KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
[Editor's Note: Ruben’s weekly reports help members to understand the nuts and bolts of negotiations, including budgets, costs, outlooks, and political/financial realities as they pertain to ABCFT negotiations. His literary quotes and cultural references to movies and television are the result of his personal, in-depth explorations of media and his voracious reading habits. Enjoy ~Ray]
Welcome back to our ongoing members, and welcome to our brand new members!
“Gabba, gabba, we accept you, we accept you, one of us”
Last week featured the first board meeting of the 2025-2026 school year, our new teacher orientation, our first site rep council meeting, and the Transcend summer PL at Artesia High School. Thank you to the negotiating team for bargaining this opportunity for professional development and additional compensation. Every unit member who chose to participate in this voluntary event earned $525.00. Human Resources gave us October as the month when we can expect to see that check, and we will update with a more definite disbursement date as we receive confirmation.
A refresher for our veterans and an introduction to our new members: we negotiate for salary and benefits every year. The current COLA is 2.3%. This is more than twice last year’s 1.07% but is still low given our declining enrollment. A COLA is the amount of funding that the state provides to districts to meet all expenses, it is not an automatic increase for raises. We negotiate our master contract language every three years. Our current master contract ran until June of 2025, it is still in place as we bargain updates to it throughout our upcoming negotiating sessions.
Ray and I spoke at the school board meeting last Tuesday. I expressed the optimism that characterizes the approach of many of us as we come back for another school year, but tempered that with the reality that we need to remain competitive in terms of our salary schedules. We in ABC are justifiably proud of the partnership culture we have helped to create and the accolades we have received as our students succeed. But it is our hardworking personnel that make these gains possible, and we need to stay focused on ensuring that our salaries are in line with those of neighboring districts and at all stages of an educator’s career. The golden bells do not ring by themselves.
I have written previously about the status quo being untenable. Declining enrollment is real and an issue that we have all been tracking for many years. Despite the reality of the numbers, the board chose not to move forward with any plan whatsoever. This reminded me of a quote from an NBA podcast I was listening to this summer. (Sad but true, though the Luka Doncic contract extension on my birthday was quite the present for this Lakers fan).
“You have to be an active participant in your own rescue”
We all face challenges, but the first step in solving a problem is acknowledging its existence. ABCUSD needs a viable solution to our declining enrollment. Our community deserves a plan moving forward that will help us maintain the proud legacy of excellence that our district has earned.
On a more positive note, I visited briefly with an alumnus of our Teacher Leader program and asked him how the opening days were going. His response was inspiring: “being back with the kids brings us joy.” I hope all of you have a smooth beginning of the year. I want your adjunct duties to be reasonable. I will work to ensure your air conditioning works properly. But, ideally, I wish you joy.
The start of a new school year causes me to reflect on the diverse career paths we are all on. I am grateful to our Executive Board, who give me insights that are different than my 25+ year perspective. I am also fortunate to be at a stage where my children, some of whom are entering the field of education, inform me about their recent experiences. “Hey Dad, why does it take so long for the CTC to clear a credential?” I assure him that the Commissioners are getting a lot of important work done and encourage patience. It is a new reality, however, to talk about Keenan videos around the house.
On Wednesday, I texted a colleague who just retired and congratulated him again. To a teacher or nurse, I assume that retirement may feel like one long summer vacation that never ends. His retirement party this summer was fun but emotional as well. It was another reminder that our fellow teachers and nurses are not just professional colleagues but often become become part of our integral network of friends. A fun theme of the party was to wear a shirt featuring your favorite musical artist. I predictably agonized over the right choice before settling on my beloved Iggy Pop. It was a great conversation starter, though, and a special shout-out to my colleague who shared her fandom of Debbie Gibson!
