Wednesday, June 18, 2025

ABCFT YOUnionews for May 23, 2025




HOTLINKS- Contact ABCFT at ABC Federation of Teachers abcft@abcusd.us

 

KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas


On Tuesday night, the ABCUSD school board held a four-hour meeting.  Understandably, the focus for many that evening was the recommendation report for school consolidations presented by Schoolworks, Inc.


Recommendation Report For School Consolidations


I recommend that everyone take the time to read the report.  The board voted to accept the report, a technical procedure that does not mean they voted to implement all of the recommendations, and scheduled a public meeting to discuss the issue further at the next board meeting on June 3.  Any changes that the board may eventually vote on would not take place until the 2026-2027 school year.   Let me quote the conclusion of the report in its entirety:


While the closure or consolidation of schools due to declining enrollment is an unfortunate and often difficult decision, it may be necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the ABC Unified School District.  The Board of Education must carefully evaluate the educational, emotional, social, and financial implications of such closures and make informed decisions that prioritize the long-term well-being of students and communities.  It is crucial, however, that the District involve all educational partners to ensure that any decision made is in the best interest of students, parents, staff, and the community of the ABC Unified School District.


Thank you to the many members who attended the board meeting and to those who spoke directly to the board.  The call to involve all stakeholders was a consistent message, and the presence of so many ABCFT teachers and nurses only helped reinforce this as we move forward. 


On Tuesday afternoon, we held a well attended YOUnion chat where the recommendation report was discussed.  At that time, we did not know what the board would decide, and we are still awaiting their decision making process to play out.  Members raised excellent questions that will have to be addressed depending on what direction the board chooses to go.   We also received questions about the retirement incentive and the order of employment list.  Dr. Fraser sent out a reminder regarding the retirement incentive to everyone on Wednesday, and our understanding is that an email updating the timeline for the order of employment will soon follow.


Please see the article below regarding the Transcend summer professional learning event on Friday, August 8.   All unit members who choose to participate in this voluntary event will earn $525.00.  The deadline to register is May 30.


On Wednesday morning, Ray and I participated in a School Services zoom meeting with the latest May Revise update.  The COLA for 2025-2026 remains 2.3%.  The projected COLA for 2026-2027 is 3.02%.  The projected COLA for 2027-2028 is 3.42%.  The projected COLA for 2028-2029 is 3.31%.  A “growth recession”, a description worthy of Orwell,  was used during the presentation.  That is, a period of growth that is so imperceptible and slow as to be likened to a recession, even if it doesn’t meet the technical criteria. 


Which leads me back to the report presented to the board.  My takeaway is that the status quo is not sustainable.  Last week, I wrote about the necessity of pay raises for our members.  The district needs a plan that makes ongoing base funding available for compensation.  It is the only way to meet our defined goal of attracting and maintaining the highest quality teachers and nurses by maintaining our status as a top quartile district in L.A. County for total compensation.  I am also concerned about the ongoing stresses on our workplace environments.  Teachers and nurses are being asked to do more with less, which is untenable.  Schools with fewer staff members are going to find it even more challenging to try and cover an ever expanding list of adjunct duties.  Combo classes are in no one’s best interests, but they are an unavoidable consequence given our current trajectory.    


A last thought: it cannot help but feel like a criticism or a repudiation to be listed in such a report.  The schools listed for consolidation are good schools with excellent staff.  Their sincere efforts should in no way be denigrated or called into question.  These schools are integral parts of their community.  Our commitment is to stand in solidarity with all of our members.  As I wrote last week, all of us will be impacted somehow by these potential changes.  We are in this together.  


As we move into a much-needed three-day weekend, let’s remember to honor our nation’s heroes on Memorial Day.


In Unity, 


SCHOOL BOARD REPORT: PRIMARY DOCUMENTS AND VIDEO LINKS


Ruben and I wanted to make sure that ABCFT members would have an easily accessible place to find all the documents related to the school consolidation that could possibly happen in ABCUSD. We will keep this section in the YOUnionews as the school board progresses through this process.  This issue directly impacts all ABCFT members and the student community they serve. Therefore, ABCFT is committed to providing clarity and transparency regardless of the outcome of the process. 


Here is a link to the original document provided by SchoolWorks Consulting Team.

