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What kind of teacher would you choose for your own child or grandchild: one who has completed their teacher training, or one who has just begun it? Contact your legislators today and tell them EVERY child deserves to have a fully-prepared teacher in the classroom on day one.

This month, Congress will vote on a Continuing Resolution budget bill that is expected to include a harmful education amendment that would rate a teacher as “highly qualified,” even if they have minimal preparation. The “HQT Amendment” will make permanent the federal government’s practice of labeling teachers-in-training “highly qualified” and allowing them to be concentrated in high-need schools and classrooms. The HQT Amendment is particularly troubling because we know that low-income students, students of color, students with disabilities, English Language Learners and rural students are disproportionately taught by less prepared and less effective teachers, including uncertified intern teachers.

Let Congress know our highest-need students deserve better! Join with more than 90 disability, civil rights, parent, principal, grassroots, rural and education advocacy groups to demand that the federal government end this morally wrong practice.

TAKE ACTION NOW to support a fully-prepared teacher for every child!

1. SEND A LETTER to members of Congress urging them to oppose the HQT Amendment.
2. Use Twitter & Facebook to publicize this issue and share this action alert. Members of Congress are listening on Twitter! See sample tweets and hashtags.
3. Make 4 phone calls to Congressional leadership. See phone numbers and sample script.

Thank you for standing up today for our most vulnerable students!