Last thought regarding music, on the NASA website, there is a list of the sounds electronically placed onboard the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft. Sometimes referred to as the Golden Record, the concept is that we included these works to help represent what human cultures are capable of as the space probe makes its way across the universe (sorry, couldn’t resist). The list is fascinating, but if I could, I would recommend adding one more item. This summer, we lost the great songwriter and producer, Brian Wilson. The sonic architect of The Beach Boys gave us so much beautiful work, but I recommend listening to the Pet Sounds album in its entirety. This 1966 pop masterpiece is one that I would nominate to send into space as an example of what our planet can produce under the right conditions. I like to hope that there is a touch of genius in all of us that can be brought forth with the appropriate support. Enjoy your first weekend of the school year and some Brian Wilson songs if you get a chance.
In Unity,
UNDERSTANDING THE MASTER CONTRACT
[Editor’s note: Throughout the school year, we will highlight contract language that either needs clarification or our attempt to spotlight important language that impacts your work. We hope that you will take the time to familiarize yourself with your union contract, which will help protect you and the students you serve. ~Ray]
At the ABCFT Representative meeting last week, we discussed some of the most crucial contract language that impacts teachers and nurses over the first couple of months. We hope that you will find these sheets helpful in understanding your contract protections.
ABCFT Contract Language Reminders
Site Representative Protections and Responsibilities in the ABCFT/ABCUSD Master Contract
NEW TEACHER ORIENTATION by Megan Mitchell
[Editor’s Note: Each year, ABCFT works with district administrators to create a full training day for the newest ABC teachers/nurses. First impressions and helpful early support are essential factors to ensuring a continued strong union voice for all members. We hope that you will take a moment to welcome the newest members to the YOUnion. ~Ray]
ABCFT Takes Center Stage: Welcoming Our Newest Educator Family Members
If you missed the buzz from Wednesday's New Teacher Orientation on August 6th, let us paint you a picture: The day began with a powerful demonstration of our partnership as Dr. Gina Zietlow, Superintendent, along with members of our ABCUSD Board of Education and Superintendent's Cabinet, personally welcomed each new educator. This wasn't just a ceremonial greeting—it was a strategic investment in building the foundation for inclusive, productive learning environments across the district. But here's where it gets even better—ABCFT didn't just show up, we owned the welcome wagon! While our district partners set the tone, our ABCFT E-Board was rolling out the red carpet for our 2025 newcomers with the kind of authentic, from-the-trenches support that only fellow educators can provide. Our Executive President, Ray Gaer, kicked things off alongside the district's executive team and ushered in the real magic that happened when ABCFT took the stage. From Connie Nam, ABCFT Secretary, guiding elementary teachers through "The ABC(FT) Way" to Vice President, Catherine Pascual, empowering secondary educators, and from Megan Mitchell, Elementary VP, sharing elementary wisdom to Jamie Kenyon, VP of Middle Schools, covering middle school mastery—plus Brittney Parker-Goodin, Vice President of Special Education, ensuring special education excellence—our leadership team was everywhere, making sure no new teacher felt alone in this exciting (and let's be honest, slightly overwhelming) journey.
The beauty of this orientation wasn't just in the comprehensive "ABC Way" framework or the fancy UDL principles (though those Universal Design for Learning strategies are pretty amazing for reaching every single student). It was watching our union leaders seamlessly integrate alongside district administration, proving that when ABCFT and ABC Unified work together, magic happens. Our new teachers got the whole package: the research-based classroom design strategies, the multi-tiered behavior support systems, and all those digital tools like Adobe Express and Snorkl that make modern teaching more manageable. But more importantly, they got to see firsthand how our union stands shoulder to shoulder with district leadership, advocating for educator success while maintaining that crucial teacher voice in every conversation about student achievement.
By the time the day wrapped up with the dedicated "YOUnion Membership and Representation" session led by Ray, Executive VP Ruben Mancillas, and VP of Membership Bryan Valdez, our newest colleagues understood something powerful: they weren't just joining a school district, they were joining a union family that has their backs from day one.
