The President of the American Teachers Federation Randy Weyngarten said with his skills and the time they dedicate their work, public school teachers can earn about 24% more than their current private sector jobs in the private sector.
But teachers often remain in the profession, “because they make a difference in the lives of children,” she said.
In 2021, about 82% of US students were enrolled in a public school, according to the Census Bureau. But Weyngarten said that there are not enough teachers in public schools to adequately serve these millions of children.
More teachers would mean a smaller size of class, which give the children a greater opportunity to meet their individual needs. It also guarantees that students receive a well -rounded education, she said.
“If you do not have a physics teacher for lack and children want to accept physics or need physics, it will affect the children,” she said. “If you do not have a computer science teacher, it will affect children.”
Federal money is on the cutting block
President Trump has recently signed executive orders aimed at eliminating initiatives of diversity, justice and inclusion in schools K-12 and to Eliminate the Ministry of EducationS The Education Department provided about 13.6% of the total funding for K-12 public schools during the fiscal 2022, according to Census data.
The department is also responsible for maintaining the rights of students with disabilities.
He asked the Trump’s federal budget of the Education Division for a total of about $ 12 billion, or about 15% of its current funding. Most of these cuts would be a reduction in K-12 funding by more than $ 4.5 billion.
The White House said budget “Provides simplified, flexible financing directly to countries” and will facilitate the federal government for costs both to administer funds and to apply conformity.
“When you see the Federal Government, this administration threatening to return to these funds, not to have them at all, threatening us as teachers who teach the truth about the history of our nation and the impact it has to this day – it is a lot,” said Pringle.
Teachers already feel stretched thin
Pringle estimated that teachers spend about $ 450 a year on their own money on students, while Weyngarten said that figure was over $ 1,000.
Pringle, who has been teaching science in grade for 31 years, said he remembers traveling to the grocery store to buy soda for vinegar and bread for his students’ scientific projects. Postal codes also influence the money that is aimed at school, so that teachers in areas with a lower income ultimately provide financially financially for their students, she added.
“They take money from their own pockets when they are not enough, and from the budgets of their family, and that’s not good,” she said. “This country must fulfill its promise for its children and provide the resources that our teachers need to do the work they love.”
Pringle encourages students and their families to return the support of teachers by writing letters and emails to their representatives and senators, publishing on social media and personalizing the gifts they give during teachers’ assessment week.
“Put a handwritten note in this mug and say,” You know what? We see you, and we take care of you, “she said.
Weyngarten added: “You see this over and over and over and over and again that people in the communities know the importance of teachers and the importance of public schools. Therefore, teachers are one of the most credited professions in the country. But they must be supported 365 days a year, not just one day a year.”
