KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
On September 16, the ABCUSD school board voted to move forward with the following consolidation and reconfiguration:
Consolidating Aloha and Juarez Elementary Schools for the 2026-2027 school year.
Consolidating Furgeson and Stowers Elementary Schools for the 2027-2028 school year.
Reconfiguring elementary and middle schools by moving 6th grade to middle schools and Whitney High School in the 2027-2028 school year.
No changes will take place this school year.
At the PAL retreat on September 18, the elephant in the room was school restructuring, so it was discussed early in the day’s agenda. There are numerous issues to consider and a host of questions remain to be answered. Other districts have gone through consolidation, and we can learn from what has worked and what hasn’t during their process. Currently, the district website features an FAQ that addresses some questions; however, many more will need to be discussed in the coming weeks and months. I spoke to the representatives at some sites and was asked to come to the schools to address the questions they had, while other sites advised against it until we could provide definitive answers. These changes will impact every site district-wide. But as I heard stated at one information session, the good work will continue. Schools will ensure that students receive the best possible experience this year, despite the disruption, full of all the activities and events they deserve.
A key point I would like to emphasize from the FAQ document is “school consolidation will not result in any permanent employees losing a job. Should the Board decide to consolidate and reconfigure District schools, permanent employees will continue to have a position in the District.”
One of the concerns raised at a parent meeting was with the terms being used. Consolidation and reconfiguration felt less pejorative than closure, but there was still a sense that a stigma was being attached to the four affected schools. I had previously written and spoken about this, but it is essential to reiterate that none of these school staff have done anything wrong. Their programs have been successful. Their students have thrived. Our teachers and nurses care; they care about how they and their hard work are being perceived, and it is crucial throughout this process that all of their positive efforts are appropriately acknowledged.
The first Keenan deadline is on October 3. The PRISM and the second Keenan deadlines are November 7. PRISM is an online training for secondary teachers and nurses only. There are six total modules, but you need to choose only one to complete the requirement. It should take approximately one hour to complete this single module, and is similar to Keenan in that unit members will be given the appropriate amount of time during their duty day to complete annual state mandatory training. If you have any questions regarding PRISM, including needing the email to be resent, please contact your site/program administrator.
A highlight yesterday was speaking at the New Teacher Orientation for our most recent teachers and nurses hired in ABCUSD. This was a follow up event to the NTO held in August. Introducing our newest colleagues to this district and their union is always a positive experience. We encouraged them to reach out to their site representatives and form connections with their schools and programs.. Please welcome our new teachers with the same enthusiasm and energy they are bringing to our classrooms.
Lastly, we received confirmation from Human Resources that members who participated in the Transcend PL on August 8 will receive their checks on October 5.
In Unity,
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Are you a DACA recipient working in a school setting—teacher, counselor, aide, or staff?
Our national organization, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), reached out to ABCFT to inquire if we had any members who were current DACA recipients. We were unsure how many of our members would fall into this category so we agreed to put out this announcement in hopes that any member who is a current DACA recipient will hopefully join this upcoming informational session for DACA recipients.
Here is the message from AFT
We are planning a session designed just for you.Learn from experts with Path2Papers, a national initiative based at Cornell Law School that helps DACA-documented professionals understand their options and take action. This session will cover:
Legal pathways available to undocumented professionals beyond DACA;
What school districts and employers need to know to better support DACA employees;
Strategies to advocate for immigration status changes and workplace protections;
Tools and resources to support career advancement and long-term planning; and
Q&A with immigration law and policy experts
This will be a safe, supportive space for school professionals to get informed and empowered.
Please let us know if you are interested in attending this session by
filling out your information here https://tinyurl.com/ye24sy5r
TECHNOLOGY UPDATES FROM ITBy Mike Lawrence, Director of IT
RAISE YOUR VOICE & CELEBRATE CYBER SAFETY
We’re looking to raise our teachers’ voices! We’re forming a FUTURE READY Task Force focused on two crucial topics:
AI Literacy - do you want to help shape ABC's AI usage guidance?
Digital Wellbeing - do you want to help reduce digital distractions, improve engagement, and promote positive digital citizenship for our students?
