    [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 38 (Wednesday, February 26, 2025)]
    [Extensions of Remarks]
    [Pages E165-E166]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      RECOGNIZING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHI DELTA KAPPA INTERNATIONAL'S
                                EDUCATORS RISING

                                     ______

                           HON. DONALD S. BEYER, JR.

                                  of virginia

                        in the house of representatives

                          Wednesday, February 26, 2025

      Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the 10th anniversary of
    Educators Rising, a nationwide movement dedicated to eliminating the
    teacher shortage in America by recruiting, preparing, and inspiring the
    next generation of educators.
      Educators Rising is a community-based, Career and Technical Student
    Organization that supports middle and high school students in rural,
    urban, and suburban communities with a passion for teaching in their
    communities.
      With over 60 percent of K-12 educators in the United States teaching
    within 20 miles of the high school they attended, creating pathways for
    local talent to enter the teaching profession plays a critical role in
    addressing our Nation's shortage of teachers.
      As part of their Grow Your Own initiative, Educators Rising helps
    create diverse teaching workforces that reflect communities where
    students live. Teachers who share similar backgrounds and experiences
    with their students foster stronger student-teacher relationships,
    improved academic outcomes including higher test scores, rates of high
    school graduation and college enrollment, more inclusive school
    climates, fewer suspensions, and lower rates of chronic absenteeism.
      Educators Rising has a presence in all 50 states and the District of
    Columbia, with over 1,400 school chapters and 38 state-level
    partnerships, and works with institutions of higher education and State
    Departments of Education to create seamless transitions into the
    education field.
      Over 70 schools across Virginia have Educators Rising Chapters that
    are contributing to ending the teacher shortage in America. Since 1994,
    over 325,000 students have participated in Educators Rising, including
    nearly 145,600 students since its rebranding in 2015.

    [[Page E166]]

      Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) International was established in 1906 as a non-
    profit organization that supports teachers and school leaders by
    strengthening their interest in the teaching profession throughout
    their careers. PDK International awards nearly 100 scholarships
    annually ranging from $500 to $5,000 to students pursuing careers in
    education through Educators Rising and other PDK International
    programs.
      On behalf of Virginia's 8th Congressional district, I commend
    Educators Rising's work and express my gratitude for their efforts in
    recruiting local and diverse talent and building career pathways for
    educators.

                              ____________________