Student mental health and teacher shortages are major roadblocks to academic recovery that schools cannot overcome without support—and long-term funding—from the nation's leaders, a budding coalition of Black and Latino superintendents told District Administration as they marched toward the U.S. Capitol.
Here's the narrative: Burned-out teachers are bolting the profession for more satisfying and lucrative jobs in the private sector. But research in one state may reveal an arguably more concerning outcome.
Big bucks could be headed toward academic acceleration, special education and Title I schools in the 2024 education budget unveiled by President Joe Biden this week—but its outlook is dim in the face of a Republican-controlled House of Representatives and a sharply divided Congress.
Despite ongoing reports of teacher shortages, superintendents are having to make tough personnel decisions as COVID-era budget surpluses turn to post-pandemic shortfalls that have been compounded by enrollment declines.
At Mount Adams School District in central Washington, Superintendent Curt Guaglianone empowers his students, staff and parents to seek solutions from within to solve their own problems.
"It reminds me of a magic show except that when you leave, you can do the same magic," says Professional Learning Specialist Craig McBain. "As a trainer and educator, it's fantastic to come back from the conference and share that magic."
