Paige Shoemaker DeMio
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pbshoemaker.bsky.social
Paige Shoemaker DeMio
@pbshoemaker.bsky.social
currently senior policy analyst for K-12 policy at CAP | former educator | Ohio U & John Glenn College alumna | was once described as “a little woman with a big presence” | opinions are my own
Pinned
We can't solve the teacher shortage without first respecting the profession.

🧵1/ When I decided to leave the classroom, I knew the people would be the part I missed the most. Both the students and the incredible staff I was lucky enough to work with.
As a former educator, I know the challenges early career teachers face. But a strong education system needs a strong teacher workforce. We surveyed new teachers across the country to better understand what they need to stay in the field.

Read more:
www.americanprogress.org/article/how-...
How To Increase the Retention of Early Career Teachers
A 2025 CAP survey of early career teachers sheds light on the experiences and factors that assisted or hindered their persistence in the field.
www.americanprogress.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Reposted by Paige Shoemaker DeMio
Don’t miss my new piece for @americanprogress.bsky.social on how the Trump admin’s use of interagency agreements is illegal and meant to further dismantle the Department of Education, creating more bureaucracy, not less, and harming schools and students 👇🏼

www.americanprogress.org/article/movi...
Moving Federal Education Programs Will Create More Bureaucracy, Not Less
The Trump administration is unlawfully using interagency agreements to continue its piecemeal dismantling of the Department of Education.
www.americanprogress.org
December 10, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Reposted by Paige Shoemaker DeMio
The youth mental health crisis in the US is rising, & it impacts kids as young as infancy. As the OBBBA is implemented, that crisis will worsen. Programs like #HeadStart can help mitigate families' struggles through its wraparound supports. To learn more: www.americanprogress.org/article/head...
December 2, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Reposted by Paige Shoemaker DeMio
As the federal government dismantles the national vaccine infrastructure, the burden to protect and preserve access to lifesaving vaccines increasingly falls on states. Read 6 ways states can, and already are, taking action to fill the void. www.americanprogress.org/article/6-wa...
6 Ways States Can Protect Vaccine Access While the Trump Administration Dismantles the Federal System
As the federal government dismantles the country’s vaccine infrastructure, the burden of ensuring access to vaccines for flu, measles, and more is shifting to states.
www.americanprogress.org
November 20, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Reposted by Paige Shoemaker DeMio
The Trump admin's unlawful layoffs during the federal shutdown, in coordination with policy changes & budget cuts, are intended to lead to closure of the Dept. of Education—leaving disabled students with fewer services and protections.

New from me & @seemiaroll.bsky.social:
The Trump Administration’s Recent Special Education Layoffs Will Have Major Long-Term Impacts on Disabled Children and Students
The Trump administration unlawful layoffs during the federal shutdown, in coordination with its policy changes and budget cuts, are intended to lead to closure of the Department of Education, leaving ...
www.americanprogress.org
November 4, 2025 at 9:45 PM
The Trump administration’s recent cuts to staff at the Department of Education threaten the federal government’s long-term ability to ensure equal access to education for all.

Read more: www.americanprogress.org/article/the-...
The Trump Administration’s Latest Staffing Cuts at the Department of Education Threaten Children’s Success Across the Country
Cuts to staff at the Department of Education threaten the federal government’s long-term ability to ensure equal access to education for all, including children with disabilities.
www.americanprogress.org
October 28, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Reposted by Paige Shoemaker DeMio
The Trump administration slashed the Department of Education's workforce by nearly 50%—this is a direct attack on 50 million students. @pbshoemaker.bsky.social breaks down the numbers behind these cuts:
October 28, 2025 at 2:31 PM
While Republicans continue to keep the government shutdown, students are facing the consequences. www.edweek.org/policy-polit...
Many Districts Will Lose Federal Funds Until the Shutdown Ends
And if federal layoffs go through, the Ed. Dept. would lack staff to send out the funds afterward, too.
www.edweek.org
October 16, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Reposted by Paige Shoemaker DeMio
NEW: The "compact" the Trump administration proposed to 9 universities earlier this month is a dangerous trap -- not only would the deal cede significant control over colleges, but it would open them and their leaders up to great legal risk.

www.americanprogress.org/article/trum...
Trump’s “Compact” With Colleges Will Put University Presidents in Legal Jeopardy
The White House’s proposed Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education is unconstitutional, unlawful, and will put universities and their administrators at direct risk from a politicized Justi...
www.americanprogress.org
October 10, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Reposted by Paige Shoemaker DeMio
As public K-12 schools across the country face increasing threats from the Trump administration's policies and actions, state and local leaders should prepare to respond. @pbshoemaker.bsky.social and Weadé James explain:
Public Education Under Threat: 4 Trump Administration Actions To Watch in the 2025-26 School Year
As public K-12 schools across the country face increasing threats from federal policies and actions, state and local leaders should prepare to respond.
www.americanprogress.org
August 28, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Reposted by Paige Shoemaker DeMio
"If you're not visiting a classroom, if you're not visiting a school building [...] you're not doing your job." Lawmakers need to meet with, listen to, and learn from the people they're meant to represent.
August 26, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Reposted by Paige Shoemaker DeMio
Had an amazing time chatting with Dr. Joan Lombardi & other amazing speakers about the impact of extreme heat on young children, & what actions we need to take now to protect them amid federal climate rollbacks.

