. “We are the ones who prepare our future,” she said. “What more important job could there be?”
Loyd ended by addressing that teaching is not an easy profession. “You are supporting students to be their best selves. You are carrying the complexity of the community you are serving.” It’s OK to not know everything right away. Connecting with your students and their families will help, as will staying connected with your mentors. “We need you. Our nation needs you,” she said. “Never, never, never give up. When you are mired in day-to-day frustrations, connect with your people. We are a grateful as a nation for your service.”
