Sample Letter Requesting a Meeting

<<Insert University Letterhead>>

<<Date>>

The Honorable <<Member of Congress>>
<<United States Senate or U.S. House of Representatives>>
<<Building Name and Room Number>>
Washington, DC <<zip code>>

Dear <<Congressman/Congresswoman/Senator X>>

On behalf of the Higher Education Consortium for Special Education  I am writing to request a short meeting on Thursday, January 17 regarding issues related to special education in the Higher Education Act.  

At <<university > we have an active Department of Special Education.  We prepare the special education teachers, researchers and leaders of tomorrow.  The challenge of producing enough highly qualified special education teachers to meet the requirements of NCLB and IDEA is daunting.  The shortage of special education teachers is pervasive and now surpasses the shortage of math and science teachers.  This shortage has been exacerbated by the shortage of special education faculty.  We produce 30% fewer doctorates in special education than we did 20 years ago.  In 2006, only 205 people received doctorates in special education.  Thus, there are fewer candidates for the teacher education jobs at universities.  If we had more faculty, we could prepare more teachers.

We are hopeful that the 110th Congress will address these special education shortages in both the Higher Education Act reauthorization and the NCLB reauthorization.  There are many important provisions related to special education in both the House and Senate higher education reauthorization bills, HR 4137 and S. 1642. We are also hopeful that the federal investment in teacher education and special education will increase as our nation moves forward in keeping its commitment to leave no child behind.

I hope I can visit with you on January 17 to discuss these concerns. I appreciate your consideration.  I will follow up with you to schedule an appointment.  In the mean time, if you would like to reach me, I can be reached at  <<Insert contact information>> .


Sincerely,