MITESOL Advocacy Update: February 2025
Welcome to the new year, Advocates! There is a lot of work to be done...
SOLIDARITY WITH IMMIGRANTS in our Schools and Communities
Please consider these resources to become informed and share with other educators so we are equipped to assist students and community members:
- School Self-Assessment Checklist for Legal Rights of Immigrant Students from Michigan Immigrant Rights Center
- Immigration Rights Schools Need to Know from the Michigan Department of Education
- Preparation & Rapid Response Resources for Immigrants & Community Allies by Welcoming America
- Sanctuary School Toolkit: A Guide for Parents, Students, and Stakeholders in Local School Districts compiled by GR Rapid Response to ICE
- School Crisis Playbook: Navigating Deportation Policies with Practical Tools and Preparedness by Fugees Family
Fugees Family Webinars, Trainings and Immigration Resources to Equip Schools and Families for Uncertainty
- TESOL's Community and Colleague Resources (scroll halfway down the page)
STATE ADVOCACY
As the 103rd Michigan legislature begins, stay up-to-date on state education news using these resources:
Bridge Michigan Talent & Education
Chalkbeat Detroit
Michigan Advance Education
and
Michigan Department of Education English Learners (ELs) site
FEDERAL ADVOCACY
2025 TESOL Advocacy Action Days
TESOL’s goal is to take legislative priorities to Capitol Hill and position TESOL representatives as the subject matter experts for the ELT field.
- Virtual: February 25, 2025
- In-person: June 16-18, 2025
Why should you attend?
By attending the 2025 TESOL Advocacy Action Days, you'll be able to:
- Build relationships with your representatives and senators.
- Learn more about the policies that impact ELT and MLEs.
- Lift the voice of learners, families, and your communities.
- Hone your advocacy skills.
TESOL Advocacy HUB
Visit TESOL's page filled with resources to support learners, schools and communities under the current U.S. administration
- TESOL's Priorities for the 119th U.S. Congress
TESOL Webinars - Policy Implications for the New Administration
- November 20, 2024: Webinar / Slides - US Policy Priorities for ELT Educators and MLEs
- December 10, 2024: Slides - Building on OELA’s Commitment to MLEs
These webinars highlight policy implications and the transition of Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) from one administration to another.
Please contact me with any information or questions you’d like to share!
Sharon Umlor
MITESOL Advocacy Coordinator
Get Involved!
Check out the 2025 MITESOL Advocacy Packet!
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In this document, learn how to use the TESOL Advocacy Action Center, connect with state and federal policymakers, and more! This is a working document that will be continually updated, and suggestions are welcome if there is information you’d like to see included.
TESOL Advocacy Action Center
You do not need to be a TESOL member to use the TESOL Advocacy Action Center site!… Join in and support English learners and teachers today! 
The Action Center is also available via mobile app: Download the Voter Voice app & search for “TESOL International Association” in the organization field.
MITESOL 2024 Conference Advocacy Action Center Resources
Check out the materials from the Advocacy Action exhibit at our fall conference!
Let MITESOL know your experience in how policies affect you and MLs in your workspace by filling out our awareness campaign survey.
TESOL U.S. Federal Policy Priorities for the 119th Congress
Review TESOL's official outline of priorities for our federal administration's attention regarding appropriations, elementary/secondary education, adult education, higher education, and immigration reform.
Are You on Facebook?
Please join the MITESOL Advocacy & Policy group to connect with colleagues and stay informed!
https://www.mitesol.org/cpages/2024-conference-advocacy-action-center