ABCUSD School Consolidation & Reconfiguration Report

Here is the slide deck used at the school board meeting, which is a summary of the full report

May 20, 2025 Final ABC 2025 School Consolidations Recommendations 

Here is a recording of the SchoolWorks presentation at the May 20, 2025 school board meeting.


Here is the first consolidation process video from ABCUSD Superintendent Dr. Gina Zietlow 

Video Link 


AUGUST PROFESSIONAL LEARNING UPDATE - I.T. 

[Editor’s note - The ABCFT negotiations team negotiated this training to provide additional dollars while the district is deficit spending. We hope you will take advantage of this compensation opportunity.]


Greetings, ABC Teachers & Nurses - 


We’ve just launched the schedule for Transcend, our Summer PL, to be held at Artesia HS on August 8. If you’re registered, you can now go in and save your seat for your favorite sessions! If you aren’t registered - you’re in the last week to get signed up and earn your $525 stipend for learning! 

DUE DATE - May 30: abcpl.app 


BONUS: Have an amazing student whose voice should be heard by ABC staff?
Nominate an outstanding student Transcend speaker!.

Planning for 25-26

In June and July, our administrator for Instructional Technology, Irene Orozco, and I will be visiting with your principal in the district to talk about plans for enhancing teaching and learning through effective use of technology, including AI. We’ll also be rolling out our newly revamped TIP (Technology Infusion Project) and helping administrators plan for the years ahead and the many platforms we have available can be utilized to advance the four instructional pillars for all students. Why the change to ‘infusion’ instead of ‘integration’? We believe that technology is not one more thing, but an integral part of teaching and learning in this modern era. By infusing it into the work that you’re already doing, you will be able to work smarter and faster, providing more powerful feedback to students quickly, dig deeper into learning and make a more lasting positive impact on students’ lives. 


Speaking of impact, here’s our 25-26 EdTech Ecosystem, grouped into instructional hubs and selected based on the feedback you and your Teacher Tech leaders provided this year. We’ll be sharing more resources on these platforms in the first week of August.


Instructional Hub

Purpose

Example Platforms

Instructional Feedback

Feedback loops for growth

Brisk Teaching, Snorkl

Teacher Productivity

Save time and streamline

Gemini, NotebookLM

Creative Expression

Empower content creation

Adobe Express, Canva

Digital Media

Enhance visual learning

Google Vids, WeVideo

Literacy Enhancement

Boost foundational skills

Peardeck, Google Read Along

Assessment & Analytics

Inform instruction

Pear Assess, Brisk Boost

Controlled AI Communication

Safe AI-powered chat

Peardeck, Gemini Teens

AI Learning Assistants

Personalized support

Gemini (7–12), Brisk Boost (K–12)


Mike Lawrence

Your IT Director

mike.lawrence@abcusd.us


ABCFT PRESIDENT’S REPORT - 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 impacting their working/learning conditions and mental well-being. Our work as a Union is a larger conversation and united, we make the YOUnion.


To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” — Winston Churchill.  Okay, I’m gonna call BS on this quote at the moment because at some point, too much change has diminishing returns.  Ruben is playing David Bowie’s “Heroes” in the background.


Last week’s announcement about the school board moving forward to hear and possibly accept a report detailing the possible consolidation of schools was shocking. Here we are, working through the last month of school after having a late Spring Break. Most teachers and nurses were focused on completing their state testing duties, completing IEPs, and preparing our students for moving on to the next phase in their academic careers. The timing of the report alone was shocking but I was also stunned by the depth and breadth of changes that the report was suggesting. I needed more than a few days to digest the report's conclusions. 


As I pointed out in my school board report, the thought of closing a school is a highly emotional event, and there is grief and trauma for some. For teachers and nurses, belonging to a school becomes a deeply impactful and life-altering experience. We make lifelong friendships not only with colleagues but sometimes with families and students. As teachers and nurses, we devote countless hours building community and connections, and the possibility of this being disrupted and, in some cases, derailed is upsetting. 


For students and parents,  sibling relationships and shared teachers become part of a community's DNA and part of a joint identity. For parents, there is the bond and memories of dropping off and picking up their kids, and the joy of those moments. For some, the traditional walk to their local school is a significant bonding experience for parents and their children. The celebrations of holidays, open houses, and school events are mileposts for a school community.