We're looking for Teacher Leaders interested in either or both of these tracks who can participate during the 25-26 school year. Each track includes a $1,000 stipend for selected leaders, upon satisfactory obligations to meet our task force objectives. Details about each track are included in this flyer, and applications are due Oct. 7 and selected teacher leaders will be notified by Oct. 10. INTERESTED? COMPLETE THE FORM by OCT. 7: www.abcusd.us/futureready. How will we pick leaders? View the SELECTION RUBRIC
The ABC Phishing Derby, a district wide cyber safety challenge, is now in its second year. The event begins October 1 and runs through November 7. Here’s how it will work:
October 1 - Derby begins! All staff will receive an invite to a 20-minute interactive training course. The modules are optional, but completion earns you Derby points!
October 2 - All staff receive an obvious ‘baited hook’ phishing email. Report this email to test the system. This will provide an opportunity for you to practice using the 'PhishAlarm' on the right side panel of the Gmail window (see below for image). NOTE: it may be hidden - click the < symbol at the bottom right to expand your side panel.
October 6 - October 31 - 4 mock phishing emails will be sent out to all staff. If you spot these emails and report them, you will earn points for your team.
November 7 - Winners announced!
Derby Points will be awarded for the following activities, averaged out by team (staff) size:
Training Points: Earn 5 points for course completion
Security Points: Earn 3 points each for enabling MFA or changing your password
Reporting Points: Earn 3 points for each reported phish
Snag Points: Lose 3 points each time you click a phishing link
Redemption Points: Earn back 4 points each if you report it after clicking the link
The top scoring Elementary and Secondary Schools will receive recognition and bragging rights for the next year - just like Hawaiian, Ross, Tracy HS did last year!
ABCFT PRESIDENT’S REPORT - by Ray Gaer
Consistent and regular communication is a union’s most important tool for advocating for its members at the bargaining table. Every conversation with members is focused on the result of negotiating for the future prosperity and well-being of ALL ABCFT members. This weekly report informs members about issues affecting their working and learning conditions, as well as their mental well-being. Our work as a Union is a larger conversation, and united, we make the YOUnion.
“You care more about the contract than you do students,” - said to my face by an ABC colleague.
Being the contract enforcer is not my favorite task among my many varied tasks throughout my day but it is a necessary and vital part of my job as a union leader. The ABCFT Master Contract is the law of the land in ABC that teachers, nurses, and administrators follow. Ruben and I are often asked to interpret parts of the contract because sometimes there are situations that are not spelled out directly in the contract and we have to take into account past practices, the impact on individuals, and the logic of the interpretation. The most important factor when interpreting the contract is how it will impact a member's classroom because the contract should always be there to protect the learning environment of our students.
Hopefully, you saw the picture at the top of this week's newsletter. My apologies for not having a humorous one this week, but I wanted to emphasize the importance of our contract regarding class sizes and caseloads (special education). The language on class size/caseload is not only there for teachers' protection, but more importantly, it is there to protect the learning environment of our students. Last week, I had the fortunate opportunity to speak with a regional director from the Western Cape in South Africa during his visit to our schools. The comment from him that struck me most was when he stated that the sizes of our classroom student rosters are half the size of most classroom rosters in South Africa. He described some of the challenges not only for the teachers in trying to teach a class of over fifty students, but also how these conditions are detrimental to the learning environment of the learners. Class size matters. My wife works in a school district that doesn’t have class size maximums in their contract, and you would be surprised at how many districts DO NOT have class size/caseload maximums. Not having a cap opens teachers and principals up to district abuse that is detrimental for teachers and students. I am thankful that ABCFT has fought for class sizes in our contract.
So, when I’m told that I care more about the contract than the student, it really is a flashpoint insult and a personal attack. Such statements not only assume that I am uncaring about students, but it also set up the false premise that I’m not of the same standing as an educator. I didn’t get into education for the sake of contract language enforcement, and being on a negotiation team, grinding out contract language, is not glamorous. Over time, I came to understand that the contract not only supported my job security and working conditions, but it was also rooted in the fundamental support and safety of our students. The rest of the world seems to treat students as having lesser value and that their opinions or experiences don’t matter. I think that without the voice of teachers, there would be absolutely no voice for our students' learning opportunities, their safety, and their right to a fair education. So yeah, I do care about enforcing the contract, but don’t fool yourself into thinking that my values are not rooted in the fundamental belief that I am doing the right thing for students.
