FUHS participates in White House convening: Operation Educate the Educators

FALLBROOK – April was the Month of the Military Child and on April 13 Fallbrook Union High School (FUHS), along with colleges, universities, and education professionals, participated in a White House convening on the progress of Operation Educate the Educators (OEE).

Five years ago, the initial OEE convening was held and since that time 114 colleges and universities in the U.S. have adopted the guiding principles for preparing educators to meet the needs of military-connected students.

Joining Forces, in partnership with the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) and the University of Southern California (USC), held the event in which participating colleges and universities explored common themes of practice developed from the guiding principles.

These principles serve to ensure that schools of education prepare graduates to meet the social, emotional, and learning needs of military-connected P-12 students. They also raise an awareness of the unique needs military-connected students have, enabling future educators to develop successful school experiences for all students.

In remarks to the group, Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden addressed the need to support military-connected children.

“In some cases, not all public schools and teachers have been afforded the opportunity and resources they need to truly understand how to recognize and support the needs of these unique and inspiring students,” said Biden. “That’s why we launched Operation Educate the Educators in 2011, to encourage teaching colleges to adopt guiding principles to better prepare educators to meet the needs of military-connected students in the classroom.”

Representing FUHS at the event were Bergen Banta, a student at FUHS; Nicole Webb, parent liaison at FUHS; and Molly Banta, mother of Bergen and spouse of Commanding General of Marine Corps Installations West-Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton.

Bergen Banta relayed her experience at the White House as follows:

"It was intimidating, to say the least, being the only teen in a room of roughly 100 adults speaking about how to make our lives as the military youth of America better, however, it was a tremendous learning endeavor. Post-conference room, the groups adjourned to the Eisenhower office where we furthered our discussion on a more personal note and divided ourselves into separate tables. As I broke off from both Ms. Webb and my mom, I tentatively sat down at a roundtable of 15 educators, businessmen and women, and university directors.

"After sharing my numerous experiences over the past eight moves as well as conversing with others on what programs to impose in schools and the best way to do so, a sense of relief washed over me – finally, we will never have to walk into a crowded room and feel alone. After undergoing such a life-changing experience eight times, I was unbelievably honored to be able to speak on behalf of the military youth of America at the White House. I strongly believe that the S2S programs that are being sprinkled in schools globally will ameliorate the transitions of kids just like me, as well as the atmosphere of schools everywhere. It was truly a blessing to be a part of such a fantastic trip.”

As a signatory institution, FUHS continues to aid the OEE effort by sharing the best research and ideas, identifying what works and what can be changed, and raising awareness about ways to support and leverage the needs of military and veteran-connected children.

“As a Parent Liaison at Fallbrook Union High School, my goal is to help all parents and students as they transition to our school," said Webb. "This year we have welcomed over 100 new students to our school. I welcome every parent and student how I would like our family to be welcomed to a new school: with patience, care, and understanding of their needs and concerns.”

"A huge thank you from all of our military children across the globe for recognizing this very necessary need in our schools and communities," said Molly Banta. "These kids are the future of our great nation. Thank you for helping to Educate the Educators."