KEA member Pamela Phipps took a trip to the 2023 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) in Washington, D.C. this year, and she was proud to be there among fellow participants like U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, NEA President Becky Pringle, and Carissa Moffat Miller, CEO of the Council of Chief State School Officers. “I felt very honored to represent Kentucky and Adair County educators,” said Phipps.

The summit’s main theme this year was “Poised for the Future: Transformative Teaching for Global Engagement, Sustainability, and Digital Access.” The covered topics included elevating and enhancing the teaching profession, educating for global and cultural competence and civic engagement, leveraging digital technologies to ensure equitable access and enhanced learning for all. The summit is co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Education, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and Education International, in partnership with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), the U.S.-based Education International affiliate, the National Education Association, and others.  

“It is impressive to see how KEA and NEA work with other organizations all around the world to make positive change in public education and in the lives of educators,” said Phipps. “We are part of a powerful organization that is constantly advocating for ALL educators.”

During her time at the summit, Phipps was able to get classroom time as well as meet international educators. “I was fortunate enough to visit local schools, attend technology sessions, and make many new friends from all over the world,” she said. “Thank you to KEA and NEA for the opportunity to grow professionally and for sponsoring my trip.”