Yesterday, Ruben and I gave a presentation at the new teacher orientation for seven teachers who were hired after the start of the school year. It was great to see the energy and enthusiasm of these fine new educators. Their fresh take on teaching students remains untarnished by the cycles of education and of filled with a pure sense of purpose. For the most part, none of them have much understanding of what a union does or what it means to have union representatives. However, my hope is that by the end of our presentation yesterday they had a better understanding of how a union works as their voice, their support, and the backbone of what we do to make sure that our students have a fighting chance in this crazy world. The contract and what is outlined in the provisions of the contract are essential to our success as educators. The contract is in place to protect and ensure fairness, but it is rooted in our belief that students are at the center.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
A UNION OF EDUCATORS AND CLASSIFIED PROFESSIONALS
Randi’s September New York Times column is attached and linked here. Her focus this month is on her new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers, which is both a tribute to educators and a warning about growing authoritarianism. Randi also decries the deadly political violence that is occurring with horrifying frequency in the United States, calling for the nation to recommit to the right to express ourselves nonviolently and to resolving disagreements peacefully and civilly.
The title of my new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers, is intended as a warning, but it may belie what the book is at its core: a love letter to teachers. I write about teachers’ seemingly small everyday acts, like fostering empathy, confidence, critical thinking and mastery, that cultivate opportunity and humanity in our young people. And I look back at historic acts of heroism, such as the teachers in Norway who were among the First and most resolute to protest the Nazi takeover, even when the Nazis tried to violently force them into submission.
When heard that story many years ago, I would never have believed that echoes of authoritarianism would reverberate in the United States today. Nor could I have imagined that this book would come into the world at a time when heinous acts of political violence are occurring with horrifying frequency, violence that I condemn with every fiber of my being. Yet here we are. Randi’s September New York Times column is attached and linked here
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Autism misinformation: a growing issue
President Donald Trump's recent comments regarding autism have raised significant concerns among educators and advocates. His assertion that acetaminophen use during pregnancy contributes to autism diagnoses has been widely disputed by scientific communities. Jennifer Paz Ryan, a clinical psychologist, emphasized the power of such pseudoscience, commenting: "It's another myth, and it adds to this ongoing battle that autistic individuals have had to endure for a very long time." The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists cited a 2024 study of 2.5m Swedish children, which accounted for genetic commonalities and other factors shared within sibling groups, and no evidence of increased risk of autism , ADHD, or intellectual disability associated with maternal acetaminophen use. The rhetoric surrounding autism has become increasingly politicized, potentially complicating trust between educators and families. Advocacy groups worry that harmful stigma will be exacerbated by such statements, impacting early identification and support for affected families.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Education Department partners with conservative groups
The Education Department has launched the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, partnering with conservative groups to promote patriotism and American values. Led by the America First Policy Institute, the coalition includes 40 organisations, such as Turning Point USA, America First Legal, the Heritage Foundation, and Hillsdale College. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said: "We are proud to announce this coalition to ensure every young American understands the beauty of our nation." The initiative will feature a speaker series, competitions, and teacher summits, but will not provide classroom materials. Donna Phillips, the president and chief executive officer of the nonprofit Center for Civic Education, said that the initiative, which critics argue lacks diverse perspectives in civics education, could contribute to the “conversation about the need for more and better civic education.” She added: “My hope is that the announcement of this coalition is a starting point for the entire nation to prioritize civics.”
Education Week News NPR Washington Post
K-12 satisfaction hits record low
Public satisfaction with K-12 schools has reached a record low, with only 35% of Americans expressing contentment with the education system, according to a Gallup survey conducted with the Walton Family Foundation. This marks an eight-point decline from last year and is below previous lows recorded in 2000 and 2023. Notably, dissatisfaction is particularly pronounced among Democrats and independents, with satisfaction dropping to 42% and 34%, respectively, since President Donald Trump took office. Megan Brenan, a senior editor at Gallup, noted that “respondents’ own partisanship is affecting the way that they answer the overall K-12 question.” Despite the overall dissatisfaction, about 75% of parents remain satisfied with their child's school, consistent with trends over the past 26 years. The survey also revealed that only 21% of adults believe schools are doing an excellent job preparing students for the workforce.
Trump administration threatens NYC magnet school funding
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has threatened to withhold $15m in grant funding for New York City's magnet schools unless the city alters its policies regarding transgender students. Madison Biedermann, an ED spokesperson, said: "The Department's Office for Civil Rights cannot certify they are in compliance with all civil rights laws, and therefore cannot award the magnet school assistance program funding for the next fiscal year." The city has until Tuesday evening to comply, as the federal government must certify compliance with civil rights laws before the fiscal year ends on September 30. Mayor Eric Adams has indicated a willingness to reconsider the city's policies, which has created tension with Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who supports maintaining current guidelines. City officials have expressed concern that withholding funding is unwarranted and detrimental to the education of all students.
