TESOL Statement Supporting the U.S. Department of Education

by Jeff Hutcheson |

TESOL International Association condemns the drastic and historic reduction in the workforce of the U.S. Department of Education that took place on 11 March 2025. This reduction greatly undermines the department’s ability to provide educational excellence and access for all learners in the United States. The department’s role and support are especially vital for the English language teaching (ELT) profession1 and for the millions of multilingual learners of English2 (MLEs) served.

TESOL President Debra Suarez remarked on the impact, “[Tuesday] night marked a difficult moment not only for the U.S. Department of Education but also for TESOL International Association, for our educational researchers and educators, learners, parents, and communities. The sudden drop of 50% of the Department of Education is a setback for all who believe in treating others with empathy, conscience, and a sense of moral responsibility.

We are still learning the magnitude of what this means for our knowledge about learning and teaching, about grants that would have educated the next generation of teachers and researchers, and about projects designed to serve learners and parents.”

The ramifications of Tuesday’s actions on the ELT field and MLEs will be devasting, especially when understanding the department’s role. For elementary and secondary education, the department ensures that states possess the funding and resources for MLEs’ academic success, family support and language access, research to advance understanding, and professional development for English language educators.

Furthermore, the department supports MLEs and ELT professionals in adult and higher education. The department provides states with funding to support adult education programs, many of which serve adult MLEs3 in both literacy and workforce development. The department also facilitates research and professional development that supports educational gains for MLEs.

Perhaps one of the department’s greatest responsibilities, though, is ensuring the civil rights of MLEs and their families for equal access to education, regardless of race, color, national origin, or language, upholding that all children and young adults have the right and equal access to public education.

TESOL stands with our members, fellow educators, learners and their families, and schools and communities in condemning the reduction in the workforce at the U.S. Department of Education, and we call for Congress to act now.

We ask that you join us in taking your voice to your member of Congress, demanding that the administration ensure that the department’s workforce is restored and that it can carry out its mission. Take action today and tell Congress to restore the human resources of the U.S. Department of Education.

 

1In fiscal year 2024, over $59 million in grants were awarded through the National Professional Development program in supporting ELT educators. Source: https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/teacher-prep/national-professional-development-program#awarding-legislation

2Over 5 million MLEs are in U.S. public schools. Source: https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgf/english-learners-in-public-schools

3Over half of the adult participants in AEFLA-funded programs are MLEs. Source: https://nrs.ed.gov/rt/reports/aggregate/2022/all/table-3

This website uses cookies. A cookie is a small piece of code that gives your computer a unique identity, but it does not contain any information that allows us to identify you personally. For more information on how TESOL International Association uses cookies, please read our privacy policy. Most browsers automatically accept cookies, but if you prefer, you can opt out by changing your browser settings.