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Event takes place today at noon at the Wisconsin State Capitol; livestream available via Wisconsin Eye
MADISON — In her fifth State of Education Address, State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly will deliver an urgent and hopeful message for the future of Wisconsin public education, challenging state and national leaders to move beyond partisanship and toward a shared vision for supporting every student and every educator.
The 2025 State of Education Address will take place beginning at noon today at the Wisconsin State Capitol rotunda. The event is open to the public and will also be livestreamed on Wisconsin Eye. Student musical performances from across the state will be featured, and Dr. Underly will recognize the 2025-26 Wisconsin Teachers of the Year.
During her address, Dr. Underly will highlight the living story of public education, reflecting on the many successes in the state’s schools, such as record-high graduation rates and expanded opportunities in STEM and career and technical education.
“All of this is happening at a time when schools are being asked to do more with less,” Dr. Underly is expected to say. “Still, educators are stepping up — innovating out of necessity. Embracing new teaching methods. Reimagining how to support students despite limited resources.”
During the speech, Dr. Underly will also sound the alarm on the many growing threats to schools’ stability and student and educator well-being.
“Our federal government, rather than being a partner in education, is threatening the very resources our schools depend on to serve their most vulnerable students,” Dr. Underly is expected to say. “At a time when we should be uniting to support our kids, our educators, and our schools, we’re instead seeing attacks driven by nothing more than political agendas and hatred.
“The future isn’t red. The future isn’t blue. The future of Wisconsin is sitting in our classrooms right now.”
The State of Education address will spotlight real stories from classrooms and communities — including a powerful example from the Adams-Friendship Area School District — to demonstrate how Wisconsin schools are stepping up despite limited resources and persistent challenges.
“Even with strained budgets due to a lack of state investment, Adams-Friendship has built a culture that centers relationships, resilience, and purpose,” Dr. Underly is expected to say. “People come to the district to make a difference. And they do. Every single day.”
In the address, Dr. Underly will unveil her four-part vision, guided by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s strategic plan, focused on:
- Innovation in education
- Educator recruitment and retention
- Mental health and well-being for students and staff
- Modernizing the DPI to serve schools more effectively
Dr. Underly’s speech will culminate in a compelling call to “move the fence” to ensure that all children, regardless of their identity or background, feel a sense of belonging in their schools and communities.
“When we fail to move the fence — when we allow kids to feel excluded or overlooked — it shows up in their schools and in their learning,” Dr. Underly is expected to say. “Let us choose to write a better story. For our kids, for our schools, for the Wisconsin we believe in.”
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Contact: Media.Inquiries@dpi.wi.gov
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