Jane West @janewestdc April 23, 2019 Washington Update Jane West @janewestdc April 23, 2019
A Profession in Crisis “McCall now lives with her fiance and a golden retriever named Hoover in Savannah, where she waits tables at a bistro near the river. The hours are shorter and the pay is better than in the career she earned a master’s degree to pursue, she said.” This deprofessionalization is killing the soul of teaching. Teachers need the freedom to teach.“ Randi Weingarten
Shortages 48 states report shortage in sped 17% decline in sped teachers; 400,000 increase in students Lowering of state certification requirements for teachers-fuels turnover Increased micro-management of teaching 35% decrease in enrollment in teacher prep programs Low salaries, lack of administrative support Sped faculty shortage
Washington’s Response? President’s FY 2020 Budget Proposal $8.5 B cut from current levels Eliminates 29 programs Title II ESSA TQP Title II HEA New $5 B voucher program New $170 million “teacher voucher” program Eliminates Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Congressional Action Appropriations President’s Budget: DOA House to mark up bill next week Raised budget caps so likely will be high mark for FY 2020 Senate will move next; more moderate than House Time to Advocate is NOW!
Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act Senate moving/bipartisan Goal: Bill by summer! Title II: Teacher Quality Partnership Grants, Data collection and accountability Three teacher Loan Forgiveness programs TEACH grants Ivanka Trump leading Administration in reauthorization
Democratic Presidential Contenders Debt Free College School Safety/guns Teacher pay Charter schools/ed reform Unions interviewing First debate: JUNE SIX SENATORS Bernie Sanders (HELP COM) Elizabeth Warren (HELP COM) Kamala Harris Kristen Gillibrand Corey Booker Amy Klobuchar
It’s On US!!! Tell your story Focus on solutions Develop relationships Participate in advocacy events! AACTE: June 2-5 SELS/CEC/CASE: July 7-10 Sign up NOW!
AND REMEMBER……………………………. IF YOU’RE NOT AT THE TABLE….. YOU’RE PROBABLY ON THE MENU!