UCEA Spotlight Summer 2023

Dear UCEA,

Happy Summer to all! I hope this finds you with some time to enjoy the Summer Spotlight.

This summer has been filled with news: Supreme Court decisions, districts use of ESSER funds, continuing educator shortages, heatwaves, wildfires, and more. Some directly impact the future of higher education, some affect the students we are preparing as educational leaders, and some seem very distant.

Yet we can sense the interconnectedness of these events and how they shape our relationships with each other, among the people we work with and care for, and nature itself. These continue to be difficult and dangerous times for us – for some, more so. Our community of scholars and students – full of its wonderful diversity and intellectual energy – is increasingly important to counteract what we see happening in pK-20 education. Our long-standing and ongoing commitments to equitable and just schools for each child must remain the core work of our organization and its members.

Along with the regular HQ updates on the Convention, policy matters, award nomination deadlines, and GSC, you will find an open letter to our community written by Drs. Clement, López, and Welton. I asked them to both interpret the recent SCOTUS decisions and help us see a way forward in our communal work. Their “call to action” is compelling and challenging, and asks us what are we willing to do to stand for the rights, futures, and humanity of our colleagues, friends, and others. I hope you read this letter with an open mind and an open heart.

The Executive Committee, Associate Directors, Headquarters Staff, PSRs, and I will continue to tackle these issues and work to develop and strengthen our vision, values, and goals. As always, I hope you will join me in this effort.

 Adelante UCEA, Mónica Byrne-JiménezExecutive Director