The message was crystal clear—ABCFT doesn't wait in the wings or show up only when there's trouble. We're front and center from the very beginning, helping shape the onboarding experience, ensuring new teachers have both the professional support they need and the union advocacy they deserve. Welcome to the ABCFT family, new teachers—we've been waiting for you, and we're here to make sure your ABC Unified journey is everything it should be!
AFT MEMBER-ONLY RESOURCES
[Editor's note: The American Federation of Teachers has a vast number of free resources for teachers. We highlight just a few of these resources in ABCFT YOUnionews. We encourage you to dip your toe in the AFT professional development pool. Many of these resources are designed by teachers for teachers. Enjoy ~ Ray]
Starting a teaching career is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a new teacher or working alongside one, having the right support makes all the difference.
That’s why we created the Welcome to Teaching Conversation Series, an on-demand podcast from Share My Lesson and the AFT. In each short, practical episode, early career educators talk with AFT professional development leaders about what it really takes to succeed in the classroom—and how to build lasting support systems.
Explore the free, for-credit episodes:
Classroom Management: Set clear expectations and handle behavior challenges with confidence.
Children’s Well-Being: Create safe spaces where students can thrive emotionally and academically.
Family Engagement with a Focus on Literacy: Build strong, consistent connections with families to support student success.
Teacher Well-Being: Learn practical tips for managing stress and staying grounded.
Civics Instruction: Teach civil dialogue and real-world engagement with confidence.
Union Partnership and the Path to Thriving in Teaching: Teaching can feel like an island. Find out how to feel more connected, supported and empowered.
Each episode includes companion blogs and teaching resources you can use right away.
Read the full article to access the full podcast series, bonus content, and ideas to support educators at every stage.
P.S. If you know a new teacher or mentor at your school, forward this email and share the series with them—because no one should have to go it alone.
ABCFT PRESIDENT’S REPORT - by Ray Gaer
[Editor’s note: 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 part of a larger conversation, and together, we make the YOUnion. ~Ray]
A BIG WELCOME BACK TO ALL OF YOU AND THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME OUT OF YOUR DAY FOR CHECKING INTO THE YOUNIONEWS! I hope your first week of school was not too eventful and that you enjoyed getting to know your new students. Interacting with students is the fountain of youth for educators, always teaching us new things about ourselves and serving as a constant reminder of why we chose this profession. Our days and weeks are filled with victories and challenges but you don’t hear enough about the thanks that everyone feels for what you do day in and day out for students and the ABC Community. Thank you for your efforts.
Wow, we apologize for the massive amount of material in this week’s YOUnionews, but there was a ton of stuff to report. We want to ensure that everyone has a chance to get up to speed on the numerous issues affecting education and your classrooms. It’s a lot, and after reading Ruben’s message, I feel like I should get a time card or something for my time. However, it all has a purpose, and your time is valuable.
Last Saturday, I attended a training session for union leaders at the Burbank office of the California Federation of Teachers, and part of the training focused on using videos and social media. The message they were selling was that people “learn better with video and that nobody reads anymore.” FALSE!
I raised my hand like Arnold Horshack in the 1970s sitcom Welcome Back Kotter (Yes I’m that old).
I explained to those gathered around the room that Ruben and I aren’t the most technologically savvy union leaders, and we do occasionally produce a video, but in ABC, we read. One thing I can say about ABC teachers and nurses is that we appreciate the 400 readers we receive weekly. We hope to produce more videos this year, but we will continue to maintain that the written word is rule number one.
I’ll write a ton throughout the year, but for now I’ll just write this….
Treat each other with dignity and respect those who treat you and others with dignity. One of this year's goals is to train ourselves and our students in having meaningful conversations about issues without resorting to blame or making things personal. As the norms for how people treat each other in politics goes out the window, now more than ever, we will need to be models of decency and dignity for our students and each other.