I understand that there is a business aspect to making a decision about closing schools, and this is often one of the drivers for change. Having smaller schools as the status quo is not sustainable and, in the end, could negatively impact our students' academic and extracurricular opportunities. As I said in my school board report to the school board during the second comments portion of the meeting, “you can have a baseball team of five players who are excellent players and are giving their best efforts, but they are never going to make it to the playoffs.” As budget cuts and diminishing budgets from the state impact our school district, all of our current support personnel will be stripped away from our schools, and teachers and nurses will be left holding the bag and doing more work than is humanly possible. It is a setup for failure.


I’m so torn by what is happening, but I will work to ensure that whatever comes from this process, ABCFT will work with members to ensure that their needs are being met and that they are treated with dignity and respect. As I mentioned at the YOUnion Chat last Tuesday, Ruben and I will work during the month of June to ensure that we continue to provide YOUnionew reports after the two scheduled school board meetings. 

There is so much to consider, but let's keep our eye on the process and be aware that all of us will be impacted. 


I hope you are able to catch up on things in preparation for the final week with students and that you have a good Memorial Day weekend. 


In YOUnity,


Ray Gaer

President, ABCFT      



CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS

Find the latest AFT news here



Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten

----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----

 SCOTUS deadlocked on Oklahoma religious charter school case

On Thursday, the Supreme Court delivered a 4-4 split decision regarding a proposed Catholic charter school in Oklahoma, marking a setback for advocates of religious charter schools. The high court's action affirms a 2024 decision by the Oklahoma Supreme Court blocking the state from granting a charter to the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself from the case, which raised questions about the legality of religious charter schools, with defenders of church-state separation arguing that charter schools are public entities, not sectarian. The decision does not set a nationwide precedent either prohibiting or greenlighting religiously affiliated charter schools. The justices issued only a brief order and no written opinion explaining their votes, as is customary in such deadlocks. James A. Campbell, a lawyer with the conservative group Alliance Defending Freedom who argued for the Oklahoma charter board in support of religious charters, said in a statement that, “While the Supreme Court's order is disappointing for educational freedom, the 4-4 decision does not set precedent, allowing the court to revisit this issue in the future.”

Reuters   Los Angeles TimesEducation Week News

----- NATIONAL NEWS -----

New discipline laws reshape classroom dynamics

Several states are responding to President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at reinstating "common sense" school discipline by moving to enhance teachers' authority over disruptive students. The order, signed in April, reverses previous federal guidance that sought to address racial disparities in discipline, which critics argue compromised school safety. For instance, West Virginia's new law allows immediate removal of disruptive students, with a structured intervention process. Gov. Patrick Morrisey said: "This legislation provides teachers with the tools to regain control of the classroom." Meanwhile, Texas is considering the "Teacher's Bill of Rights," which would expand grounds for suspensions. However, civil rights advocates like Alycia Castillo warn that such measures may disproportionately affect students of color and those with disabilities, pointing out the importance of tailored approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all policy.

San Luis Obispo Tribune


Education Secretary defends request to cut schools funding

Education Secretary Linda McMahon appeared before a House Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday, in a hearing that saw her defend the Trump administration's request to cut 15% from her department's budget. She began by stating that her three priorities for the department's fiscal 2026 budget are "to shrink federal bureaucracy, save taxpayer money, and empower states who best know their local needs to manage education in this country.” She added that the spending reduction will be achieved by eliminating duplicative or ineffective programs, reducing regulatory compliance, and giving states more flexibility in how they dedicate those dollars. Several Republican members praised the efforts to give parents more educational options for their children. Subcommittee Chair Robert Aderholt (R-AL) argued that student achievement has not increased despite a rise in federal education spending. However, several Democratic lawmakers voiced support for prioritizing the public education system. Rep. Lois Frankel (D-NY) attempted to secure a commitment that the Education Department will spend funds as Congress directs it to even if lawmakers don’t accept Trump’s plans, to which McMahon replied: "We will abide by the law."

