I used to be a school social worker in New York. I left to earn more money but now I really want to return, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. But I’m worried. If I go back, there’s a chance I could be let go. I’m not as important as teachers, and I know that schools can lay off people like me first if there are cuts.
New York has its own education laws that give more than the federal ones. You’ll be fine working in New York, as long as Democrats control the state government.
CatherineRivers said:
New York has its own education laws that give more than the federal ones. You’ll be fine working in New York, as long as Democrats control the state government.
That makes sense. Thank you 
lucas said:
@Linah
Not so much in Texas. I wish we had a proper union to fight for better pay for teachers.
Isn’t Mike Miles from HISD offering high pay for teachers?
lucas said:
@Linah
Not so much in Texas. I wish we had a proper union to fight for better pay for teachers.
Isn’t Mike Miles from HISD offering high pay for teachers?
You forgot the /s
@lucas
Lol, I wasn’t being sarcastic. I thought he was offering more than most other Texas ISDs. Not that Houston ISD is perfect.
I was an administrator during the last major change. Betsy DeVos took money from the Department of Education, but her policies never really affected classrooms. Sadly, that money was meant for kids.
The principal at your school will affect your career more than anyone else above them.
Yes. There will always be a need for good teachers.
MegWhitgal said:
Yes. There will always be a need for good teachers.
But will there be enough money for them?
MegWhitgal said:
Yes. There will always be a need for good teachers.
But will there be enough money for them?
Absolutely. Even if everything turns to private schools, which I don’t think will happen, there will still be a need for teachers. We had teachers before 1974, and we will have them in 2029. The real question is who will hire them and what kind of work they will do.
@MegWhitgal
Yeah, but if they privatize, teachers’ pay might be like it is in some red states. No thanks!
Even if Trump eliminates the Department of Education, it only causes a 10% loss in funding per student, and it would also remove minimum standards for education quality. A great teacher is more important than that small loss in money. Each state can still improve education beyond the federal minimum. If anything, it’s even more important now to focus on education at the state and local levels.
@helon
So you think schools can do better with less money? What happens to the extra funding the federal government gives for special education?
TeachTalker3 said:
@helon
So you think schools can do better with less money? What happens to the extra funding the federal government gives for special education?
I never said it’s ‘better.’ I said we can manage it with good teachers and state-level policies. Of course, I’d rather have 10% more funding and a guarantee of quality standards for every student. But yes, I believe we can make up for the federal absence at the state level, and it will require more skilled teachers. It’s tough, but we can do it.
@helon
I agree that state-level policy has the biggest impact. But it’s only effective with strong state leadership. I’m in Michigan, and we haven’t had that in decades.
Our Constitution says education is up to the states. Social workers are in short supply, so find a district that pays well.
Do you want to educate kids or make money? Private schools will need teachers and may pay more. I’m thinking of starting an atheist private school in the South.
No. Your first goal should be making money. Going back into education now will only frustrate you if you feel underpaid. Look for a career that focuses only on money to avoid the conflict. Schools need committed educators, not people who only enter the profession for convenience, especially in tough times.