Teachers or administrators who don’t follow norms, treat people with respect, go into the left-hand column of the balance sheet. I like what our governor has been saying lately, that we “fight fire with fire.” However, let’s remember that our students are watching and absorbing our every action. So, if we fight, we fight for justice, we fight smartly, and pick our battles.
Have a great school year, and remember to take the time to breathe.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
A UNION OF EDUCATORS AND CLASSIFIED PROFESSIONALS
Reconciliation bill is a betrayal of working families
Last week President Trump signed the disastrous reconciliation bill that was supported by every Republican in Congress representing California. This cruel law will leave millions sicker, hungrier, and poorer. It slashes healthcare and food assistance, defunds public schools and higher education, shutters rural hospitals, cuts jobs, targets immigrant communities, and explodes the national debt—all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.
As AFT said in a national ad placed in the New York Times, “We’re appalled. We’re angry. And we won’t forget.”
Thanks to the countless CFT members who took part in the campaign to stop the big, awful bill – sending letters, making phone calls, attending street protests, and more. Included in that group are the active and retired members of ABC Federation of Teachers (pictured above), who were turned away from Congresswoman Young Kim’s office last week as they attempted to urge her to vote no on the bill.
While we were not successful in stopping the bill, we have laid the foundation for the fight ahead – including making sure that our Congressional representatives who voted for this horrible bill are held accountable.
Teachers' unions rally against Trump agenda
In recent years, teachers' unions have shifted from being allies of the Biden administration to leading protests against the Trump administration's education policies. The National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) are actively involved in lawsuits against the administration, aiming to protect education funding and collective bargaining rights. Melissa Arnold Lyon, an assistant professor at the University at Albany, stated, “Education decision-making is moving out of education arenas,” highlighting the unions' engagement in broader political issues. Despite representing millions and having significant financial resources, the unions face challenges from conservative policies and declining membership. Randi Weingarten, president of the AFT, emphasized that the unions are at the “intersection of the entities that provide opportunity for regular folks in America.” As they adapt their strategies, the unions are focusing on grassroots activism and coalition-building to maintain their influence.
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Survey reveals that school leaders feel underpaid
According to a recent survey by the EdWeek Research Center, school and district leaders feel underpaid, with many stating they need a 20% salary increase to feel adequately compensated. Jess Gartner, founder of K-12 education finance company Allovue, commented: “Administrators are not asking to double or triple their salaries; they are asking for fairly modest increases at a time when they are being saddled with more responsibilities.” The survey, which included responses from 507 district leaders and 447 school leaders, revealed that superintendents desire a median salary of $150,000, while principals seek $120,000. Amidst claims of “administrative bloat,” Gartner emphasized the need for a nuanced understanding of education funding and the importance of addressing growing student needs. The survey also highlighted that 55% of respondents believe their districts are financially worse off than three years ago.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Federal funding freeze leaves schools scrambling
The restoration of billions in federal education funding, previously withheld by the Trump administration, has brought relief to many school districts as the academic year begins. However, education leaders express concerns about the lasting damage caused by the delays. “The genie's out of the bottle. These things have happened. Nobody wants to be like, ‘Well, the problem's over now, let's move on,'” said Brian Cechnicki, executive director of the New York Association of School Business Officials. “There is a bit of waiting with bated breath for if something like this will happen again and what will it look like.” His sentiments were echoed by Catherine Pozniak, a school finance consultant who served as assistant state superintendent of education in Louisiana from 2017 to 2020. In the past, she said, federal funding could be viewed in a similar way to savings bonds, as predictable and reliable. That analogy, she added, no longer applies. Brooke Olsen-Farrell, superintendent of Slate Valley in Vermont, said: “We have to be able to have a sustainability plan,” highlighting the challenges of rebuilding trust and planning for future funding.
