The president of the teachers of the American Federation of Teachers, Randi Weingarten, said that with their skills and the time they spend their jobs, teachers of public schools could earn about 24% more than their current salary working in non -teachers in the private sector.
But teachers often stay in the profession “because they make a difference in children’s lives,” she said.
In 2021, around 82% of American students were enrolled in public school, according to the census office. But Weingarten said that there were not enough teachers in public schools to adequately serve these millions of children.
More teachers would mean smaller classes, which gives children a greater opportunity to have their individual needs satisfy. This also guarantees that students receive a well-balanced education, she said.
“If you do not have a physics teacher because of the shortage and children want to have physics or need physics, it will have an impact on children,” she said. “If you do not have a computer teacher, it will have an impact on children.”
Federal money is on blocking
President Trump recently signed decrees to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in kindergarten schools to the 12th year and eliminate the Ministry of Education. The Department of Education provided approximately 13.6% of the total financing of public schools from kindergarten to 12th year during the year 2022, according to census data.
The ministry is also responsible for maintaining the rights of disabled students.
The federal budget cuts requested by Trump from the Department of Education for the financial year 2026 total approximately $ 12 billion, or some 15% of its current funding. Most of these cuts would be a reduction in kindergarten financing in the 12th year of more than $ 4.5 billion.
The White House said that the budgetary proposal “directly provides flexible and flexible funding for states and would relieve the federal government of funds and compliance administration.
“When you see the federal government, this administration, threatening to retreat from these funds, so as not to have them at all, threatening us as educators who teach the truth about the history of our nation and the impact that this has to date – it is a lot,” said Pringle.
Teachers already feel stretched
Priority -estimated teachers spend about $ 450 per year on their own money for students, while Weingarten said that this figure was more than $ 1,000.
Pringle, which taught the science of the 8th year for 31 years, said that it remembers grocery trips to buy vinegar and baking soda for scientific projects from its students. Postal codes also influence the money that is channeled in school districts, so teachers in low-income areas end up providing their students more financially, she added.
“They withdraw money from their own pockets when they don’t already have enough, and out of their family’s budgets, and it’s not ok,” she said. “This country must live up to its promise for its children and provide the resources that our teachers need to make the jobs they love.”
Pringle encourages students and their families to return support to teachers by writing letters and emails to their representatives and senators, by publishing on social networks and by personalizing the gifts they offer during the week of appreciation of teachers.
“Put a handwritten note in this cup and say:” What do you know? ” We see you and we care about you, ”she said.
Weingarten added: “You see it repeatedly that people in the communities are experiencing the importance of teachers and the importance of public schools. This is why teachers are one of the most reliable professions in the country. But they must be supported 365 days a year, not only one day per year. ”