Full convo here: www.americanprogress.org/events/reach...
August 22, 2025 at 5:27 PM
As @cccllc.bsky.social explains, it will take a whole-of-society response to ensure our children are protected from the impacts of extreme heat and have the save future they deserve.

To learn more, watch a recording of our recent event: www.americanprogress.org/events/reach...
August 21, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Reposted by Paige Shoemaker DeMio
Extreme heat is more than just an inconvenience in classrooms—it is a barrier to students' ability to focus and learn. Our schools deserve better and must be equipped to properly combat extreme heat.
August 19, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Just pointing out that she’s mentioned the number 47 three times already, so that’s something to keep in mind… #TSTheLifeOfAShowgirl
August 13, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Reposted by Paige Shoemaker DeMio
It's not too late to register for our webinar today! 📣

@pbshoemaker.bsky.social & I will be joined by a truly all-star panel of advocates & leaders to talk about how we can protect young children from extreme heat, & you won't want to miss it.

rsvp2.americanprogress.org/reachingaboi...
August 13, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Want to know more about the impacts of federal funding decisions on local public schools? Join us for a virtual event next week with local leaders discussing the impact of these decisions and how state and local leaders can mitigate harm.

RSVP today: www.americanprogress.org/events/back-...
August 13, 2025 at 2:36 PM
I'm hosting an event tomorrow alongside the incredible @haileygibbs.bsky.social! Join us for a discussion on the impacts of extreme heat on children, current threats to climate progress, and ways state & local leaders can protect our youngest.

RSVP here! www.americanprogress.org/events/reach...
August 12, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Reposted by Paige Shoemaker DeMio
Excited to share that I've teamed up with @pbshoemaker.bsky.social & a bunch of brilliant people to host what's sure to be a great chat on Aug 13 @ 12:30pm ET re: how to protect kids from extreme heat amid federal rollbacks on climate prog. Come join us!
rsvp2.americanprogress.org/reachingaboi...
August 7, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Scorching temperatures and the roll back of federal protections put children at risk. Join us for a virtual event discussing the impacts of extreme heat on children and how state, local, & community leaders can protect those most vulnerable.

RSVP today: www.americanprogress.org/events/reach...
August 7, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Reposted by Paige Shoemaker DeMio
Attention educators and policymakers ‼️ As students head back to school this month, the Class of 2025 is sharing their message on strengthening public education. Watch the full event: www.americanprogress.org/events/class...
August 4, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Trump’s actions and recommendations for K-12 education harm rural students and leave them with less.

I talked with K-12 Dive to lay out what’s at stake: www.k12dive.com/news/trumps-...
Trump’s FY 26 budget plan would worsen rural schools’ challenges, analysis finds
Lower funding would exacerbate issues including teacher recruitment and lack of access to advanced classes, the Center for American Progress finds.
www.k12dive.com
July 18, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Reposted by Paige Shoemaker DeMio
This Admin is stripping services from children & families. @pattymurray.bsky.social & @bobbyscott.house.gov know how critical it is to invest in our kids + families - that’s why they just reintro’ed the Child Care for Working Families Act.
www.americanprogress.org/article/fact...
Fact Sheet: What To Know About the Child Care for Working Families Act
The Child Care for Working Families Act would make child care more accessible and affordable, promote high-quality care options, and support child care workers.
www.americanprogress.org
July 16, 2025 at 1:47 PM
The Child Care for Working Families Act will: 
✔️Lower costs of care for families 
✔️Increase access to care by expanding supply
✔️Ensure child care workers are paid a living wage 

Read more from on this bold proposed legislation: www.americanprogress.org/article/fact...
Fact Sheet: What To Know About the Child Care for Working Families Act
The Child Care for Working Families Act would make child care more accessible and affordable, promote high-quality care options, and support child care workers.
www.americanprogress.org
July 16, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Join me today for a virtual event with students from the class of 2025 to hear from them what is needed to improve public education!

Register here to get the link: www.americanprogress.org/events/class...
July 10, 2025 at 2:32 PM