U.S. school districts brace for impact of Medicaid cuts
Public school districts and special-education advocates across America are preparing for the financial impact of the $1tn in Medicaid cuts signed into law last month by President Donald Trump. The reductions, which will take effect next year, put services such as counseling and speech therapy at risk. “If the proposed changes move forward as written, most districts would start feeling the financial squeeze within next school year’s budget cycle,” said Lateefah S. Williams, a senior attorney at Maryland-based Shefter Law who focuses on special-education law. “That means families could see reductions in available services, longer wait times for evaluations, or staff layoffs when school starts back in the fall.” Asheville City Schools in North Carolina, which receives $400,000 in Medicaid reimbursements annually, says that around six teaching staff, eight instructional and behavioral support assistant positions, or four therapist roles could be reduced, should its federal reimbursements be cut. “Schools are very resourceful, but we're being stretched to the limit at the moment,” commented Heidi Kerns, the district's chief financial officer. “There's a limited amount of money. And if someone will not provide that difference for all those required services we have to provide, then we have to start cutting things that we can, or increasing class sizes so we can add fewer teachers in order to make ends meet."
White House 'intends to slash the education safety net'
David Kirp, professor emeritus at the Goldman School of Public Policy, UC Berkeley, argues that President Donald Trump's administration is intensifying its attack on public education, with Education Secretary Linda McMahon claiming that the Department of Education (DOE) has vetted programs to align with Trump's agenda. This comes amid widespread protests from teachers, parents, and school superintendents, as 24 states have filed lawsuits against the administration for withholding education funding. Kirp says McMahon's push to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives threatens nearly $30bn in federal aid, which supports essential programs for disadvantaged students. Critics, including Michigan State education policy professor Joshua Cowen, argue that voucher programs could worsen educational outcomes, particularly for vulnerable children.
Enrollment cliff threatens school budgets
The decline in birth rates and rising homeschooling rates are contributing to a potential enrollment crisis in K-12 education, which could severely impact school budgets. The National Center for Education Statistics predicts a drop of 2.7m students by the 2031-2032 school year, with states like California and New York facing over 10% losses. This decline, coupled with chronic absenteeism and cuts to federal funding, may lead to school closures and layoffs. Sweta Shah from the Brookings Institution highlights that the dismantling of the federal Department of Education will further strain local budgets. Caitlin McKennie from the Common Sense Institute notes the significant repercussions of school closures, emphasizing that “K-12 is one of the most important parts of our economy.” The loss of schools can weaken community ties and affect overall well-being.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Temecula School Board revamps policy
A recent decision by the Temecula Valley USD School Board will enhance communication with parents regarding student record changes. During a meeting on June 24, the board voted 4-1 to implement a revised parent notification policy, which is similar to policies adopted by Chino Valley USD and under consideration by Redlands USD. This new policy will ensure that parents receive automated messages whenever a student requests a record change, thereby improving transparency and engagement.
LAUSD launches $1m 'compassion fund' for immigrant families
Los Angeles USD has established a $1m "compassion fund" to assist families impacted by immigration enforcement, as concerns rise ahead of the school year starting on August 14. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho emphasized that the fund aims to address a wide range of needs, commenting: “We want to hear what the challenge is, what the difficulty is, and then use the fund to bring ease, comfort and viable solutions for these families.” The fund will provide support for various urgent needs, including emergency housing, food, and transportation. With many immigrant families feeling anxious about sending their children to school, the district is also working to create safe zones around campuses. The initiative comes amid calls from teachers' union members for more support for affected families, highlighting the significant challenges faced by the community.
Petaluma schools go phone-free
The Petaluma City Schools board has unanimously approved a new policy that will make all district campuses, including high schools, "phone-free" starting in July 2026. This decision aligns with a new California law aimed at reducing cellphone use to enhance academic performance. Board member Ryan Williams stated, “I think this is a good step forward,” emphasizing the importance of students putting away their mobile devices during school hours. Currently, cellphones are prohibited in elementary and junior high schools, while high schools allow them during breaks. The new policy will require all students to store their devices in a classroom caddy during instructional time, with strict disciplinary measures for unauthorized use. Exceptions will be made for emergencies or with special permission from staff. The board plans to engage with the community regarding the policy and will review it every five years.
