AIELOC strongly objects to the U.S. Department of Education’s recent designation of certain degrees as “not professional,” including graduate degrees in education. This classification is both inexplicable and harmful. We work with educators across the world—including many certified in the United States—who should never have the legitimacy of their credentials questioned because of an arbitrary federal list.
It is worth noting that the current Secretary of Education’s official biography highlights her work “advocating for policies to empower teachers and help students excel.” This decision accomplishes neither. Instead, it diminishes the teaching profession and raises a critical question: Were education professionals meaningfully consulted before this list was developed?
This announcement reflects a troubling misalignment with the needs of educators and students in the United States. The most constructive path forward is clear: rescind the list entirely and affirm that education degrees, including teaching master’s degrees, are and should remain recognized as professional qualifications.