The Hill   K-12 Dive   Education Week News  New York Times


Congress pushes for private school choice

On Wednesday, Congress approved a significant legislative package that introduces a federal private school choice program, featuring $5bn in annual tax credits for scholarships at K-12 private schools. The initiative allows individuals and corporations to receive dollar-for-dollar tax credits for donations to state organizations that provide scholarships for families earning less than 300% of the area median income. The proposed tax credits are notably generous, potentially allowing wealthy donors to claim substantial amounts. "It's about three times as generous as what you're gonna get from donating to a children's hospital or a veteran's group, or any other cause," says Carl Davis at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. "It really preferences voucher groups over every other kind of charity." While the program aims to expand educational options, it faces opposition from Democrats and some private school choice advocates concerned about its implications for school autonomy. Additionally, doubt has been cast on whether they improve student performance, with David Figlio, a voucher researcher at the University of Rochester in New York, finding that "The best studies find zero to negative impacts on test scores among participants."

NPR / National Public Radio   Education Week News


Trump administration announces new grant priorities for education

The U.S. Department of Education has announced new grant priorities focusing on expanding school choice, state oversight, and literacy improvement. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said on Tuesday that discretionary grants "will now be focused on meaningful learning and expanding choice, not divisive ideologies.” This shift aims to replace the priorities set by the Biden administration, which emphasized diversity, equity, and inclusion. The new priorities will be open for public comment for 30 days before finalization. While competitive grants represent a small portion of the department's budget, the changes signal a significant policy shift, emphasizing charter schools and educational savings accounts. However, they do not affect the largest portions of federal K-12 funding, which go toward grants that the Education Department allocates to states by formula, such as Title I, to support students from low-income communities, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which supports services for students with disabilities.

Education Week News

----- STATE NEWS -----

TK program expands access for kids

California's transitional kindergarten (TK) program is set to transform early education for four-year-olds, making it accessible statewide. The program, backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, is a $3bn initiative aimed at closing the achievement gap for California's 2.6m children under five. However, challenges remain, including a need for 12,000 additional teachers and 16,000 aides to ensure quality instruction. W. Steven Barnett from the National Institute for Early Education Research emphasizes the importance of early childhood experiences, noting: "We have strong causal evidence for links with educational attainment." As California strives for universal preschool, the focus on quality and adequate staffing will be crucial for the program's success.

EdSource


California schools face enrollment crisis

California's public school enrollment has decreased for the seventh consecutive year, with a notable rise in students from low-income and homeless families. The California Department of Education reported a total of 5,806,221 students enrolled, reflecting a decline of 31,469 students or 0.54% from the previous year. Thomas Dee, a Stanford University education professor, explained that the losses "largely reflect the fact that there are now substantially fewer school-age children in the state.” The enrollment gap between 12th graders and 1st graders is over 20%. While transitional kindergarten enrollment has increased by 17%, overall public school enrollment continues to decline, exacerbated by financial pressures and the end of federal pandemic aid. State Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond noted the growth in transitional kindergarten is promising, describing the increase as "dramatic" and "inspiring.” However, challenges remain as the state aims for 400,000 TK students by 2025-26.

EdSource   Los Angeles Times


Appeals court intervenes in Temecula Valle CRT debate

A California appeals court has issued a temporary injunction against Temecula Valley USD's ban on critical race theory (CRT), deeming the policy "unconstitutionally vague." Justice Kathleen E. O'Leary noted that "teachers have experienced anxiety and confusion" regarding what is prohibited, leading to self-censorship in classrooms. The ban, adopted in December 2022, was challenged by parents, students, and teachers who argued it intimidated educators. The appeals panel reversed a previous ruling by Judge Eric Keen, who had upheld the ban, stating that the resolution lacked clarity and enforcement guidelines. Attorney Julianne E. Fleischer expressed disappointment but affirmed the district's commitment to defending its actions against CRT, claiming it promotes division and distorts history. The court's decision allows for further litigation on the matter.

Los Angeles Times


California teachers rally against cuts

Roughly 15,000 teachers and supporters rallied across California on Saturday to oppose potential cuts to federal funding for public schools. This year, the state received approximately $16bn in federal support, and participants demanded its protection. “We can’t afford to cut funding. It’s time to increase funding for public education,” said California Teachers Association President David Goldberg during a gathering in San Diego’s Balboa Park. The rallies were organized by the California Teachers Association and took place in multiple cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.