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
Supreme Court saves E-Rate program
In a significant 6-3 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the federal E-rate program, which provides essential internet funding for schools and libraries. The case, Federal Communications Commission v. Consumers' Research, addressed the constitutionality of the $9bn Universal Service Fund's funding mechanism. In the court's majority opinion, Justice Elena Kagan wrote: “For nearly three decades, the work of Congress and the Commission in establishing universal-service programs has led to a more fully connected country. And it has done so while leaving fully intact the separation of powers integral to our Constitution.” The decision was met with dissent from Justice Neil Gorsuch, who argued it violated the Constitution's separation of powers. “Within the federal government, Congress ‘alone has access to the pockets of the people,’” he added in his dissenting opinion, which Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas joined. The ruling is crucial for the education sector, as over 106,000 schools benefited from E-rate funding, impacting more than 54m students. The decision was hailed by the Education and Libraries Networks Coalition (EdLiNC), of which the Association of School Business Officials International is a member. “Expanding the E-Rate eligible services list to include Wi-Fi hot spots and services is common sense policy that will allow our schools to meaningfully address ongoing post-pandemic needs to connect students at home for homework, learning, research, and more,” said James Rowan, CAE, SFO, chief executive officer and executive director, ASBO International. “We thank the chairwoman for her continued support for and leadership on E-Rate and connectivity for students.”
AASA K-12 Dive Washington Post
Teachers save time with AI tools
According to a recent national survey by the Gallup-Walton Family Foundation, teachers who utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools weekly save an average of six weeks during the school year. The survey revealed that only 32% of K-12 teachers use AI regularly, while 40% do not use it at all. Stephanie Marken, senior partner for U.S. research at Gallup, said: “Teachers are not only gaining back valuable time, they are also reporting that AI is helping to strengthen the quality of their work.” Despite the benefits, a significant gap in AI adoption exists, with only 19% of teachers indicating their schools have an AI policy. The report also highlights that 65% of special education teachers believe AI can enhance accessibility for students with disabilities, although concerns about the ethical implications of AI in classrooms persist.
Almost 70 tech groups sign White House pledge to invest in AI education
The White House has announced that 67 tech companies and associations have signed a pledge supporting the Trump administration's aim of making artificial intelligence (AI) education accessible to all students. The “Pledge to America’s Youth: Investing in AI Education,” signatories of which include Google, Microsoft, IBM, Meta, NVIDIA, MagicSchool, and Varsity Tutors, supports efforts to “provide resources that foster early interest in AI technology, promote AI literacy, and enable comprehensive AI training for educators.” “It is clear there is a lot of energy about AI and how it can be used responsibly in education,” said Education Secretary Linda McMahon. “The resources and tools that have been pledged through this initiative will help our teachers and learners leverage AI in classrooms and communities across America.” The Software & Information Industry Association said it will create a working group among its corporate members to develop strategies for transparently disclosing how AI tools are used in the classroom. It added: These best practices will help companies communicate to the K-12 community, parents, and students about AI’s use in school environments and equip them to responsibly use it."
AI companies targeting students for growth
Students are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for homework assistance, prompting educational platforms to adapt. OpenAI's recent "study mode" aims to function as a tutor, while Google has introduced study-oriented tools. Chegg chief executive Nathan Schultz noted: "We were trying to be everything to every student in a pre-AI world," as the company shifts focus to long-term engagement. Macmillan Learning's AI tool employs the Socratic method to guide students, enhancing their learning experience. However, some students express concerns about over-reliance on AI, with 66% of students using ChatGPT regularly, according to a July 2024 report from the Digital Education Council. Sally Simpson, a Ph.D. student, argues that AI diminishes educational value, arguing that it "cheapens people's education." Professors are also adapting, with Amy Lawyer emphasizing the need for handwritten assignments to combat plagiarism.