White House accuses Harvard of financial instability
The Trump administration has accused Harvard University of financial instability, and has warned that it could be placed on Heightend Cash Monitoring status, meaning that it could have to use its own funds to initially disburse federal student aid before going to the Department of Education, although students will still have access to federal money. “Today’s actions follow Harvard’s own admission that there are material concerns about its financial health. As a result, Harvard must now seek reimbursement after distributing federal student aid and post financial protection so that the Department can ensure taxpayer funds are not at risk,” Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said. “While Harvard remains eligible to participate in the federal student aid program for now, these actions are necessary to protect taxpayers.” In a separate letter, it warned Harvard about additional enforcement actions from the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights unless the university provides more documents related to its admissions policies, including individualized student data on race, gender and standardized test scores.
Schools face closure crisis nationwide
As public schools across the U.S. grapple with declining enrollment, many districts are considering closures due to budget constraints, a decreasing birthrate, and the rise of school choice. Thomasina Clarke, a resident of St. Louis, expressed her concern over the impact of school closures on her community, stating, “It's like a hole in the community.” The situation is particularly dire for historically Black neighborhoods, which face the risk of losing vital educational institutions.
----- STATE NEWS -----
California mandates financial literacy course
Starting in the 2027–28 school year, all high schools in California will be required to offer a semester of financial literacy, a mandate aimed at ensuring students graduate with essential money management skills. This requirement will affect the graduating class of 2031. Some schools, such as Olympian High School, are already leading the way. Teachers like Allison Saiki, who was recognized as Teacher of the Year, use innovative methods like "Saiki Cents" to teach students about managing money, paying rent, and planning for retirement. As Saiki emphasizes, these skills are crucial for students' futures.
California Gov, Newsom fights back against immigration raids
In response to the renewed enforcement of immigration law by the Trump administration, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a series of bills aimed at safeguarding immigrants in schools and healthcare settings. Speaking at the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex in Los Angeles, Newsom criticized the current administration, adding that it has turned the U.S. into a "dystopian sci-fi movie." The legislation includes Senate Bill 98, which mandates that school administrators inform families of federal immigration operations on campuses, and Assembly Bill 49, which restricts immigration agents from accessing nonpublic areas without a warrant. Additionally, Senate Bill 81 prohibits healthcare officials from disclosing a patient's immigration status without a court order. These measures have sparked tension between state and federal officials, with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security urging Newsom to veto the legislation. Legal experts question the enforceability of these state laws against federal immigration officials, citing the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Funding cuts threaten California students' mental health
Recent funding cuts from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) threaten mental health services in California schools, impacting students' well-being. On April 29, the ED announced the cancellation of approximately $168m in grants, citing violations of "merit, fairness and excellence in education." This decision will lead to significant losses for districts like Eureka City Schools, which stands to lose about $3 million, affecting essential mental health staff and services. Sarahdee Duncan, wellness center coordinator, expressed concern: "The grant allowed us to hire staff and outfit our wellness center." As districts prepare for these cuts, many fear that students will lose critical support systems, exacerbating existing mental health crises. California has joined a coalition of states to challenge the ED's decision, but the outcome remains uncertain.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Oklahoma schools chief steps down
Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's state superintendent of public instruction, has announced his resignation to become the chief executive of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a nonprofit aimed at supporting conservative educators. During an appearance on Fox News, Walters stated, “We’re going to destroy the teachers unions,” criticizing their influence on public schools. His tenure has been marked by controversial initiatives, including mandates to incorporate the Bible into lessons and promote conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. Despite his efforts, Oklahoma's education metrics have declined, leading to lawsuits against him.
Pasadena Star-News Time-Standard Los Angeles Times
First female superintendent of Placentia-Yorba Linda USD appointed
Kym LeBlanc-Esparza has made history as the first woman superintendent of Placentia-Yorba Linda USD in its 151-year existence. Starting next month, she joins from Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado, where she served as deputy superintendent. With over 30 years of experience, including time in Oregon, LeBlanc-Esparza has been praised for her "vision, purpose and empathy," according to School Board President Marilyn Anderson. She replaces Alex Cherniss, who resigned after being placed on administrative leave during an internal review.
Velez takes charge as new superintendent
Kimberly Velez has been appointed as the new Temecula Valley USD superintendent, effective January 1, 2026. With 24 years of experience in the district, Velez previously served as the assistant superintendent of educational support services and was interim superintendent before Gary Woods took over in November 2023. Woods is set to retire at the end of December. Velez expressed her gratitude, saying: "It is the greatest honor of my career to serve as superintendent of Temecula Valley Unified." She emphasized her commitment to prioritizing students and fostering a supportive learning environment. Velez has been recognized for her contributions to education, receiving accolades such as the Riverside County Certificated Administrator of the Year. The district serves approximately 28,000 students across 29 schools.