EdSource


----- DISTRICTS -----

Santa Ana cuts 262 jobs

The Santa Ana USD Board of Trustees has approved the layoff of 262 employees due to a $154m budget deficit and declining enrollment. Sonta Garner-Marcelo, president of the Santa Ana Educators Association, urged the board to reconsider, stating: “These layoffs are more than just numbers... Their loss will directly impact our students, education, safety and future.” The board deemed the layoffs necessary to maintain a balanced budget. Superintendent Jerry Almendarez noted that the end of temporary federal and state relief funds has created a significant funding shortfall. The district has seen a 28% drop in enrollment over the past decade, with projections indicating a further 7% decline in the next two years.

Los Angeles Times   The Orange Country Register


Transgender athlete ban sparks school debate

Schools in Lake Tahoe and Truckee, Nevada are facing a critical decision regarding their athletic leagues after their home state's ban on transgender athletes. Tahoe Truckee USD, which includes North Tahoe and Truckee high schools, is considering a move to California's leagues due to the new policy. Superintendent Kristen Kramer said: "We are hoping for a grace period to figure out how to walk the line between the two states' opposing positions." Community members expressed concerns about the impact on student-athletes, with one parent emphasizing the need to protect all students. The board has decided to delay the move to California by one year to explore options and avoid disruptions. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for inclusivity in sports. The district aims to balance legal compliance with the well-being of all students.

Press Democrat

 ----- TECHNOLOGY -----

AI may hinder student learning

Recent studies indicate that college students may be relying too heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, potentially undermining their learning. In a study titled “Beware of metacognitive laziness: Effects of generative artificial intelligence on learning motivation, processes, and performance,” researchers found that while students using ChatGPT improved their essays more than those with human coaches, they did not learn the material better or feel more motivated. The researchers noted that it "highlights a crucial issue in human-AI interaction,” pointing to a tendency for students to offload their thinking to the AI, which detracts from genuine engagement with the content. Those who completed assignments without AI reported greater enjoyment and motivation.

EdSource


President Trump signs law against deepfakes

President Donald Trump has enacted the Take It Down Act, which criminalizes the creation and distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery, including artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfakes. The law mandates social media platforms to remove flagged content within 48 hours. During the signing ceremony, Trump emphasized, “We will not tolerate online sexual exploitation,” highlighting the urgency of the issue. The bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by Sens Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), aims to protect victims, particularly teenage girls targeted by such images. The law imposes penalties of up to three years in prison for offenders involving minors. Advocates, including Dorota Mani, whose daughter was a victim, express hope that this legislation will guide schools in addressing deepfake incidents effectively. However, experts stress the need for preventive education alongside punitive measures to combat this growing challenge.

CNN   NBC News   NBC News

 ----- WORKFORCE ----

Teachers' pay lags other sectors

Despite significant pay increases in the last decade, teachers' wages are not keeping pace with inflation and remain lower than those of other professionals with similar qualifications, according to the National Education Association (NEA). In California, the highest-paid teachers earn an average of $101,084 annually, yet they still make about 80 cents less per hour than other college-educated workers in the state. The average teacher salary in the U.S. is $72,030, with starting salaries around $46,526. NEA President Becky Pringle stated, “This hard-won progress is now under threat from the Trump administration’s careless, callous, and reckless actions.”

EdSource


California looks to tackle teacher shortage

California has made progress in recent years as it looks to address teacher shortages. The Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) program, which offers $20,000 tuition grants for candidates committed to high-need schools, has made a positive impact. However, funding has been cut, and the Governor's budget for 2025-26 allocates only $64.2m, insufficient for long-term support. To improve recruitment, experts propose consistent financial aid, a layered support system, and restructuring aid to make preservice preparation more appealing.

EdSource

----- CLASSROOM -----

Federal changes spark fear in students with disabilities

Students with disabilities in California are expressing significant concerns about proposed federal changes to special education. Javier Arroyo, a parent, noted, “It’s confusing right now, what’s going on federally.” With 850,000 students affected, many are worried about the potential impact of moving oversight from the U.S. Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services. Saran Tugsjargal, a high school senior, shared her peers' fears, commenting: “They were terrified.” Experts like Reg Leichty emphasize the importance of maintaining a system that works for these students, while advocates warn that proposed cuts could jeopardize essential resources. The Coalition for Adequate Funding for Special Education is advocating to keep the Department of Education intact, highlighting the need for continued support for students with disabilities.