New study reveals classroom AI risks for students
A new risk assessment report from nonprofit group Common Sense Media warns that, while artificial intelligence (AI) teacher assessment tools such as Google Gemini and MagicSchool can increase productivity for educators, they also have the potential to cause harm in the classroom. An evaluation of the Khanmigo, MagicSchool, Curipod, and Gemini for Google Classroom tools found that they can act as “invisible influencers” in student learning and promise to create critical documents for special education students even though they lack essential data. Responding to teacher prompts, they can automatically create slide presentations that look professional but may include inappropriate material. The AI teacher assistants can also be “invisible influencers," presenting biased or inaccurate viewpoints that reinforce harmful stereotypes. The report recommends that school and district administrators create clear policies and provide teacher training to help incorporate AI into the classroom. Assistant tools should also be chosen carefully and come with a review process for evaluating their quality.
----- WORKFORCE ----
Principals urged to do more to support special ed teachers
Principals play a crucial role in supporting special education teachers, yet many lack the necessary training to do so effectively. Jodee Prudente, a principal at Washoe County School District in Reno, Nevada, noted that teachers often feel misunderstood by their supervisors, commenting: “The people who supervise and evaluate me don't know and understand what I'm supposed to be doing.” A study published in The Rural Educator revealed that principals in rural Nevada may lack confidence in providing feedback on special education indicators. Carole Clancy, bureau director of special education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education, emphasized the importance of principals understanding special education to ensure all students succeed. Training programs like the Principals Understanding Leadership in Special Education (PULSE) in Pennsylvania aim to equip principals with the skills needed to support special education teachers effectively. Clancy remarked: “Having principals feel confident and equipped to do their job... can help our students meet their outcomes.”
Canada struggles to address teacher shortages
CBC News reports on how teacher shortages have become an issue in nearly every Canadian province and territory. While the overall number of educators in K-12 public schools rose around 3% from 401,286 in 2018-2019 to 413,667 in 2022-2023, according to Statistics Canada, the number of teacher vacancies varies from region to region. Limited housing and a higher cost of living have perennially kept more teachers from certain regions, including remote and rural areas, explained Clint Johnston, president designate of the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF), the national group representing the unions of more than 365,000 K-12 teachers and education workers. "There's a lot of certified individuals in most of our provinces and territories, but … they're not sticking with it," he said. "There's not enough support workers. There's not enough teachers … everyone's workload has gone up and become untenable." Measures to address the shortages include new recruitment campaigns in New Brunswick and Alberta, and funding for rural and remote teacher candidates to train in their home communities in British Columbia and Alberta. Ontario and New Brunswick are allowing teachers' colleges to accept more students, while several regions have also floated the idea of accelerating or condensing teacher training. Commenting on the matter Ontario science teacher Jason Bradshaw said: "If [governments] want to show teachers that they are valued and respected and give people a reason to come into … and stay in this profession, we have to know that they're going to invest in us long term."
Teacher shortage crisis hits Wisconsin
Claire Hitter, a middle school teacher in Wisconsin, found her calling through the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Teacher Pledge program, which funded her master's degree in exchange for a commitment to teach in the state. Hitter emphasized: “People need to realize that it's a career,” highlighting the need for viable pathways into teaching. Despite programs like the Teacher Pledge, Wisconsin faces a significant teacher shortage, with over 3,000 emergency licenses issued to hire unlicensed teachers. Many districts report high vacancy rates and a lack of qualified applicants. Hitter's experience reflects a broader trend, as only 67% of students from teacher preparation programs remain in Wisconsin to teach. The state has attempted various initiatives to address the shortage, but many proposals for funding and support have been rejected by lawmakers.
