The lightbulb went on when the wife of a Fayette County Public Schools bus driver was overheard saying her husband had long aspired to become a substitute teacher.
“I’ve been a superintendent for 17 years in Vermont and it seemed like it was time to choose my personal life,” said Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union Superintendent Jeanne Collins. “While we’ve always had a 24/7 job, during COVID it really meant 24/7.”
The president beseeching citizens to pitch in at schools is an unusual move, but reflects the tumult of the last few years, as the pandemic drove school staffing shortages and students fell behind academically.
A small problem can turn into a crisis when adults are not prepared to support children who are struggling with social-emotional distress, experts warn.
Tackling unfinished learning with summer enrichment and closing equity gaps long-term are among K-12 leaders' top priorities as they invest American Rescue Plan funds.