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
How AI 'companions' put kids' mental health in danger
Children’s safety advocates and mental health experts are warning against the use of artificial intelligence (AI) companions by minors, citing risks such as exacerbated mental health conditions and potential grooming. Despite this, 72% of teens have used AI chatbots like Character.AI, often for emotional support or social interaction, according to a Common Sense Media survey. The issue gained national attention after a mother filed the first U.S. wrongful death lawsuit against Character Technologies, alleging the chatbot contributed to her 14-year-old son’s suicide. In response, the Federal Trade Commission is investigating several tech firms, and OpenAI has announced new guardrails for teen users. The Jed Foundation urges schools to develop AI strategies and educate students about the limitations and dangers of emotionally responsive AI.
----- WORKFORCE ----
Superintendents report drop in stress levels
The new State of the Superintendent report from Rand Corp. states that district leaders are reporting overall lower levels of stress this year compared to years prior, with leaders of small school systems showing greater improvements to stress compared to superintendents from larger districts. Among 13 categories of job-related stressors, the leaders of small districts were less likely in 2025 than in 2024 to select every job stressor that was listed, aside from school board relations and school board. pressure. For superintendents of larger districts, budgets, educators’ mental health, and state accountability requirements were the main sources of increased stress compared to 2024. In terms of time management, leaders of small districts most commonly said managing school facility operations and maintenance take up the most hours, while their counterparts in larger districts spent on the most time on communications, especially with school board members.
Teachers report worsening conditions in schools
According to the Connecticut Education Association (CEA)'s 2025 Back to School Survey, over 60% of U.S. teachers believe educational issues have worsened in the past two years. The survey, which included responses from 1,000 teachers, revealed significant concerns regarding mental health, distractions, and student behavior. Only 2.73% of teachers reported being "very satisfied" with their current conditions. Alarmingly, 77% felt unprepared to address students' mental health challenges. CEA President Kate Dias said: "The problems in our schools are growing more severe, and teachers' calls for action are being ignored." The survey also highlighted that nearly 80% of teachers consider teaching a "high-stress job," contributing to a growing educator shortage. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon noted that American students are testing at historic lows, with many high school seniors performing below basic levels in math and reading.
Superintendent turnover rises in U.S. school systems
The latest data from the Superintendent Research Project reveals that superintendent turnover among the nation's 500 largest school systems increased to 23% for the 2024-25 school year, up from 20% the previous year. Julia Rafal-Baer, co-founder and chief executive of the ILO Group, which produced the report, emphasized the importance of stable leadership, commenting: “Stability in leadership is stability for students. If we want lasting results for kids, we have to stop treating this role as a revolving door. The talent is here. The experience is here. The will to lead is here.” Additionally, the number of women in superintendent roles has risen to 33.2%, although men still dominate new appointments, with 61% of new superintendents being male. The report also highlights that 66 of the new superintendents were internal hires, indicating a trend towards promoting from within. Rafal-Baer noted that the current leadership churn is becoming the new normal, stressing the need for effective leadership to support students during challenging times.
----- CLASSROOM -----
Students ditch phones, embrace books
In Kentucky's Jefferson County Public Schools, a ban on electronic devices has led to a remarkable increase in book circulation among students. "We anticipated a really big increase in book circulation," said librarian Stephanie Conrad, noting a 67% rise in checkouts at Ballard High School compared to last year. The trend is not isolated, as Pleasure Ridge Park High School reported over 1,200 books borrowed in just 17 days. The statewide ban, effective since late June, aims to enhance student engagement and focus. With 35 states implementing similar restrictions, the shift from digital to analog is gaining momentum, as evidenced by a 15% increase in library circulation in Portland Public Schools. Proponents argue that these policies foster a more conducive learning environment, despite some concerns from parents regarding safety.
----- FINANCE -----
Funding at risk for U.S. schools over trans student policies
Three major U.S. public school districts, including New York City Schools, Chicago Public Schools, and Fairfax County Public Schools, are set to lose a total of $24m in funding after failing to comply with a Trump administration deadline regarding policies for transgender students. The U.S. Education Department's Office for Civil Rights stated that these districts must stop allowing students access to facilities that align with their gender identity or risk losing funding for specialty programs. Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights, emphasized that “the Department will not rubber-stamp civil rights compliance” while discrimination persists. The funding cuts could significantly impact educational resources, with New York City Schools warning that losing this funding would lead to “canceled courses and shrinking enrichment.” Mayor Eric Adams has expressed a desire to review the policy, but the state's human rights law supports students' rights to use facilities corresponding to their gender identity.
