We build informed, engaged communities that advocate to protect and improve the public schools at the heart of Missouri’s neighborhoods — for every child, every educator, and every family.
Public school teachers, staff, and students can tell you exactly why we need to protect and improve our education system, but we can also see it in the numbers.
Missouri ranks 49th in the nation in average starting teacher pay and 49th in state education funding. More than 30 percent of Missouri school districts have moved to a four-day school week to address teacher shortages and shrinking funding. One in four Missouri teachers works a second job just to make ends meet. Rural communities are watching their local schools (often the largest employer for their town) face consolidation and closure.
This is the daily reality for Missouri children, families, and educators. We have to change that.
Once you get involved working to protect public education in Missouri, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t a problem that gets solved in a single election cycle. Real, lasting change requires something deeper — informed communities, engaged neighbors, and sustained advocacy that doesn’t stop when ballots are cast.
The Missouri Right to Education Foundation was built for exactly that. We’re here to do the steady, meaningful work of educating and connecting Missourians around the public schools at the heart of their communities.
We believe every child in Missouri, regardless of their zip code, deserves access to a high-quality public education.
We believe public schools are the centers of neighborhoods, the foundation of communities, and the most important investments Missouri can make in its future.
We believe an informed, engaged community is the most powerful force for change.
And we believe that protecting public education is not a partisan issue. It’s a Missouri issue.
We’re a nonpartisan, community-driven organization. That means we don’t support or oppose candidates or political parties. What we do is make sure Missourians have the information and the connections they need to advocate for their public schools — through newsletters, research, community forums, civic education, and grassroots organizing.
We’re guided by a volunteer board of directors and powered by community members who care about Missouri’s kids.
Whether you're a parent, a teacher, a neighbor, or just someone who believes in the power of public education — there's a place for you here. Volunteer with a committee, show up to a forum, or simply sign up to stay in the loop. Every bit of involvement makes Missouri's public schools stronger.
