Could teacher job losses reach 300,000 nationwide?

Education Secretary Arne Duncan has estimated that as many as 300,000 teachers could be laid off in the coming months as school districts cope with budget shortfalls. A $23 billion education stimulus fund has been proposed that could help prevent layoffs and what Duncan describes as an "education catastrophe." In many districts, teacher layoffs will mean a reduction in programs and larger class sizes. The average class size in one Maryland district that plans to lay off 800 teachers will rise from 27 to 29 next year. The Washington Post

Both the Washington Post and New York Times ran front-page stories this week reporting that school districts across the country are facing the worst cuts in 50 years, and are seriously contemplating thousands of layoffs, larger class sizes, shortened school days and fewer programs to help the students who need it most. States are also making historic cuts in higher education that are hurting students and faculty.

Send a letter now to your senators and representatives urging them to support both the Keep Our Educators Working Act (S. 3206) and the Local Jobs for America Act (H.R. 4812).

Both bills would:

- Provide $23 billion to help school districts avert educator layoffs in the upcoming school year;

- Enable districts to continue to implement positive programs to help ensure all students receive the great education they deserve; and

- Help restore previously cut funding for postsecondary education in order to retain or create jobs for higher education faculty and professionals.

Act now! Send a letter to your senators and representatives urging them to support the Keep Our Educators Working Act and the Local Jobs for America Act.

Failure to quickly provide this assistance will shortchange our children's futures and deny them the great education they deserve.

In unity,
The AFT