Schools nationwide face closure amid enrollment decline
As public school enrollment declines due to shrinking budgets, a falling birthrate, and the rise of school choice, districts nationwide are grappling with potential closures. Thomasina Clarke, a resident of St. Louis, expressed concern over the impact of school closures on her community, calling it "a hole in the community." A report from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute revealed that nearly one in twelve public schools experienced a 20% or more enrollment drop from 2019 to 2023. The National Center for Education Statistics projects a 5.5% decline in public school enrollment between 2022 and 2031. In St. Louis, the student population has plummeted from 115,543 in 1967 to 18,122 last year, prompting discussions about the future of schools like Sumner High School. As communities face these challenges, the need for adaptive strategies becomes increasingly urgent.
----- LEGAL -----
Teachers under scrutiny for Kirk death comments
The killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has led to significant scrutiny of teachers' online comments across various states and school districts. An analysis by Education Week revealed that at least ten educators have been terminated or resigned due to their remarks related to Kirk's death. Kirk, a prominent conservative figure and ally of former President Donald Trump, was shot on September 10. Following his death, over fifty additional teachers have faced investigations for comments deemed inappropriate. Matthew Kogol, a former art teacher, and Lauren Vaughn, a former teaching assistant, are suing for wrongful termination, arguing that their First Amendment rights were violated. The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification emphasizes the need for educators to maintain professional online conduct, stating: "The professional educator knows that trust in the profession depends upon a level of professional responsibility." The situation raises critical questions about the balance between free speech and professional conduct for educators.
----- HIGHER EDUCATION -----
Students juggling work and school
Approximately 50% of students at California's public colleges are employed while studying, as reported by the Public Policy Institute of California and California's Cradle-to-Career data system. Iwunze Ugo, an education researcher, stated, “Some may need income to support themselves while in school.” Community college students tend to work more than their UC or CSU counterparts, earning an average of $2,700 more annually. Notably, 55% of Latino students work while attending college, the highest among ethnic groups, although female students earn $2,200 less than male students despite higher employment rates. Experts warn that working over 15 hours weekly can negatively impact grades and delay graduation, particularly for low-income students. Ugo emphasized the need for “efforts to strengthen the connection between education and employment” to enhance student outcomes.
----- INTERNATIONAL -----
Teacher shortage crisis deepens globally
The UNESCO World Summit on Teachers highlighted a critical global issue: a projected shortage of 44m teachers by 2030, exacerbated by insufficient funding for training and retention. Amina Mohammed, UN deputy secretary-general, emphasized that “too many young teachers are leaving within their first years because of low pay, heavy workloads, and limited professional development.” The report indicates that regions like Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa require $25bn and $35bn, respectively, to meet teacher demands. In the U.S., Elizabeth Steiner from the RAND Corporation noted that teacher shortages are nuanced, varying by context and location. The report suggests solutions such as legal protections for education funding and professionalizing the teacher workforce. Megan Boren from the Southern Regional Education Board pointed out that teacher preparedness significantly impacts student outcomes, stating, “For every 10% more prepared their teachers were, students were projected to earn an additional $120,000 over their lifetime.”
NTA Life – Protecting What Matters Most
At NTA Life, we’re here to give you extra peace of mind with supplemental benefits that provide tax-free financial support directly to you or your loved ones. Our programs are designed to complement your major medical insurance, helping cover expenses like deductibles, co-pays, and those unexpected costs that arise during an illness or injury.
We proudly offer a wide range of benefits, including:
• Cancer coverage with Return of Premium (available late September)
• Heart coverage with Return of Premium
• Hospital coverage
• Accident coverage
• Disability coverage
• Life insurance
• Specified disease coverage with Return of Premium after 20 years
The best part? Most of our plans are guaranteed renewable for life, meaning you can keep them even if you switch districts or retire.
We are grateful for our strong partnership with ABCFT and remain committed to supporting and serving the incredible educators in your community.
For more information, please reach out anytime to:
• Shannon Donovan – 714-727-8261 | mailto:Shannon.donovan@horacemann.com
• Julene McBride – 562-665-3216 | mailto:Julene.mcbride@horacemann.com
