Our Nation’s Capital became a classroom for students in the Haynes Teacher Corps (HTC) for Leadership, Citizenship and Civic Engagement. A trip to Washington, D.C. this spring allowed them to explore how education, policy and advocacy intersect on a national stage.

Program manager Destiny Andrews led the experience that was designed to prepare students to serve as teacher-citizen leaders who can engage with communities and policy beyond the classroom.

The Haynes Teacher Corps is a four-year leadership and service program in the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University for honors-eligible incoming freshmen majoring in education.

Sen. Ted Cruz met with HTC students to discuss the value of the program.

“Our cohort met with congressional leaders and staffers and had meaningful conversations about education policy and advocacy,” Andrews said. “More importantly, students experienced policymaking firsthand.”

Students toured the U.S. Capitol, observed a legislative session of the U.S. House of Representatives and explored the Library of Congress. “They weren’t just learning about leadership; they were practicing it,” Andrews said about the experience.

The cohort also met with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, where they shared the mission of the Haynes Teacher Corps and discussed the importance of supporting educators.

For students like freshman Ann Margaret, the experience reshaped how they view the government and their role as future educators. “Meeting Senator Cruz and hearing him acknowledge our program reminded me that the people making policy are human and that respectful dialogue matters,” she said.

Fellow HTC cohort member Sydney Lange described the experience as eye-opening. “It showed me that many people in government genuinely want to serve their communities,” she said, adding that she is now interested in pursuing a master’s degree in a policy-related field.

Students also visited the Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service campus in Washington, D.C., where they learned about leadership pathways that connect education, policy and public service.

HTC students toured various D.C. landmarks during their trip.

Throughout the trip, one theme stood out: Students came to realize that their voice matters now.

“The biggest lesson I learned was the importance of citizens speaking out about their needs,” HTC student Ella Valdez said. “As future teachers, we need to be involved so policies truly serve students.”

Andrews agreed. “Students left realizing that policy decisions directly affect their future classrooms and that they have a responsibility to engage,” she said.

“If this trip was any indication, the future of education is in incredibly capable hands.”

For media inquiries, contact Ruben Hidalgo.