----- FINANCE -----
Back-to-school shopping blues
As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are preparing for significant expenses. A study by WalletHub's John S. Kiernan reveals that 53% of parents expect to spend more this year, with 72% feeling that schools request too many supplies. While back-to-school spending per child decreased by 1.84% from 2023 to 2024, total spending is projected to rise to $133.1bn by 2025. College costs are particularly concerning, with 91% of parents deeming them "out of control." The average cost of college in the US is now $38,720 per student per year, having more than doubled since 2001.
Senate committee rejects White House's proposed education cuts
The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has rejected almost all the Trump administration's proposals to cut K-12 education investments, approving a bipartisan fiscal year 2026 K-12 education bill that would prevent the executive branch from removing Title I and special education programs to agencies outside the U.S. Department of Education. The bill, which now goes to a full floor vote in September, would require timely awarding of formula grants by the Education Department to states and districts. It recommends funding the Education Department in FY 26 at $79bn, $12.3bn more than President Donald Trump’s proposal of $66.7bn. In the current fiscal year, the Education Department is funded at $78.7bn. It extends current-year funding and staffing levels for key Education Department offices the Trump administration has dismantled in recent months, including the office for civil rights ($140m), the Institute of Education Sciences ($793m), and comprehensive centers that provide technical assistance to states and districts ($50m). The House will mark up its own version of the bill in early September.
----- LEGAL -----
SCOTUS rules in favor of religious opt-outs for public school kids
The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of parents in a case against Maryland's Montgomery County Public Schools regarding the opt-out policy for certain storybook readings. The court's 6-3 decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor found that the school board violated parents' First Amendment rights by not allowing them to opt their children out of lessons that conflict with their religious beliefs. Justice Samuel Alito stated that the school board's actions “substantially interfere with the religious development of petitioners' children.” The ruling comes after a lawsuit from a group of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish parents who argued that mandatory participation in LGBTQ+-themed lessons constituted coercion. Dissenting Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned that the ruling could lead to chaos in public education, imposing burdens on schools to provide advance notice for every lesson that might conflict with parental beliefs.
The Baltimore Sun NPR / National Public Radio Politico PBS
----- INTERNATIONAL -----
Queensland teachers take strike action
More than 50,000 teachers in Queensland, Australia, went on strike on Wednesday, following a breakdown in negotiations last week with the government over pay and conditions. The 24-hour strike was the first since 2009, and saw the Queensland Teachers' Union (QTU) ask approximately570,000 students at the state's 1,266 public schools to be kept at home where possible. The union said the government had so far offered a pay rise of 8% over three years, and had put a second offer on the table that included a boost in allowances, but not more money. QTU President Cresta Richardson said if educators were to accept the state government's wage offer, they would be "the lowest paid in the country". "This is really about conditions, we need to ensure we can attract teachers — not just for the city, but for the country as well," she added. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the government had negotiated in good faith. "We have held 18 formal meetings over the past five months and remain at the table to finalise an agreement that supports and values our teachers," he said. A conciliation meeting between the two parties has been brought forward by five days, to August 7.
At NTA Life, we’re here to provide extra peace of mind with individual supplemental benefits that offer tax-free financial support directly to you or your loved ones. Our benefits are designed to go above and beyond your major medical insurance, helping cover things like deductibles, co-pays, and those unexpected expenses that can come up during an illness or injury. We offer the following programs:
- Cancer Coverage
- Heart Coverage
- Hospital Coverage
- Accident Coverage
- Disability Coverage
- Life Insurance
- Specified Disease Coverage – which even comes with a return of premium after 20 years!
The best part? Most of our benefits are guaranteed renewable for life, meaning you can keep them even if you switch districts or retire.
We’re so thankful for the strong partnership we have with ABCFT, and we look forward to continuing to support and serve your incredible educators.
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out anytime:
- Leann Blaisdell: 562-822-5004 | leann.blaisdell@horacemann.com
- Shannon Donovan: 714-727-8261 | shannon.donovan@horacemann.com
No comments:
Post a Comment