EdSource


Ending the school year in style

As the 2024-25 school year approaches its end, teachers face the challenge of keeping students engaged during the final weeks. A recent informal LinkedIn poll by Education Week revealed that 47% of teachers plan celebratory activities, while 27% will assign end-of-year projects. Teachers emphasize the importance of maintaining a routine and energy, with one stating, "Teach until the last day and maintain routine!" Creative strategies include themed days, leveraging student interests, and allowing students to plan activities.

Education Week News

----- LEGAL -----

Federal judge blocks Trump’s student visa crackdown

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration's attempt to terminate the legal status of international students in the U.S. The ruling is a significant setback for the administration's efforts to target these students as part of a broader deportation campaign. White said: “Defendants do not suggest that these individuals pose an immediate safety threat,” emphasizing that the actions taken against the students were “arbitrary and capricious.” The SEVIS database, which tracks the immigration status of international students, had seen records canceled for thousands, jeopardizing their legal presence in the U.S. The ruling aims to protect the rights of these students and ensure compliance with federal regulations. Also on Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, citing an unsafe campus environment due to “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” targeting Jewish students. Secretary Kristi Noem said: “This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.” Harvard, which enrolls nearly 6,800 foreign students, has been accused of failing to comply with reporting requirements regarding foreign students involved in protests. The university called the action unlawful and detrimental to its academic mission, asserting that it threatens serious harm to the Harvard community.

CNN Edition   Boston Globe


Federal judge blocks plan to wind down Education Department

A federal judge has blocked U.S. President Donald Trump's administration from carrying out his executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. On Thursday U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston, at the behest of a group of Democratic-led states, school districts, and teachers' unions, issued an injunction against efforts to terminate the employment of over 1,300 workers at the department. Lawyers with the U.S. Justice Department argued that the mass terminations were not an effort to shutter the agency but a lawful effort to shrink a bureaucracy while fulfilling its overall statutory mission more efficiently. However, the judge wrote: "This court cannot be asked to cover its eyes while the department's employees are continuously fired and units are transferred out until the department becomes a shell of itself." He also ordered the administration to halt the implementation of a March 21st directive to transfer student loans and special needs programs to other federal agencies. The department is also required to submit a report to the court within 72 hours of the order, outlining all the steps it is taking to comply, and to do so “every week thereafter until the Department is restored to the status quo prior to January 20, 2025.” Madi Biedermann, deputy assistant secretary for communications at the Education Department, said the agency will challenge the ruling “on an emergency basis.”

ABC News     K-12 Dive   Reuters   Washington Post


 ----- INTERNATIONAL -----

 Mexico's teachers in line for 10% salary hike

To mark Día del Maestro (Teachers' Day) on Thursday last week, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced a 10% salary raise for the nation's teaching workforce, along with an additional week of vacation. The new benefits are a consequence of negotiations between the government and the National Union of Education Workers (SNTE). “Since we adjusted the school calendar, [teachers] barely get vacation time,” she said, acknowledging that they often work after the school year ends, and return a week or so before the school year starts. Sheinbaum also confirmed she was freezing the legal minimum retirement age for teachers — 56 for women and 58 for men. Earlier this year, Congress was considering a bill introduced by the president that would have gradually raised the legal minimum retirement age.

Mexico News Daily    Education International


International students face uphill battle for normality

As the U.S. government reinstates international students' records after a crackdown, many face significant challenges in rebuilding their lives. Affected students, like one who lost his job and returned home, are now “stranded” due to revoked visas. Over 4,700 international students had their study permissions canceled this spring, often without explanation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has expanded grounds for terminating student legal status, causing fear among many. While ICE is mailing status reactivation letters, plaintiffs' lawyers argue these letters are ineffective, as they do not guarantee visa restoration. Ben Loveman, an immigration attorney, noted, “There were huge consequences,” highlighting the ongoing mental anguish and uncertainty faced by these students. Many are now considering leaving the U.S. for safer opportunities elsewhere.

U.S. News


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